Everybody has a bad day at work from time to time. It’s normal to feel stressed or demotivated for a while. But when bad days start outnumbering the good, it might be the right time to start considering your options.
If you have recently started thinking about a career change, you are not alone. In fact, a study by Microsoft conducted at the beginning of the year, which surveyed over 30,000 people around the globe, found that more than 40% of them were considering leaving their job in 2022.
Nowadays, it’s rather unlikely that your first, second or third job will be your last. Yet, quitting your job is a big decision that might disrupt the life of you and your family (and potentially your finances!)
Based on our years of experience working with Recruitment and Executive Search professionals, we have observed that there are some clear signs it is time to quit that you should not ignore. If you are experiencing one or more of them, it may be time to look for better options.
1) There is nothing more to learn
Every job has some degree of monotony but if you show up to work every day feeling disengaged, it is probably the clearest sign it is time to leave. Even if your role provides a broad experience and fantastic benefits package but you do not enjoy your daily tasks anymore, it could be time to look for something different.
Perhaps you have learned everything that there was to learn? Maybe there are no further training opportunities? Maybe you feel that there is only so much you can bill due to the average fee sizes you are currently working on.
If you have noticed the lack of passion and productivity in your role, a change may be what you need.
2) You are not advancing
It is normal that you want to upskill, gain new responsibilities, and take the next steps in the company and in your career. The possibility of progression is a major driving force at work, especially in the staffing industry.
Yet, you may be getting the same basic salary after five years, with no opportunity to develop new skills or work on larger assignments. Seeing your opportunities in the business being blocked is frustrating, but it’s one of the best reasons to look elsewhere.
3) You simply can’t work with your boss
Under normal circumstances, the relationship with the boss is the most common reason why people quit their jobs. It should not be surprising that the pandemic and remote working had an impact on it. According to one study, 66% of tech workers said that the pandemic has worsened their relationship with the boss. Working under new circumstances has been challenging for many managers. Some of them started micromanaging their employees, while others were unable to communicate with them effectively.
It’s important to note that the relationship with the boss can be improved. If you feel that your manager is setting unrealistic goals or trying to micromanage you, talk to them before making the decision to leave. There may be some room for change.
4) It is not a good cultural fit for you
Although recruiters and HR managers are increasingly realising the importance of cultural fit, it is often overlooked during the hiring process. Even if your job description looks perfect on paper, you might not get on with your colleagues or enjoy the way the company works.
Maybe you prefer working using your own initiative and creativity, but the business puts the emphasis on following the process? Or maybe you would like to have more structure in your daily tasks, but you’re given too much space? If so, it might be a good time to start looking for a role better suited to your personality and working style.
5) You are feeling burnt out
The pandemic and remote working have forced many people in the staffing industry to extend their working hours, blurring the line between professional and personal life.
According to Herbert Freudenberger, who coined the term in 1974, burnout is ‘the extinction of motivation or incentive’. In reality, burnout can take on a variety of forms – from physical or mental exhaustion, an inability to concentrate, to feelings of anger, anxiety, hopelessness and irritability.
Before leaving your current job because of burnout it may be worth going on holiday and seeing what happens. Sometimes taking time off away from work can help.
6) You have the Sunday Night Blues
Do you remember when you were a child and on Sunday nights you were afraid of going to school the next day? In psychology, this feeling is called ‘Sunday Scaries’ and, unfortunately, it still accompanies some adults in their professional careers.
It’s normal to feel stressed about going to work if you have a legitimate reason such as an important meeting with a client. Yet, if you have that feeling every week, it may be time to think about a change.
7) Why now is the best time for a job change
Could it be that fear of rejection that is stopping you from searching for better career opportunities or you are worried about joining a new business post-pandemic. At Carlin Hall, we have found that there are many misconceptions about the current hiring landscape in the Recruitment and Executive Search industries.
Following the economic recovery, the market is candidate-driven again with lots of exciting new opportunities for candidates. As job vacancies are record high and the market is booming, it is a great time to make a move, improve on salary and overall employment package.
With so many possibilities, you may wish to switch the sector you are currently working in or even make a move from contingent recruitment to Executive Search. Alternatively, if you enjoyed working from home but it is no longer an option at your current company, our clients offer many opportunities with remote and/or flexible working options.
Our experienced consultants can help you find your next position with leading Executive Search companies. Have a look at our latest vacancies and get in touch
