Typically we spend at least 40hrs every week working. That is almost 2000 hours per year. We are responsible for our own happiness. It is essential that we do what we can to ensure we are content with what we do (as much as is possible). Often, we get stuck in a rut and stay in jobs that really bring us down. Is that you? Here are 5 signs it’s time to start looking for a new job.
1. Lack Of Motivation
Do you lack the basic motivation to do your job? We are all motivated by different things and to varying extents, I agree. However, nobody actively wants to fail at anything. No matter what job you have, what level of seniority you are or how important/unimportant you think your job is, as humans we want to be at least average. If you aren’t motivated to be at least average, maybe you are just uninspired – Why Am I So Uninspired | 3 Ways To Feel Better.
Still not motivated? Then it might be a sign that it is time to start looking for a new job. I worked in recruitment a few years ago for a really great company. My main task was to find relevant candidates for open roles. When I lost the motivation to even search for the candidates, I knew it was time to consider a change.
2. Lack of Interest & Enthusiasm
Firstly, lack of interest and enthusiasm is not the same as motivation. Motivation is about doing the basic elements that are your job. Not doing them means you are not doing your job. Interest and enthusiasm is about how you show up to work. Of course maybe it’s not work at all and you are just feeling a little lost. In that case check out 8 Ways To Help Yourself When You Are Feeling Lost.
I remember at the end of one job I had, I struggled to put a smile on my face at work. I didn’t want to interact with my work colleagues and I certainly had no enthusiasm for anything extra curricular work wise or socially within the company. And the company and people were great. I had ignored the signs for too long and it had started to really impact my interest and enthusiasm at work.
3. Increased Stress & Anxiety
Most jobs come with some degree of stress and anxiety. In small doses, we can leverage this to deliver good work. We all feel stress from time to time due to important projects or busy periods. However, if we feel consistently stressed and anxious about work even when we are not there, we have a problem. If we allow ourselves to be consumed by thoughts of work in the evenings and on weekends, it might be a sign it’s time to start looking for a new job.
4. Sunday Fear
If you know, you know. Sunday Fear that feeling of dread that come over you as the weekend comes to an end and you realise that in a few short hours you’ll be back in the hell you call work. Life is too short for Sunday fear. For sure, we all feel like this from time to time depending on what is happening at work and in life (e.g. Hangovers do not help!). However, if you get regular Sunday fear, it could be a sign and you shouldn’t ignore it.
5. A Holiday Isn't Enough
Let’s be honest, we have all experienced some of these things, even in jobs we like. In that case, very often, we’ve been working hard and giving it our all for a bit too long without a break. What we need is a well deserved holiday from work. Usually, 1-2 weeks of paid time off does the trick. We feel rejuvenated and ready to go again.
For me, it is always a clear warning sign that I need to start looking for a new job, when a holiday or some time out is not enough. If you are feeling stressed, anxious and unenthused again just a week or two after time off, then you know you need a change.
So, Is It Time?
At the end of the day, work is not something that can be fun and satisfying all the time. Sometimes you won’t feel enthusiastic or motivated. Other times you will feel stressed. All of this is normal. From time to time, I am sure we all think “Should I Quit My Job Without Another One Lined Up?
However, we should not feel all of these things over a prolonged period of time. And as already stated, these are signs it’s time to start looking for another job. However, they are also signs you need to have a conversation with your boss to make some changes.
Work is important but nothing is more important than protecting our mental and physical well being. Work doesn’t have to be fun but it shouldn’t be unbearable either. If you are feeling any of the above signs consistently, be brave enough to consider making a change. You’ll be glad that you did!
Ps. Still unsure? Ask yourself These 17 Questions. They are simple yet thought provoking. Good Luck!
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