Usually you just know when you’re ready to leave a job, but not always. Sometimes it’s more obvious to those around you, including friends, family and co-workers, long before you recognize you need to move on. Leaving is a big deal, and changing jobs is right up there with moving and having a baby when it comes to inducing stress. You have to be ready to leave behind the credibility you’ve earned, a stable routine, and knowing how to work effectively with your team, boss, and peers. It can seem so much easier to just maintain the status quo, which is why if you’re not careful inertia sets in. What to do? Look for these signs, and decide if it’s time to start dusting off your resume.
- You’d rather get hit by a car than make it to work in the morning. Of course you wouldn’t really, but I tested this idea with a friend and got a knowing laugh. If you wake up with a sense of relief that there’s a tickle in your throat, or look forward to the day you have to stay home and wait for the plumber, this could be you. When there are no obstacles to getting to work on time and you wish there were, pay attention.
- You wouldn’t recommend it to your best friend. Would you recommend your company to someone you care about? I like this question, because it forces clarity. If so, that’s good. Now subtract a point for every caveat you’d throw in: Not if you have to work for my boss, in my department, etc. Beware of “Yes, but…” answers.
- Promoting the company feels like a lie. If you’re involved in the recruiting process, you get asked a lot of questions like what you love about your company, why you work there, etc. Can you genuinely say you’re proud to be there, and do you enthusiastically recommend it to candidates? If you feel like you’re not being honest when you pitch the organization, figure out what’s behind it.
- You feel excluded or like you aren’t being heard. If your work environment isn’t letting you be yourself, be included, and be heard, it probably isn’t the place for you anymore. Especially if you have to put more effort into getting people to listen then your peers, you aren’t somewhere that you can do your best work.
- It’s just no fun anymore. What gets us up in the morning is purpose and passion. Now work is hard, and that’s why we get paid. Some days are tough, and some mornings you’ll feel tired, even exhausted. But if every day is like that, it is a different story. At the 30k foot level you’ve got to get up and look forward to what you do. Life’s too short for anything else. If you’ve lost the motivation, enthusiasm, or meaning behind your work, take a break and reflect on where you’d rather be.
Are you suffering from burnout or contemplating a career change? Coaching can help. Contact us to learn more info@reverbpeople.com.
