The last several years have created what many call the “great job migration.” Following the height of the pandemic, people from all walks of life decided to leave their job for greener pastures. It’s the sort of thing that many fantasize about doing. But how do you know when it’s the right time?
Some tell-tale signs may make it clear that it’s time to start looking for a new job. In this article, we take a look at a few reasons you might decide to switch things up with your career.
You’re Uncomfortable with Your Company’s Ethics
Business ethics are an increasing focus, both for the employees and the broader public who views the company and forms opinions. As a result, many businesses are making their ethics part of how they market themselves. If your place of employment isn’t aligned with your values, you will probably be able to find a company that is more compatible with your personality.
Not only is it relatively easy to do but it’s also something you owe the eighteen-year-old college student you once were who promised themselves they’d never sell out.
You’re Undercompensated
Of course, career changes aren’t always attributable to some sort of existential crisis. Often, it’s a dollars and cents affair. If your employer isn’t paying you what you think they should, consider surveying the job market to get a better idea of your options.
Currently, it’s a seller’s market, which means you may have the opportunity to not only boost your pay but also get other enticing bonuses.
Alternatively, if you are otherwise happy with your place of employment, you may be able to use offers from competitors as a bargaining chip. Bring the offer to your boss and see if they can match or exceed it.
You’re Bored
Not so long ago the average worker would find one job and stick with it all the way to retirement. This was a system that worked well for many people, allowing even “unskilled” workers to support their families, and retire comfortably.
Things don’t work that way anymore. The incentives to stick around in one place for a long time don’t always materialize, which means that there is less reason than ever to stay at a job you don’t love.
When you feel yourself getting perpetually bored at work, it’s probably time to start looking for employment elsewhere.
You Have a Bad Boss
To dislike one’s boss is almost a cliché and yet it’s an accurate one. A significant portion of American workers say they trust strangers more than they do their own managers. That’s bad. Bad enough to make you quit? Only you can decide.
If your boss makes you unhappy or harms your confidence, you may find that it’s no longer worthwhile to stick around. After all, you may spend more time with them than you do with your significant other. It’s important to work with people you feel compatible with.
You’ve Found Your Next Step in Life
Finding a new job can take up to eight months. At the time of writing this article, the job market is moving a little quicker but things change quickly and there are never any guarantees. It’s rarely a good idea to quit your job hastily without the next step in mind.
Once you begin to feel any of the above-mentioned complaints, it’s time to start looking for new career options. Once you find your next step, then you can put in your two weeks notice.
Do it Smart
Lateral moves are fine, but most people would rather experience upward mobility. As you search for a new job, look for opportunities that exceed your own. This doesn’t necessarily mean prioritizing salary over everything else—although high salaries are nice. Rather, you should look for jobs that feature advancement opportunities.
“Where do you see yourself in ten years?” is a classic job interview question and while it can be a little tedious in the moment, it is worthwhile to think about, particularly as you are plotting your next step.
Pursuing an advanced degree can be a great way to secure both higher salaries and opportunities for advancement. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to wait two years on a Master’s degree to change jobs if you are unhappy. However, advancing your education will give you more options in the future, regardless of what path you take.
You’re Reading an Article About When to Quit Your Job
Yes, there’s certainly that. People who are happy at their place of work don’t usually Google “how to know when it’s time to quit your job.” Chances are you’re here because your instincts are telling you it’s time to move on, and your instincts are probably right.
The average person spends at least 40 hours at work every week. Throw in the time you spend getting ready, doing extra work from home, commuting, and decompressing from the stress of your job and it quickly becomes clear that a massive portion of your waking life goes into your work.
You should be happy with your job. Not just content. Not just “not miserable.” Happy. Unfortunately, people often stew for years in jobs that they don’t like. And while it’s probably not advisable to start peeping the wanted ads every time you have a rough day on the job, once the bad times outnumber the good you should probably think about moving on.
Photo Credits
Image is from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren
With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.
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