Are you having a difficult time at work? Are you feeling dissatisfied with your job?
Now, very few people will be leaping out of bed to go to work on a Monday. No one is constantly thrilled to go into work. We all have those days when we’d rather be doing anything else. However, that shouldn’t be the day-to-day norm in your job. You should feel a small inkling of excitement, motivation or engagement.
You may be feeling disconnected or unhappy in your current job, but how do you know if this is just a phase that will pass or a serious warning sign that you need to find another job? Here are 7 signs that you may need to move on from your current role:
You are already thinking about finding a new job
Aside from the occasional “I need a new job, now!” caused by a bad day, if you have already been considering and contemplating the thought of leaving your job, chances are, you probably should start your job search. If you’re constantly thinking about work, your manager, your colleagues etc, you should take this as a sign to find a new role.
You get bored at work and are less productive
If you’re checking your phone every 5 minutes, scrolling through Instagram and Facebook or are bored with every task, you may need to look for a role that will engage you more and mentally stimulate you.
Your conversations with family and friends become dominated by complaints about work
If every conversation with your partner or family when you get home is centred around your day at work, it might be time to find a new job that will give you positive stories to tell your loved ones and friends about your professional challenges; the highlights of your day etc.
You are having problems with your sleep patterns
Sleep plays a massive role in both your physical and mental health. You may find yourself having difficulty getting to sleep or waking up during the night thinking about your job. Stress can be a major cause of poor sleep. Being constantly tired will make your difficult situation at work seem even worse. Being sleep deprived regularly can make even the smallest tasks seem like a huge challenge.
You suffer from headaches, frequent illnesses, or other physical symptoms of stress
If you are regularly feeling unwell or feel constantly sick, your job may be to blame. Your physical health can be an indicator of your mental health. If your job is making you physically sick, that is definitely a strong indicator that you should look for another job.
You dread Mondays/have difficulty getting up for work in the morning
It’s normal to be tired in the morning, I admit I struggle sometimes when my alarm goes off BUT you should not feel gut-inducing dread or anxiety when it’s time to go to work.
You feel that you have no control over your work
If you are unhappy in your job this can cause tension within the office and affect your performance. If you have had warnings or meetings regarding your behaviour or performance, it should be time to look for a new position. You would much rather leave your job on good terms. You will need your past employer for a reference or may need them as a future connection.
Now of course any of these signs can also be indicative of other personal problems, however, if you are regularly stressed about work and suffering from some of these symptoms, it may be time to re-think your current job situation.
What do I do now?
If you have decided to move on, do not just quit your job straight away. You can tactfully start looking for a new position before you turn in your resignation. It can be easier to get hired when you’re working, as you do not know how long it will take you to find your next job.
Take the time to plan your job search. To get you out of a bad situation and navigate your job search, getting in touch with a recruitment agency such as Optimum can be very helpful.
Good recruiters will have their fingers on the pulse of their specialised industries/markets, and can give you a clear insight into what’s happening and what jobs are available. They will have details regarding where to find available job opportunities; salary levels etc.
We live and breathe this every day and can guarantee that you are not the only person struggling with your current job situation. Don’t wait too long to realise that a job is not a good fit. If you need help finding a job that is that perfect fit for you, contact us so we can help get you where you want to be.