Signs You May Need A Job Change
By now we’ve all heard about the great resignation. Employees voluntarily leaving their jobs in record numbers. Many people took advantage of remote working to assess the work they are doing, how they spend their time, and what gives them purpose. If you feel like you are stagnating in your current role, it’s natural that this will happen from time to time. If you are wondering if you should join the great resignation, here are some signs you need a job change.
According to SHRM, making a decision about a career change requires a thoughtful approach. It is not something to be rushed into quickly. Is there a way to reinvent the current role you’re in? That may be easier than changing to something new. However, if any of the following describes your situation, then a job change may be the answer.
Your Job is No Longer Encouraging Your Growth
Much like a personal trainer will tell you if you don’t mix up the muscles you’re working on and the exercises you’re doing, you’re going to plateau and stop seeing gains. “Leaving a job is a big decision, so I always encourage people to first see if there are ways to craft their work or make changes within their current professional environment before moving on. Often, reinvigorating your work can be as simple as seeing it differently and modifying it in small ways, something often referred to as “job crafting.” But if you’ve exhausted that path and can no longer grow in your profession, it might be time to move on.”
You’ve Achieved What You Set Out to Achieve
Depending on your role, you may have topped out where there is no further growth available to you and you’ve achieved everything you wanted. If this is the case, the best option to consider is finding your next challenge.
You Actively Look for Ways to Avoid Your Job
Are you finding yourself actively avoiding doing what you need to do at work? This could be procrastinating or simply doing other less important tasks instead of what you need to do. “Sometimes, you need to power through something to develop a positive habit (all of us should exercise, for example, but it can be hard to get started); but other times it’s necessary to take a temporary or permanent break. A profession should be something we approach with curiosity and anticipation, not avoidance.”
You Regularly Approach Work with Exhaustion, Burnout, or Dread
Sometimes, a job we enjoyed becomes one that we no longer look forward to. You can call it dread or burnout. If this feeling continues for a long period of time, you may want to start looking for a new job.
It’s Causing You to Develop Bad Habits
Are you or others noticing a change in your approach or behavior for the worse? If so, look at what might be causing this. Sometimes, without even realizing it, a job can affect our character and values. If you’re developing bad habits, consider making a change.
Your Workplace Has Become Unhealthy
Maybe your boss changed, or you moved into a new department, or the culture of the company doesn’t align with your values. Whatever the reason, if your workplace has become toxic or unhealthy, it’s time to make a job change.
These are just a few of the signs you need a job change. It’s not to say you should simply jump from job to job when you have a tough period. According to SHRM, “Trying earnestly to reconceive of your work and craft it to be more purposeful is always the best first course if you are feeling stagnant.” But if one of these signs resonates with you, check out our blog for job search tips and ideas.