Deciding to leave a job can be tough. It’s easy to doubt whether you’re just having a rough time or if it’s time to move on. But there are clear signs that your job might not be right for you anymore, and these shouldn’t be ignored if you want to grow and feel good about yourself. Here are signs it’s time to leave your job.
If you’re stuck between sticking it out or looking for a new place, check out these six signs that it might be time to go:
1. You Dread Going to Work Every Day
Having a few bad days is normal. But if you wake up feeling anxious or just plain exhausted at the thought of going to work every single day, that’s a big red flag.
Watch for:
- Feeling drained before your shift even starts.
- Constantly checking the clock throughout the day.
- Feeling anxious each Sunday night.
If work is stealing your peace of mind, it’s time to reconsider your situation.
2. There’s No Room to Grow
Growth is important for a fulfilled career. If you’re stuck in the same routine with no chance to learn or take on new challenges, you might be at risk of stagnation.
Look out for:
- No training or development opportunities from your employer.
- Promotions are super rare.
- You’ve missed out on advancement despite doing well.
If your role isn’t helping you progress, it might be time to look for one that does.
3. You’re Constantly Undervalued or Underpaid
Feeling unappreciated at work can take a toll. Lack of recognition or a paycheck that doesn’t match your effort can lower your motivation.
You might notice:
- Your ideas often get overlooked.
- You haven’t seen a raise in ages.
- Others in similar roles make more than you.
Check out sites like Glassdoor or Payscale to see what your skills are worth. If your employer isn’t matching your worth, then it might be time to move on.
4. The Work Culture Is Toxic
A toxic work culture can drain your energy and lead to stress. Whether it’s poor leadership, gossip, or a lack of trust, it’s not worth dealing with.
Signs of a toxic workplace can include:
- Bullying or favouritism is ignored.
- People often leave or get dismissed without a clear reason.
- There’s constant drama or fear of speaking up.
You deserve to feel safe and respected at work. If the culture makes you feel small, it’s time to go.
5. Your Work-Life Balance Has Disappeared
While everyone may work late now and then, being constantly overworked isn’t healthy. If you don’t have time for family, friends, or even some downtime, your job might be too demanding.
Look for:
- Being expected to respond to emails after hours.
- Regularly working weekends or skipping vacations.
- Feeling worn out or irritable most days.
A healthy job should support your life, not take it over. If your time is always sacrificed for work, it’s a huge warning sign.
6. You’ve Lost Passion and Purpose
If you’ve checked out mentally, it’s a strong signal that your job isn’t aligning with what you care about. You may just be going through the motions and not feeling excited about what you do anymore.
You might feel:
- Disconnected from the company’s mission.
- Uninspired and creatively stifled.
- No interest in doing more in your role.
Passion does matter. When it fades away, it may be a sign that you need a change.
What to Do Next
Realising it’s time to leave is just the first step. Here are some ways to get ready for a smooth transition:
- Update your resume and LinkedIn to showcase your recent achievements.
- Network with folks in your industry to find out about new opportunities.
- Check job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn for remote jobs.
- Set some job search goals, like applying for a certain number of positions each week or scheduling informational chats.
Trust your gut. If several of these signs resonate with you, it’s okay to look for something better.
Note
Leaving a job can be daunting, but staying in one that’s not right for you can be even worse in the long run. Your mental health, career growth, and happiness are important. If your current job isn’t meeting your needs—or is harming your well-being, it’s time to move on.
There’s a healthier job out there for you. It starts with recognising when it’s time to say: “This isn’t working for me anymore.”
