12 Signs It's Time to Move on From a Job

Answering the question, is it time to quit?

We often overlook the signs that indicate a need for change. In this article, we will discuss various scenarios that hint it's time to consider new opportunities. Keep reading if you're feeling stuck in your current role or are simply curious about what constitutes a need for a career shift.

Your work environment is toxic.

A healthy work environment is crucial for your overall well-being and productivity. A toxic environment can sap your energy, lower your self-esteem, and make it difficult to concentrate on your tasks. Worse still, a negative work environment can affect your time outside work.

If you constantly deal with negativity, gossip, or bullying at work, this is a clear sign that the atmosphere isn't conducive for you. Any form of abuse or harassment at work is unacceptable. It's essential to report such incidents to your HR department or management. If the issue persists or if you don’t feel safe at work, it’s time to consider leaving. No job is worth sacrificing your mental and emotional well-being.

You are underpaid.

The cost of living has changed. If your current employer hasn't kept pace, it might be time to take your talents to a new organization. On average, a new job will pay approximately 14% more than your current employer.

Utilize a recruiter to determine what similar roles in your field are making. If you're not being paid what you're worth or struggling to make ends meet, it could be time to find a new job.

Your job is affecting your health.

Every job comes with a different stress level, and every person has different thresholds for how much pressure they can handle. If the stress from your job results in physical or mental health issues, it's a clear sign that something needs to change.

You don't feel valued.

Feeling valued at work is fundamental to job satisfaction and overall well-being. Studies show when you feel appreciated, you are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and productive. When your efforts are recognized, you feel a sense of accomplishment, which boosts your self-esteem and fosters a positive self-perception. Increasing the likelihood that you'll contribute your best idea, take risks, and go the extra mile, all things that can help you move your career forward.

If your efforts are not appreciated, and you don't feel like you are contributing, it may be time to look for a job.

You are not learning.

If you're not learning, you're not growing. It's important to find a job where you can continue to develop yourself and further your career.

When the same tasks become more of a burden than an opportunity to learn or master something new, you'll lose engagement, and the quality of your work will suffer—hurting you and your employer. If you’re not growing in your role and you’ve already spoken to your manager about the lack of learning opportunities, it might be time to find a new position.

A new job can encourage creativity and allow you to explore new ideas and approaches. This can help you stay motivated, engaged, and inspired as you develop your skills and reach greater heights.

You don’t have faith in leadership.

There is a saying in HR circles, "People don't leave jobs. They leave managers." A good leader can be the difference between feeling fulfilled at a job and feeling stretched thin. When you believe in the vision and capabilities of your leaders, it promotes an environment of collaboration, innovation, and high performance.

If you don't trust your leaders, or their actions don't inspire you to do your best work, it could be time to explore your options.

There is no opportunity for advancement.

If you've been in the same position without any advancement or promotion for the past three years, it may be time to find a job with more growth opportunities.

It's important to have a job where you can feel challenged, rewarded for your accomplishments, and offered new career opportunities. When there is no prospect of advancement or development within your current position, it can lead to stagnation and frustration. Look for jobs that provide competitive compensation and offer growth prospects, such as professional development courses or training programs.

You've outgrown your role.

An ideal job values your expertise, provides opportunities to utilize your skills to their fullest potential, and aligns with your professional ambitions. When your capabilities are underused, it can stunt your professional growth.

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and growing professionally is important. If you haven't felt challenged in ages or have a ton of beneficial skills that remain untapped, it might be time to move on.

You’re overqualified.

Being overqualified for a job can result in feelings of underutilization, boredom, and dissatisfaction. Moreover, overqualification could mean you are likely earning less than you should.

If your skills, experience, and qualifications significantly surpass your current role's responsibilities, it may be time to look for a more challenging job. An ideal job is one that not only values your existing skills but also provides you with opportunities to utilize them to their fullest potential.

Your company's values don't align with your own.

To work for an organization is to contribute to pushing an agenda forward. When your ideology and your companies don't align, it can be grating.

It's crucial to know what matters to you in the workplace. You will feel more fulfilled if you find a job that aligns with your values. When making career decisions, considering who you are and the values you hold dear is just as important as salary or title. If you find yourself in a situation where your company's values don't align with yours, it may be time to consider leaving.

You're not feeling fulfilled.

Burnout is real. If you're feeling stagnant and unmotivated, look for a job that brings you more satisfaction. Professional growth doesn't just come from taking on new responsibilities and contributing value to the organization; it also requires challenging yourself and pushing your limits. Consider jobs that encourage creativity, exploration of new ideas, or allow you to learn something new.

Your commute is getting to you.

If your commute is taking a toll, it may be time to find an employer closer to home. Commuting can take up a significant part of the day and drain your energy. The stress and fatigue that comes with commuting can negatively affect your productivity at work. Furthermore, if you have family or personal obligations at home, the stress of commuting can add an extra burden. Look for jobs that are closer to you or offer flexible hours so your commute doesn’t leave you exhausted before work begins.

Final thoughts

When looking for a new job, take the time to research employers and make sure they provide an environment where you can thrive and succeed. It would be unfortunate to jump ship from your current employer only to find yourself in a similar situation.

If you're ready to find a new job, System One can help. We'll work with you to find positions that make the most of your skills and introduce you to organizations you can feel proud to contribute to.