9 Signs - How to know it's time to change jobs

Should You Stay or Should You Go? How to decide to change jobs

It’s a question as old as time, or at least as old as LinkedIn. “To change jobs, or not to change jobs… that is the question.” Seriously though, whether you’re fresh out of college or well into your career, figuring out if and when to make a change can be tough. Here are some things to consider when making the decision to stay or go.

The first step in deciding whether or not to stay or go is simple: do some honest self-reflection and figure out what it is you really want. If you’re happy with your current position, then great! If not, there’s no shame in admitting that you’re ready for something new. Once you know what it is you want, it will be much easier to figure out if your current job is the right fit.

The next step is to take a good, hard look at your current situation and compare it to what you want. If your job lines up perfectly with your goals and values, then you may be better off staying put. However, if there are some major discrepancies, it may be time for a change. For example, if you’re looking for more responsibility but keep getting passed over for promotions, it may be time to move on.

Benefits of Changing Jobs:

Sure, finding a new job can be a pain. You have to update your resume, polish your interviewing skills, and deal with the anxiety of the unknown. But it's important to remember that changing jobs is actually a good thing! In fact, there are plenty of benefits of changing jobs that outweigh the hassle of searching for a new one. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making a switch:

You'll learn new skills.

No matter how long you've been in your current role, there's always something new to learn. When you change jobs, you're forced to step out of your comfort zone and learn new things. And as we all know, learning new skills is essential to career growth. So if you're looking to expand your skill set, changing jobs is a great way to do it.

You'll make more money.

It's no secret that salaries tend to increase with each job change. In fact, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that workers who change jobs every three to five years earn 50% more than those who stay with the same employer for more than 10 years. So if you're looking for a pay bump, changing jobs is one of the best ways to get it.

You'll meet new people.

One of the best things about changing jobs is that you'll get to meet lots of new people. And as anyone who's ever had a successful career will tell you, your network is essential to your success. So if you're looking to expand your professional network, changing jobs is a great way to do it.

If you are unsure about changing jobs, help your self reflection, here are 9 Signs It’s Time for a Job Change:

1. You're constantly checking job postings and networking

It’s official. You’ve become that person who is always refreshing their job postings page and scrolling through LinkedIn. You’re considering a change and now the only thing left to do is take the plunge. But how do you know when it’s time to leave your current gig? Here are five signs that it might be time to quit your job.

It’s one thing to browse job postings from time to time out of curiosity or boredom. But if you find yourself checking for new postings multiple times a day, it might be a sign that you’re ready for something new. If the grass looks greener on the other side, there’s no shame in moving on.

Making the decision to leave your job is never easy—but sometimes it’s necessary in order to protect your mental and physical health, as well as your career prospects long-term. If you find yourself constantly checking job postings, dreading going into work, or feeling underappreciated at your current gig, it might be time to start considering other options. Trust your gut—if something feels off, chances are it probably is."

2. You daydream about what it would be like to work at other companies

You know that feeling. You're sitting in your boring office, staring out the window and daydreaming about what it would be like to work someplace else. Maybe you've even been eyeing up that company down the street with the awesome break room and free massages every Wednesday. Or perhaps you've been scrolling through job postings online and drooling over the thought of a shorter commute and bigger salary. Whatever the case may be, if you find yourself fantasizing about other companies, it might be time for a change. But how can you be sure? Here are a few signs that it's time to start looking for a new job.

It’s normal to feel underappreciated at work from time to time. But if you feel like your contributions are never recognized, it might be a sign that it’s time to look for a new job. Feeling valued and appreciated is important for both your mental health and your motivation levels. If you don’t feel like your current employer values your contributions, it might be time to start considering other options.

It's not uncommon for people to develop physical ailments as a result of stress from their jobs. If you find yourself constantly stressed out or dealing with anxiety, it can have a negative impact on your physical health. If your job is making you sick, it's definitely time to move on.

Ultimately, only you can decide whether or not it's time for a change. But if you find yourself constantly fantasizing about other companies or wishing you were anywhere but at your current workplace, it might be time to start looking for a new job. The grass isn't always greener on the other side, but sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what you need to jumpstart your career.

3. You've stopped caring about your work or projects

It's happened to the best of us. You're cruising along at work, completing project after project and meeting deadlines like a champ. Suddenly, something changes. The luster of your job wears off and you find yourself no longer caring about your work or projects. What gives?

There could be any number of reasons why you've stopped caring about your work or projects. Maybe you're bored with the monotony of your daily tasks. Maybe you feel like you're not being challenged enough. Maybe you're just plain burned out. Whatever the reason, it's important to take a step back and evaluate your situation. Otherwise, you run the risk of letting your career stall out.

If you find yourself in a funk at work, there are a few things you can do to try and get back on track. First, take a look at the projects you're working on. Are they interesting to you? Do they hold any personal meaning? If not, it may be time to speak with your boss about taking on some new assignments.

Second, consider your goals. What do you hope to achieve in your career? Are you on track to reach those goals? If not, again, it may be time to speak with your boss about where you see yourself going in the company. Finally, take a look at your motivations for working in the first place. Are you in it for the money? The fame? The glory? If so, it may be time to reassess your priorities.

If you find yourself no longer caring about your work or projects, it's important to take a step back and figure out why. Otherwise, you run the risk of letting your career stall out entirely.

4. Your commute feels longer and more exhausting every day

If you've ever found yourself feeling like your commute is getting longer and more exhausting every day, you're not alone. In fact, there's a scientific explanation for why this happens. And unfortunately, it's not because you're finally getting closer to your destination.

The reason your commute feels longer every day is because of something called the 'commuting paradox.' Essentially, the further away you live from your workplace, the longer it takes you to get there. But the longer your commute is, the less time you have for other activities, which makes you value your time spent commuting more. As a result, you feel like your commute is taking up a larger and larger chunk of your day, even though it's actually staying the same length.

Of course, the commuting paradox isn't the only thing making your commute more painful. Traffic congestion is another major factor. According to recent studies, traffic has increased by about 10% every year since 1980. So even if you live close to your workplace, chances are you're still spending a significant amount of time sitting in traffic. And as anyone who's ever been stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic knows, that can be incredibly frustrating.

If you feel like commuting is draining your soul and life force, consider taking a look at some remote jobs, they are becoming more and more common!

5. You don't feel challenged or engaged in your current position

We've all been there. You're mindlessly scrolling through social media or staring off into space, and you think to yourself, "I'm so bored at work." It's a common feeling, but it's one that can be a real detriment to your career if you're not careful. So what should you do if you find yourself in this situation? Should you keep looking for a new job or make the best of the one you have? Let's take a look.

Do you find yourself counting down the minutes until quitting time? Do you daydream about what you're going to do as soon as you clock out? If so, it's safe to say that your job is probably not providing the level of fulfillment you need. A good job should make time fly by; if yours is making time drag, it might be time for a change.

If you're not being challenged, it's only natural that you'll get bored. When we're not challenged, we don't feel engaged, and when we're not engaged, we're more likely to become disengaged from our work as a whole. If you don't feel like you're learning or growing in your current position, it might be time to start looking for something new.

6. You don't enjoy talking about your job with friends and family

You're at a family gathering or a friend's birthday party, and someone asks you what you do for a living. You take a deep breath and launch into a long, drawn-out explanation of your job, only to be met with blank stares and half-hearted nods of understanding. Sound familiar? If so, don't worry—you're not alone. In fact, there's an entire group of people out there who dread this question: people who hate their jobs.

We all want to feel like we're making a difference in our jobs. But if you feel like your skills and talents are being wasted on menial tasks or that your boss doesn't recognize your hard work, it can be incredibly frustrating. If this sounds like you, chances are good that changing jobs might help you find the appreciation and fulfillment you're looking for.

It can be tough to admit that you hate your job—after all, most of us spend more time at work than we do anywhere else! But if your job is making you miserable, it might be time for a change. Life is too short to spend 40+ hours each week doing something you hate!

7. You're not happy with your salary or benefits

You're not happy with your salary or benefits at your current job. Maybe you're underpaid, or maybe your company doesn't offer the best health insurance or retirement plan. Whatever the case may be, you're not alone. In fact, research shows that a whopping 60% of American workers are dissatisfied with their compensation. So, what can you do?

1. Talk to your boss:

The first step is always to talk to your boss about your concerns. He or she may be unaware of your dissatisfaction and may be willing to give you a raise or improve your benefits if they know how unhappy you are. It's always worth a shot!

2. Do your research:

If you're convinced that you're truly underpaid, do some research to see what similar positions in your area are paying. This will give you a better idea of what you should be earning and will help you negotiate for a higher salary.

3. Consider switching jobs:

If you're unhappy with both your salary and benefits, it may be time to start looking for a new job. Use job-searching websites and networking to find openings that are a better fit for you.

4. Ask for more responsibility:

If you're not ready to switch jobs just yet, try asking for more responsibility at your current job. This could lead to a promotion and a pay increase down the line.

5. Get creative:

If you're really stuck, get creative! There are all sorts of ways to earn extra money, from picking up a part-time job to taking on freelance work. Brainstorm some ideas and see what might work for you.

No one deserves to be unhappy with their salary or benefits at their job. If you find yourself in this situation, don't despair—there are plenty of things you can do to improve the situation. Talk to your boss, do some research, consider switching jobs, ask for more responsibility, or get creative. With a little effort, you'll be on your way to earning the salary and benefits you deserve!

8. You don't like the people you work with

You just can't seem to get along with the people you work with. Maybe it's that one co-worker who is always trying to one-up you. Or maybe it's your boss who just doesn't understand what you do. Either way, it can be tough to deal with day in and day out. So, what should you do? Is it time to start looking for a new position elsewhere?

There are definitely some advantages to quitting your job if you don't like the people you work with. For starters, you'll likely be much happier in a new position where you actually get along with the people around you. Additionally, this can be a great opportunity to advance your career by taking on a new challenge in a different company. Finally, if the people you work with are truly toxic, getting away from them may be the best thing for your mental health and wellbeing.

Perhaps there's an opportunity to improve your relationships at work by communicating more openly with the people around you. Or maybe there's a chance to transfer to another department where you might have more in common with your co-workers. Whatever you decide, just make sure it's something that's best for YOU!

9.The company's values don't align with your own

Are you working at a company and you realize that the company's values just don't aligned with your own? It can be a tough pill to swallow. Do you stay and try to make the best of it? Or do you look for new opportunities elsewhere? Here are a few things to consider if you find yourself in this situation.

If the company's values don't align with your own, you're going to be miserable. It's just a fact of life. You might be able to stick it out for a little while, but eventually, the unhappiness is going to catch up with you. And when it does, it's going to be even harder to cope with than it would have been if you had just quit in the first place.

Let's be real, money isn't everything. Sure, it might be nice to have a bigger salary, but is it really worth being unhappy every single day? We think not. If you're constantly dreading going into work, it's time to start looking for a new job—one that will make you happy and one that aligns with your values.

You deserve to be happy in your job. You deserve to work somewhere that shares your values. And if your current company doesn't offer that, it's time to move on and find an employer that does!

Conclusion:

Once you’ve done some self-reflection and considered your current situation, it’s time to make a list of pros and cons. On the pro side, list things like salary, location, company culture, and opportunity for growth. On the con side, list things like long hours, lack of work/life balance, and office politics. Seeing everything laid out like this can help give you a clearer picture of which aspects of your job are most important to you and whether or not a change is worth it.

Your job should make you feel good—mentally and physically. If your job is making you sick, it might be a sign that it’s time to move on. Stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health, so if your job is causing you undue stress, it might be worth considering a change.

No one said changing jobs was easy—but it can definitely be worth it if you find yourself in the right situation. By taking the time to do some self-reflection, consider your goals and values, and weigh the pros and cons of both staying and going, you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your career. Good luck!