Written by Jim McNerney Coaching Team
The old way of doing things was to work for the same company for 30 to 50 years, earn your pension, and then retire. However, in the modern workforce the average person will change jobs about 12 times during their career. If you’re wondering whether it’s time for you to look for a new job, the following four signs should help you decide.
1. Your Current Job Doesn’t Provide Enough Income
One of the most common reasons people search for new jobs is the desire to earn more money. This is perfectly understandable; finding a new career can help you earn more income to get yourself out of debt, have more flexibility in your monthly budget, or reach other financial milestones.
If you have noticed your income has remained steady for several years with only minor annual increases, this might be a sign that it’s time to look elsewhere. Wage growth in the US is notoriously low, but the job market is better than it’s been in many years, so there are likely plenty of opportunities for a new career in your field.
2. Your Current Job is Unfulfilling
The daily grind of an unfulfilling job will ultimately take a toll on your mind and soul. Even if the pay is good, the stress that will accumulate over time, due to the lack of fulfillment in your work, may deteriorate your mental and emotional health. If you find yourself lashing out at minor issues, taking everything too personally, or simply dreading each day you drive to the office, this is probably a good sign that you need a change of pace.
3. Job-Related Stress Is Taking a Toll on Your Health
If your current job pays well but is exceedingly demanding, it will eventually take a toll on your personal wellbeing. For example, if a typical workday is too busy to for you to take time for a healthy lunch, or you wind up skipping meals or replacing them with unhealthy junk foods, your body will start feeling the negative effects before too long.
Even if you love your coworkers and the work you do, it’s vital to address your job situation if your work habits are having a negative impact on your physical, psychological, or emotional health.
4. You’re Working in an Unhealthy or Unsafe Environment
Some types of employment are inherently unsafe.
Construction, commercial fishing, logging, agriculture, and steelwork are just
a few of the most dangerous industries in the US. People who work in these
fields often receive compensation to match the danger of the workplace, but not
always. If your job consistently puts you in physical danger or if you have
suffered serious injuries in the workplace, these are signs it’s probably wise
to find a new career path.
People should also have the right to work without facing abuse or harassment. While most companies offer internal structures for resolving workplace hostility, these systems often fall short of truly resolving these problems. If you have faced any type of harassment or discrimination in the workplace, it’s best to find an experienced employment attorney and look for a new job if the situation isn’t fixable.
Moving on from a career is a major decision that requires careful career planning and forethought, but it can ultimately be one of the most rewarding decisions you make.
