Is it time to quit your job?

Are you constantly stressed about work? Do you feel as though you don’t fit in at the office? Have you experienced verbal abuse on the job? If so, you might be ready to move on. In fact, according to the experts, if your current job doesn’t offer recognition, job security, monetary satisfaction or personal fulfilment, then quitting may be the right choice.

Chief Executive Officer and Founder, FlexJobs, Ms. Sara Sutton-Fell, says some people are able to see the signs that it’s time to leave their job, while others are unaware of the signals that it’s time to get out.

Human Resource Consultant, Mrs. Shoga Adeola, says, “While we all have days when we don’t look forward to work, if you find yourself continuously sickened by the idea of going into the office, it may be time to find another job. Constant feelings of dread when you think about going to work can be a significant sign that there are underlying factors at your job making you unhappy.”

According to experts, here are some signs that your job isn’t a good fit for you anymore, and it’s time to consider how you can either improve the issues or think about leaving.

You lack passion

When that feeling you had when you first started working there–thinking about all the possibilities and contributions ahead with a sense of glee—is gone.  Shoga says, “You’re not waking up most mornings with a feeling of excitement towards your job, then you’ve lost the passion. If you’re not doing what you love, you will never tap your true potential. It will just continue to be ‘a job,’ and eventually each day will seem more of a grind.”

You dislike the people you work with

You can try to work out the problems you are having with colleagues or your manager—but know that sometimes they’re not fixable.

You are consistently stressed

 If you get anxious or unhappy just thinking about work, that’s a good sign that it’s time to move on, Sutton Fell says. Also, if the work, people, or culture is unhealthy, and it has a negative impact on you physically and mentally, then it may be time for you to move.

“When work starts affecting your health–physical, mental, or both–it’s time to get out,” Adeola says.

Your work performance is suffering

If you’re no longer productive at work, even though you’re capable of performing the task, you might want to start looking for new work.

You no longer have good work-life balance

Experts also say that another sign is when you find that you’re spending less time with your family because of work, or you cannot commit the necessary time to your job, you should consider looking elsewhere.

Your skills are not being tapped

Management doesn’t acknowledge that you have more to offer than what you’ve been contributing for a significant amount of time, you’ve been passed over for promotion, or attempts to take on more challenging assignments have failed.

Sutton-Fell says, “No one has said anything, however, you are no longer getting the plum assignments, you are no longer asked to attend key meetings, or your proposals are met with silence or denial. These are signs that you should be looking for a new opportunity.”

Your job duties have changed

Sometimes there’s a good reason for this—but Sutton-Fell says it’s usually a sign you should go.

“When downsizing has moved your team into double time, but certainly nowhere near double compensation, it may be time to move on,” she says.

Your ideas are not being heard

According to career experts, if your ideas are no longer heard or valued; you can’t seem to get time with the ‘powers that be’; or you cannot get approvals or acknowledgment for great work, think about finding a new job.

You are experiencing verbal abuse, sexual harassment

If you’re the victim of bullying, sexual harassment or other egregious behaviour, you should certainly keep an eye out for other positions, regardless of what corrective measures you’re taking, Adeola says.

Experts say once you realise it might be time to leave your job, you’ll first want to set goals for yourself detailing what you are looking for in terms of responsibilities, company culture, compensation, and benefits.

Sutton-Fell says you’ll also want to consider your options. She says, “Can you quit and then find a new job, or do you need to job search while you’re still holding down your current one? Then consider what a ‘better’ or ‘ideal’ job would look like, and what factors are important in your next job. Also, ask yourself whether you want to stay in your current field or if you’re interested in exploring a career change.”