Feb 16th 2022

6 signs you’re ready to move on from your job

Thinking about leaving your job? Not sure you’ve got a good enough reason to start looking for a new one? Making the decision to quit is not easy – and you’re not the only one thinking about it. In fact, a recent survey reveals that ‘The Great Resignation’ is set to continue with more than three quarters (76.4%) of UK professionals planning to change jobs in 2022. 

You don’t have to hate your job to want something new. If you relate to any of these signs, it may indicate that it’s time for you to move on…

You’ve stopped developing

Personal growth and constant learning is extremely important for your career. Achieving new things keeps us excited and when you stop learning, it’s often a sign that you’ve outgrown your job. If you feel like you’ve learned everything and there’s no room for progress, then it’s probably time to look elsewhere. Your job should challenge, motivate, and offer you the opportunity to continuously upskill. 

You can’t be yourself at work

‘Cultural fit’ makes or breaks your working experience. In fact, 73% of UK professionals say they’ve left a job because they didn’t fit into the team. As with dating, you want to find a company who shares your values and creates an environment where you can be your best self. If you feel the need to constantly act like someone you’re not to fit in or gain approval, this can take a heavy psychological toll on you. As a result, you may start to care less and less about the company and the part you play. You deserve to feel a sense of belonging to your company for the sake of your career progression and job satisfaction.

You feel physically sick

Yes, many of us go through stressful periods at work; whether that be due to a nearing deadline or having an important client meeting that you really want to ace. But if the thought of your job is tormenting you with sleepless nights, headaches, stomach aches, loss of appetite and other physical symptoms of stress and anxiety, these are signs that your job is toxic. Micromanagement, long hours and financial insecurity can all contribute to burnout and a harmful workplace environment that you need to avoid rather than try to cope with.

You constantly live for the weekend

The Sunday scaries start creeping in slowly as the end of the weekend is looming. The thought of tomorrow being Monday sends shivers down your spine. And before you know it, your mood is completely ruined. Sound like you? There’s a difference between having something to look forward to during your time off and having that be the only part of the week you live for and see as ‘freedom’. No matter how much fun you have on the weekend, the work week will be miserable if you hate your job. If you’re always counting on the weekend to lift your spirits, you need to find a job that won’t continue to diminish them and gives you a sense of fulfilment throughout the week.

Your work-life balance sucks

If you find yourself working long hours and unable to switch off, it’s perhaps a sign to look for a better company. Constantly working overtime without a healthy work-life balance can have negative consequences for your health and wellbeing. Not only that, it also impacts your productivity levels and work quality. If you are unable to establish boundaries or set realistic expectations with your manager, there are a plethora of job opportunities out there with a better work-life balance that will benefit your routine.

Your gut feeling says so…

If you’ve clicked on this article looking for signs to justify switching jobs, chances are you already know your answer. Just as there’s no perfect timing, there’s no right or wrong reason for quitting your job. You know yourself better than anyone else. And when you’re ready to find a new job, we’re here for you!

If any of these signs strike a chord, it may be time to make a change. Take the time to decide what it is you want in a job, company and career path. If you don’t know where to start, check out our Ultimate Guide to Getting a Job as it walks you through all the advice you need to know to land a new job.