Time to make a move?

 17 Sep 2024

So much of our lives are spent at work, we want to make sure that it is time well spent. But, not every job is meant to last forever. Knowing when it’s time to consider moving on is essential for maintaining your career momentum and for your overall well-being. Here are some of the signs you should be looking out for.

Lack of growth opportunities

• You’ve mastered your role and are no longer learning anything new.
• Your role has remained unchanged for years without any prospect of advancement.
• Your company doesn’t invest in employee development, training, or skill enhancement.

Growth is a key motivator. If your current job isn’t offering you the opportunities to grow, it’s likely time to start looking for a role that will challenge you and support your ambitions.

Feeling undervalued

• Your achievements and contributions are rarely acknowledged.
• You receive little to no feedback, or the feedback is always negative or unconstructive.
• Your salary and benefits haven’t been adjusted despite your increased responsibilities or performance.

If your organisation fails to recognise and reward your hard work, it’s a sign that they may not fully appreciate your value. Finding a new job where your contributions are acknowledged can make a significant difference to your overall happiness and motivation.

Deteriorating work/life balance

• You’re regularly working late, on weekends, or during holidays.
• You feel guilty taking time off or worry about work when you’re not in the office.
• Your personal relationships or health are suffering due to work-related stress.

While temporary periods of high workload are normal in most jobs, a consistently poor work-life balance can be detrimental. If your current role demands more of your time and energy than you’re willing or able to give, it may be time to find a position that respects your personal life.

Toxic work culture

• There’s a pervasive culture of negativity, blame, or fear.
• Bullying, harassment, or discrimination are present and go unaddressed.
• Poor communication and lack of transparency from leadership.

If your workplace is toxic, it’s crucial to prioritise your mental and emotional health. Leaving a toxic environment is often the best course of action, as it’s unlikely that the situation will improve significantly.

You’ve outgrown the job

• You’re no longer challenged by your responsibilities or find them uninteresting.
• You’ve developed new skills or interests that aren’t being utilised in your current role.
• Your career goals have shifted, and your current job isn’t aligned with them.

If you feel like you’ve outgrown your job, it’s a sign that you’re ready for new challenges and opportunities. Seeking a role that aligns with your current skills and aspirations will allow you to continue growing professionally.

Lack of job security

• There have been redundancies, recruitment freezes or budget cuts in your organisation.
• You’re aware of financial instability or other issues that could affect your role.
• Your role or department has been downsized, or there are rumours of restructuring.

If you’re concerned about the stability of your job, it may be wise to explore other opportunities before the situation worsens. Moving to a more stable position can provide you with the security you need to feel confident in your career.

Persistent unhappiness

• You experience anxiety or dread on Sunday nights at the thought of the workweek ahead.
• You’re constantly stressed, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained by your job.
• You feel disconnected from your work and lack motivation or enthusiasm.

While every job has its ups and downs, ongoing unhappiness is a major red flag. If you’ve tried to address the issues causing your dissatisfaction without success, it may be time to explore other job opportunities.

If you would like to evaluate your current role, consider whether you should be moving on and find out what your options might be, do get in touch for a confidential chat. Contact Cathy on 020 3303 0020 or email cathy@buckley-consulting.co.uk