6 Things To Look For That Can Signal It's Time To Leave Your Current Job

We’ve all been there. 😩

You’re sitting in yet another this-could-have-been-an-email meeting. Someone claims credit for your work. You don’t get the acknowledgment and recognition that you deserve. Your paycheck doesn’t match the time and effort that you put into the job or the results that you’ve gotten. 

Usually, you fume for a bit, suck it up, and then move on to the next thing. 

Well, it’s happened one too many times and you’re really fed up and tired of the BS! 

You’ve started thinking seriously about leaving your job. Maybe even start a new career. 

How do you know if you’re stuck in a rut or if it’s time to exit stage left? 

Know the Signs ⚠️❗

Burnout can manifest in a variety of ways. You might start feeling more exhausted, cynical, and detached from your job, or feel less personal accomplishment. 

You can even start feeling more physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach problems, sleeping less, or being more anxious. 

And work burnout definitely can affect your mental health, causing more anxiety, lack of interest inside and outside your job, and even ongoing depression. 

Remember that burnout can manifest in different ways for different people, so not everyone will experience all of these things. 

But if you relate to some of this (especially around the office) then it’s probably time to stop and reflect.

Know the Reasons 🧐💭

Work burnout can happen for a lot of reasons, and you don’t have to feel guilty about it. 

Sometimes a heavy workload or feeling a lack of control over your work, or a lack of support from coworkers and supervisors can cause you to burn out fast. 

A poor work-life balance, or when work starts to take over your personal life, can be a major source of stress. 

Or feeling a lack of recognition or compensation for your hard work can be extremely demotivating. 

If this is you, then it’s important to remember that feeling burnt out in your job is not a personal failure on your part. 

It’s a result of work-related stress and it is important to address the underlying causes of burnout so that you don’t have to keep living this way! 

Know the Why 🤔

You might be wondering why this is so important. 

Maybe you should just suck it up like you’ve been doing all along. 

But you should actually know that burnout doesn’t just hugely affect your quality of life (which is very important) it can have serious consequences on your physical and mental health as well. 

Feeling burnout, or living in a state of chronic stress can lead to fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and insomnia. your risk of various health problems, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

It can also lead to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, or irritability. 

It can decrease your ability to concentrate, feel motivated, and give you a reduced sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. 

In extreme cases, it can even lead to a breakdown or increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. 

Know When It’s Time 🕒

If you are in the burnout group, it may be time to consider moving on from your current job. 

Especially if you’re no longer feeling fulfilled or satisfied at work, you may want to consider a whole new career plan! 

But I know that’s a big step, so here are some things to look for that can signal it’s time to move. 

👉 Unhealthy work environment. If your work environment is toxic, stressful, or constantly leading to negative interactions among your colleagues, that’s a sign that it's time to move on. 

👉 Lack of support for growth. It’s important to get the support and guidance you need to grow and develop your skills, and if you’re not receiving that at your place of work, that’s another sign it’s not a good fit for you. You want a job that offers opportunities for professional development and growth so you can keep advancing your career, not a job that holds you back! 

👉 Under-compensation. You should be compensated well for a job well done. It’s important to be paid what you’re worth, and your salary should reflect your skills, experience, and results. Shop around online to see what the average salary for your position is, and reflect that back into your own paycheck to see where your compensation is on the scale. 

👉 Misaligned values. If your personal values don’t align with your place of work, then it will be really difficult for you to feel motivated and engaged. Your values should be in line with the company’s mission, culture, and practice, and can make a huge difference in finding a job where you actually feel fulfilled.

👉 Better opportunities available. If you come across a job opportunity that offers a better salary, more benefits, or career advancement opportunities, then you should definitely consider making a move. You need to keep your career goals in mind and take advantage of the opportunities that can help you achieve them! 

👉 Dread of going to work. If you feel sick to your stomach when the alarm rings in the morning, that’s a sign that it’s time to move on. A job that makes you that unhappy can seriously affect your mental and physical health. You should feel excited to go to work and have a job you’re actually passionate about (Yes, it is possible!)

Know How to Move On 👋🏿

There are a few strategies you can use to move on from your current job, depending on what you’re looking for and what your situation is. 

⚡ Make changes in your current job. Maybe you are mostly happy with your current job but there are just a few things you’d like to change. First, you have to identify what aspects of your job no longer feel fulfilling or satisfying for you. This could be anything from a lack of growth opportunities or feeling unappreciated or overworked. 

Once you have a clear understanding of the things that are important for you to change, you need to talk to someone who can make those changes happen. Try talking to your manager or HR representative about your concerns. Communicate your concerns to your employer or supervisor. 

You may also want to consider seeking out additional training or education to help you advance in your current role, or your work can make accommodations to help you feel more personally fulfilled.

⚡ Start looking for a new job. If you’re looking for a completely different type of job or your company is just not the right fit for you, you should start looking for a similar position elsewhere. 

I know this can feel super daunting, but there are some things you can do to simplify the process. 

First, update your resume and make sure it is tailored to the type of position you want. Research companies and organizations that align with your career goals and values. Network to find good opportunities, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people in your industry and ask for referrals and reviews. 

⚡ Look at this as an opportunity to move toward your ideal career. Remember, this transition isn’t just about finding a new job, it’s also about moving toward the job of your dreams! This also means that you’re not allowed to look at leaving your job like it's a failure…it may be one of the biggest steps on your road to success! 

Take the time to reflect on what you’re looking for in a job and what you need to be fulfilled and happy. Network with friends and colleagues, and start applying to jobs that reflect your values, skills, and interests.

Whatever the plan is, remember to stay positive and keep moving forward. Remember to take care of yourself and prioritize self-care during the transition! 

⚡ Reach out to a career coach (hint: I am one!). If this whole thing just feels really confusing and overwhelming, consider reaching out to a career coach for help. Remember that I’m always here for you, to help you every step of the way, from figuring out if you even want to change careers, to how to do that in the best, most fulfilling, stress-free way possible! 

Moving on from your current job can feel scary, but it’s also a huge opportunity for growth and good changes. By identifying what you want to change in your current job or what you are looking for in a new job, you will help make the transition that much smoother. 

👇 Tyche Takeaways 👇

• Know the signs of burnout and identify the problem areas.  

• Feeling burnt out isn’t a personal failing and is a normal reaction to heavy work stress or circumstances.

• Understand that burnout can have huge impacts on your physical and mental health. 

• If you are feeling burnt out, it may be time to move on from your current job or make significant changes in your workplace. 

• Make sure that you reach out for help and support, have a plan of action, and take care of yourself on whatever path you decide to take. 

I hope you've learned a LOT from this blog today, if you want to be notified whenever I post a new one, sign up to my email list and get your free resources here.