Is it time to change jobs?

Deciding whether or not to make a change in your career is never an easy decision. On the one hand, it can be scary to venture into a new, unknown territory. On the other hand, sometimes change is necessary in order to progress in your career and achieve your goals. So how do you know when it’s time for a job or a career change?

Here are 3 signs that it might be time for a change:

You’re Unhappy at Work

One of the most obvious signs that it is time for a change is how you feel about going to work. Do you find yourself dreading going to work every day? When Sunday afternoon rolls around, do you find your anxiety building about the impending workweek? Do you find yourself complaining about your job to others?

A report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) revealed that 40% of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful and 25% view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives.

These are all good indicators that you’re not fulfilled by what you are doing. And that is okay! It is normal to outgrow certain jobs or careers. If you’re no longer challenged or excited by your work, it might be time to look for something new.

Internal / External Factors are Preventing Progression in Your Career

If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, it might be because you’re not progressing in your career. Sometimes, all we need is a little push to help us reach the next level. But other times, remaining in the same position can hold us back from achieving our full potential. If you’re no longer challenged or learning new things at work, it might be time for a change.

External factors can also impact your decision to make a job or career change. These can include:

  • The company you work for is going through a merger or acquisition. Both events can have an impact on your role with the company + job satisfaction.
  • A change in departmental / company leadership can lead to dissatisfaction. A change in leadership can trigger a multitude of changes in leadership styles, new processes, and even the onboarding of the new boss’s former employees into your department.
  • You’ve been asked to do the same job for less money. One of the ways companies try to save money is by asking their employees to take a pay cut but continue to do their full workload. This scenario is another prompt for you to look for a new job or change of careers.

Your Values Have Changed

We all go through changes in our lives, and sometimes those changes are reflected in our values. For example, maybe you’ve always been career-oriented but now you find yourself wanting more balance between work and home life. Or maybe you used to value stability above all else but now you’re ready to take more risks. If your values have changes, it might be time to make a change in your career.

Making the decision to change jobs or careers is never easy. But if any of the above three points resonate with you, it might be time to make a change. Remember, it is easier to find a job when you have a job, so don’t just quit your job or burn bridges with your employer.

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