6 Signs It’s Time to Switch Jobs

When unemployment is low, job seekers are at an advantage. With fewer candidates to choose from, companies have to get creative to attract the best talent for their vacancies. This could create incredible opportunities for those looking to switch jobs. In order to fill openings, more and more companies must offer higher salaries and expanded benefits packages. While more money is always enticing, many people still feel nervous about making a big career change.

Perhaps you’ve become comfortable in your current position and you’re concerned about all the unknowns that come with making a professional change. What if you join a new company and it’s even worse than what you’re experiencing now? More money will only take a person so far – you deserve to tackle meaningful work on a flexible schedule that allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Nervous About Changing Jobs?

So how do you know whether it’s time to switch jobs? Maybe you’re worried that you’re too old to change jobs. On the other hand, have you been feeling a bit frustrated in your current position? Do you ever get the sense you’re invisible at the office? If your job breeds negativity, it’s probably a good idea to start looking for other opportunities.

We have compiled a list of possible scenarios that may help you make this important decision. Check out the list below, consider your current work environment, and maybe you will decide that now is the perfect time to switch jobs.

6 Clear Signs You Should Change Jobs Now

1. You feel a foreboding sense of dread every Sunday night. If the end of the weekend signals negative emotions, you probably feel negative most of the time you spend at work. If you find it easier to dwell on your professional frustrations than anything else, it’s time to make a change.
2. You can’t be yourself at the office. Don’t get us wrong – we all censor ourselves at work to a certain extent. But if you change your whole persona once you walk into the office, your current company might not be a good fit for you.
3. You haven’t learned anything new at work for a long time. There’s nothing wrong with settling into a comfortable routine at work. But maybe you’ve fallen into a professional rut that causes frustration or boredom. Perhaps you have been pigeon-holed and passed over for promotions. If so, then it’s time to shake things up. You’re never too old to acquire new skills or advance your career – even if that means going to a new employer who’s offering those opportunities.
4. You see no opportunities for advancement with your current company. Building a career involves learning, growing, and advancing positions. If you have outgrown your current employer, and they are not willing to create a new position for you, it’s time to find a company willing to leverage your skills and encourage your ambitions.
5. You no longer feel joyful or accomplished when it comes to work. If you find yourself feeling indifferent about the tasks you complete each day, it’s a sign that your professional interests are shifting. And you’re not alone – a recent Korn Ferry poll found that boredom was the biggest reason why people change jobs. Consider taking on a new role that will provide you with more professional satisfaction. That could mean a lateral move into a position with more varied work tasks. Or perhaps another employer would like to give you a promotion requiring a more challenging skill set. In this labor market, the choice is up to you.
6. Your current workplace feels unstable or disorganized. If managers are constantly being moved around, it’s a signal that there is no clear leadership strategy in place. If a lot of your coworkers have been leaving for other opportunities, there are probably better places to work. If these scenarios sound familiar, take stock of your role at this organization; are your professional needs being met? Do you feel that your job is secure? If the answer is no, it’s time to talk to your recently departed colleagues. Ask why they left, and if they are happy with their decision to leave.

Want to Learn More About Switching Jobs?

Change can be scary. But change can also lead to new challenges, growth, and ultimately, more happiness in your life. Too many people settle into a negative work environment because they think that must be what work is like. It doesn’t have to be that way! Many employers are offering new benefits and incentives to create a healthy and   for their employees.

If you think it might be time to change jobs, but you’re nervous about making a professional switch, know that you are not alone. Take the first step in your job hunt by downloading our eBook, The Career-Switching Handbook for 30-Somethings. It’s full of tips to help you navigate this challenge and come out of the process successful.