Sometimes, workers find themselves feeling stuck in their jobs or that their skills have become obsolete over time. Maybe you aren’t provided the same opportunities as other professionals in your industry. Whatever the case may be, you are feeling like you are in a dead-end job. Below are some tips for deciding whether it is time to find a new job or not.
Is it Time To Find New Job?
Your Current Job Doesn’t Offer Any Change of Pace
Everybody needs a change of routine from time to time. If your job has started to feel mechanical or mundane, it might be time for a change. Look for ways to increase your responsibilities or change up your daily tasks. If there isn’t any clear way for you to do that, it may be time to look for a different position.
The Job Doesn’t Use All of Your Available Skills
You might feel like your current position doesn’t use all of your available skills. Maybe the tasks you have been assigned are even below your skill level. Ask for more challenging projects or look for promotions. If you feel like your employer still isn’t tapping into your full skill set it may be time to look for work elsewhere.
They Aren’t Interested in Your Career Goals
Employers should express interest in furthering the careers of their employees. Any job with a company not asking you about your plan for the future and career goals is a dead-end. At the same time, if you are asked about your career goals, but then they don’t do anything to help you facilitate them, it is also a problem.
You Don’t Feel Challenged
Most professionals enjoy a little bit of a challenge in their work. This may be a task that challenges your skills or pushes you to learn more. Having some level of challenge in your work can help keep you motivated and engaged. If you don’t feel challenged in your current position and can see no room for change, it is probably time to start looking for a new job.
There is No Apparent Use for You in Any Department
Your feelings about your job have a lot to do with your decision to find another position. If you don’t feel important or you feel there is no use for you in your department it may be time to leave. Similarly, if the organization hires outside the company for higher-level positions instead of promoting within, you may want to look for work elsewhere.
The Values of the Company Don’t Match Yours
Not being a good cultural fit for your job can have a huge impact on how you perform. There may be an aspect of the work environment that you don’t mesh well with. Maybe there are ethical issues in the workplace. Whatever the case may be, you and the employer aren’t a good fit for each other. This makes it nearly impossible to move forward in your career and you should definitely leave the situation.
Your Contributions Don’t Feel Valued
Employee appreciation is another huge factor when it comes to sticking to your current job or moving on. No one wants to go into a job where their ideas aren’t valued. You will feel unheard of and lose motivation when it comes to your career. Approach a manager about the situation. Try to insert your ideas and opinions into more conversations. If there is no change, it is probably time to move on.
There is No Change in Your Salary or Compensation
Raises and other compensation changes should happen on a regular basis. If you aren’t being paid what you are worth, it can have a huge impact on your morale. Additionally, if your employer ever makes you feel like you are being overpaid or that you are lucky to get a paycheck, it is a red flag. Know what other people in your industry are being offered and make sure you are being compensated fairly.
The Monday Blues Occur Every Single Day
Everybody gets a case of the Mondays occasionally, but if your job starts to make you feel that way every day it may be time to look for other work. When you’re feeling like this it means the job you once found enjoyable is now miserable. If you don’t have any enthusiasm about your job or feel forced to get up and go every day, a career change can be the answer.
Is It Time to Switch Jobs?
If you have read the above and think it’s time for you to start looking for work, there are a few things you can do to kickstart your search.
- Speak up about how you are feeling. Your employer can’t make changes if they don’t know anything is wrong. Give them a chance to make a change before making any hasty decisions.
- Continue to perform well at work. Don’t slack off just because you are thinking about leaving your job. You may still need references from your place of work. It can also hurt your professional reputation.
- Try to gain additional experience outside the office. This will help you make new connections and gain new skills to market yourself.
- Consider the rewards and risks of leaving your current position. Of course, you will need to be ready to deal with delays in pay and possible benefits changes.
- Do plenty of research before accepting another job. Know what fair compensation in the industry is, get to know the employer, and learn about each company’s culture.
Need Help Getting Connected to Great Jobs in Texas?
Working with a staffing agency like Burnett Specialists can help you find work that will help your career. Our recruiters can identify jobs that match your skills and experience while also helping you meet your career goals. Learn more about the job opportunities available to you when you work with us.
