Letting Go – Telltale Signs it’s Time to start a New Job Search

Am I really happy doing what I’m doing? Or can I be happier doing something else?

Do I stick with my current job or should I look for another? 

We’ve all had our moments when we felt a nagging uncertainty about our next career move. Even though asking yourself these kinds of questions can be stressful, there are recognizable red flags that tell you it’s maybe time to walk away:

• SUNDAY BLUES: If you’re already feeling miserable or stressed out over the weekend and dreading going to work on Mondays, it’s a clear sign that you need to find something else. Steve Jobs was adamant that “the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”

• EVERY DAY IS AN UPHILL BATTLE: If you’re spending most of your work day trying to fix, change, or cope with a work situation, there’s a good chance that it’s not the right position for you. While work is never supposed to be easy, it shouldn’t be a daily struggle either. So if you’re constantly struggling to feel good at work, it’s probably time for a much-needed change.

• YOU FEEL OBLIGATED TO STAY: Think back to the day of your interview when you were asked why you wanted to work for your current company. Is your answer still the same? Anything that is based on obligation rarely lasts long, because they always lead to resentment and bitterness. Staying because you feel obligated to your boss, or a friend who referred you, or for any other reason isn’t doing anyone (including yourself) any favors. If you don’t want to work there, you have a choice.

• FEAR IS HOLDING YOU BACK: It’s OK to feel anxious about the uncertain job market these days. However, if a steady paycheck is the only reason why you’re staying at your current job, you’re making a conscious decision to stunt your career growth which can cost you more opportunities than you know.

• YOU’RE NO LONGER VALUED: There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re disposable or replaceable at the office. If you’re  no longer assigned key projects, asked to attend important meetings, or if you’ve been passed over for promotion, these are signs that you should be looking for a new opportunity.

• NO GROWTH: If you’re someone who wants to grow professionally and personally, then staying in a job that hasn’t challenged you in a long time, doesn’t align with those plans. If you’ve outgrown your position and there is no opportunity for advancement, it’s time to get out.  

Once you realize it might be time to leave your job, create a timeline for yourself of finding another opportunity and making your exit. Set clear goals on responsibilities, company culture, and compensation that you’re looking for.

It might not happen right away, but once you find a new opportunity – you’ll never have the Sunday blues again! Check out our latest executive positions here

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