Have you had a gut feeling lately that you’ve outgrown your job? Perhaps you are dragging your feet when Monday rolls around. You want to be loyal to your company and stay. However, your gut is telling you that this just isn’t the right place for you anymore.
The problem is that it can be hard to determine when is the right time to leave. Often people stay for far too long when they no longer have anything left to gain by waiting. Perhaps you’ve noticed some tell-tale clues that it’s time to move on:
- There’s nothing to look forward to
- You’re bored
- You are no longer inspired
- You’re not motivated
- You procrastinate constantly
However, just because you are experiencing one or more of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean you should resign. Everyone has bad days. It’s normal to feel frustrated and bored from time to time, especially given how life and work changed with the pandemic. For example, many experienced burnouts due to all the stress and changes that took place. So, how do you know if these things are just temporary or if they indicate a bigger problem?
How Long Have These Issues Been Going On?
If you have been feeling unmotivated and uninspired for a long time now, then it’s definitely time to move on. Being unhappy at a job affects both your mental and physical health, which is not surprising considering how much time one spends at work. A research study conducted by scientists at Ohio State University found that those who were unhappy with their jobs early in their careers were more likely to have problems with depression, sleep, and anxiety later on in life. So, if you have been unhappy for a long time, new opportunities, new challenges, or a change in responsibilities could be just what you need.
What Are You Dissatisfied With?
Try to pinpoint what you are unhappy about. Certain things are not likely to change. Perhaps your work requires that you be on call 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. Responding to emails and calls at all hours of the day and night has led you to feel burnt out. Or, perhaps you get your energy from innovation and starting new things. If the thing that you started and brought to fruition a decade ago has settled into a rut, then it is no wonder that you have become bored with it. These are two different examples of things that will most likely not change due to the nature of the work. In such cases, it might be a good idea to find a new career that is more suited to your needs.
Is There Room for Change?
It’s hard to stay motivated for work if you are bored or if your skills have grown beyond your current position. Uninteresting work, a lack of promotions or advancement opportunities can all contribute to this. A job that doesn’t provide opportunities for growth can cause the days to just drag on, — resulting in frustration and boredom. This can be alleviated by new opportunities or duties. However, if your boss has made it clear that there is no room for a change, then it’s probably time to move on. You have outgrown your current position.
What Can You Do?
So, what steps can you take if you have determined that it’s time to move on?
Talk to a career coach
A career coach can help you plan and build a career that better suits your goals. They can help you close the gap between where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Coaching does not have to be a long-term commitment. Instead, intensive coaching over a short period of time can give you the clarity that you need to take action towards a more fulfilling career.
Peter Sherer is a nationally recognized career coach who offers clarity and confidence to mid-career and senior executives in transition. In just two short days, his rigorous assessment tools enable his clients to identify a meaningful assignment that uses all of their skills and experience. Learn more and get in touch with Peter today.