Nobody enjoys change, but sometimes change is necessary if we’re to grow into the people we’re supposed to be. This is particularly true when it comes to our careers. So often we can get stuck in a rut at work, going through the motions and advancing through the ranks not because we want to, but because we feel like we should. This is a recipe for long-term unhappiness and it’s a trap that so many of us fall into, with almost half of UK employees unhappy at work.
Recognising when it’s time for a new job or career is, of course, an incredibly difficult thing that will be different for everyone depending on their individual circumstances. Sometimes it can be hard to admit that you’re unhappy, but the first step towards fixing any problem is awareness. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 signs that might reveal that you’re feeling uneasy in your job and are ready for a new challenge.
Getting up in the morning becomes increasingly difficult
If you wake up every working day with a knot in your stomach and finding it increasingly difficult to drag yourself out of bed then it might be time to find a new job. There is no perfect job that will have you waking up an hour early excited to face the day. It is possible, however, to wake up in the morning feeling motivated to face the day and the challenges ahead, and if that concept sounds completely farcical to you then you might have a problem.
You notice your temper is getting short
It’s common for people who are unhappy at work to find themselves losing their temper more easily in the workplace. Of course, not all workplace anger is misplaced – 65% of office workers admit to experiencing “workplace rage ” – but if you find yourself kicking off at even the slightest inconvenience it might be because you belong elsewhere.
You’re not being challenged
According to Joni Holderman, founder of Thrive! Resumes, “If you have lots of challenging work and find yourself clenching your teeth, you’re unhappy, but if there is a ton of work but it’s not sufficiently challenging, you’re bored”. Either can lead to frustration, but whilst the former can be rectified by lightening your workload, the latter is a little harder to rectify in an existing position.
There’s no defined path for the business
Many businesses reach a plateau stage where they are not investing in new projects and the path ahead seems vague and ill-defined. At this juncture, many employees might consider looking for jobs that offer more exciting prospects and more of an opportunity to spread your wings and really show off what you’re capable of. If you don’t believe in the mission (or lack thereof) then it can be difficult to find a convincing reason to stay.
You’re only in it for the money
Money isn’t a significant driving factor for many workers. Indeed, only 12% of employees leave a job for more money, far more leave for more exciting or rewarding opportunities and jobs that are a better fit for their skills and expertise. If you are only sticking at your current role for the paycheque at the end of the month, there are other opportunities out there that you might find more fulfilling.
The company invests no time in your development
If a business shows no personal investment in its staff, how can it possibly expect staff to have a personal investment in the business? Companies who are communicating poorly with their staff and not taking employee training seriously end up with employees who don’t feel like they are being properly developed. These people are 12 times more likely to leave a company, but many businesses still see training as an expense rather than an investment.
You’re no longer inspired by your work
According to a survey of LinkedIn members by Imperative, 48% of Baby Boomers report that they prioritise purpose over pay and titles. The same survey also found that 74% of all candidates desire a job where they feel as if their work matters. So, if we are not feeling as if our jobs are meaningful, we are all predisposed to look elsewhere for opportunities where we can feel more inspired and more fulfilled.
The long commutes are getting to you
The work commute has always been a problem in the UK with so many of us living outside of the city centres. London workers are the ones suffering the most, with an average commute time of 74 minutes, which is almost twice the worldwide average of 40 minutes. If your commute is part of the reason you’re unhappy and it’s having a detrimental effect on your work/life balance, it could be your current job that’s the problem.
Someone else notices
If somebody notices that you are unhappy and is pointing out that you might be exhibiting most of your unhappiness when either at work or thinking about work, it might be a sign to start looking elsewhere. Teri Hockett, chief executive of career site What’s For Work? says that those who are unhappy at work “consult with friends and family, seeking advice, to validate their reasoning, but they know the answer, which always involves change. The difficult part is making the change itself”.
It’s making you ill
The second that your physical or mental health is being affected directly by your job then it’s time to start considering other options. Whether it’s because the culture is unhealthy and having a negative impact on you, or the stresses caused by your work are having an adverse effect on your social life, then it’s time to get out. No job is worth killing yourself for, particularly a job you don’t even like!
Heed the signs
If even a few of the signs above have struck a chord and have made you question your own current situation, maybe it’s time you jumped ship – or at least dipped your toes in the water to see what it feels like? Ultimately, if your current job or career path doesn’t align with your long-term goals and doesn’t inspire you enough to put up with the things that really get on your nerves, then it’s not worth sticking with. Might it be time to cast the net out and discover your potential elsewhere?
If you’ve been inspired to seek a new job in the IT sector, Identifi Job Search is the ideal place to start. Upload your CV today and you’ll soon be on the path to a job that speaks your language.
