In a world still full of layoffs, mergers, and downsizing, it’s smart to be prepared and recognize when it's time for a new job. Even if your company seems stable, there may be good reason to keep your options open. It could just be time for a change or you want a chance at a better opportunity.
Here are 6 signs that may be time for a new job:
1. You know that layoffs are imminent. You will sometimes have advanced notice of this but the chances of getting a head's up aren't good. Either way you will probably notice signs beforehand that layoffs could be coming. Is your company constantly trying to reducing expenses? Have workers already been laid off? Has a position not been replaced after someone has left?
Here are 6 signs that may be time for a new job:
1. You know that layoffs are imminent. You will sometimes have advanced notice of this but the chances of getting a head's up aren't good. Either way you will probably notice signs beforehand that layoffs could be coming. Is your company constantly trying to reducing expenses? Have workers already been laid off? Has a position not been replaced after someone has left?
2. Your stress level is so high that it is creating problems in your personal life. Are you under so much stress at work that you’re not getting sleep? Is the amount of time you spend at work affecting your personal relationships? Any of these reasons could mean it's time for a new job. No job is worth risking your health or the things that are important to you. Remember, your work can replace you, your family can't.
3. Your manager is suddenly insistent on being cross-trained on your job duties, especially when he or she never paid attention before. While a manager should know what your job entails, a sudden interest in all of your responsibilities could mean that you will be laid off in the near future.
4. Your company is in the process of merging with another company. This may or may not be a sign that your job is in danger but it can mean instability. Unless you are 100% assured that your job won’t be eliminated when all is said and done, you may want to start looking for a new job to avoid any surprises.
5. You don’t get along with your boss and/or co-workers. Life is too short to spend the majority of your days around people you don’t like or get along with. If you can't get help from your manager or HR department, you may want to start searching. Rather than facing the possibility of getting fired or being written up, leave the job on your own terms and avoid further conflicts in the future.
6. You’re completely bored. If you’re feeling bored and unchallenged with your job, it’s definitely time for a change. The good news is that if you like the company you work for, you may want to talk to your supervisor about changing your duties or a possible promotion. You may want to also look at moving to another department that would be a better fit for your qualifications.
While this isn't a complete list of signs that it's time for a new job, if your gut is telling you it’s time to make a change, it probably is. Make sure that you prepare yourself ahead of time so you can make a move before it’s too late. With unemployment rates still at a high level, it’s not easy to switch jobs in a short period of time. Regardless of what you’re dealing with in your current situation, never voluntarily leave a job unless you have something solid lined up to replace it or a healthy savings account to cover you for at least a few months.
3. Your manager is suddenly insistent on being cross-trained on your job duties, especially when he or she never paid attention before. While a manager should know what your job entails, a sudden interest in all of your responsibilities could mean that you will be laid off in the near future.
4. Your company is in the process of merging with another company. This may or may not be a sign that your job is in danger but it can mean instability. Unless you are 100% assured that your job won’t be eliminated when all is said and done, you may want to start looking for a new job to avoid any surprises.
5. You don’t get along with your boss and/or co-workers. Life is too short to spend the majority of your days around people you don’t like or get along with. If you can't get help from your manager or HR department, you may want to start searching. Rather than facing the possibility of getting fired or being written up, leave the job on your own terms and avoid further conflicts in the future.
6. You’re completely bored. If you’re feeling bored and unchallenged with your job, it’s definitely time for a change. The good news is that if you like the company you work for, you may want to talk to your supervisor about changing your duties or a possible promotion. You may want to also look at moving to another department that would be a better fit for your qualifications.
While this isn't a complete list of signs that it's time for a new job, if your gut is telling you it’s time to make a change, it probably is. Make sure that you prepare yourself ahead of time so you can make a move before it’s too late. With unemployment rates still at a high level, it’s not easy to switch jobs in a short period of time. Regardless of what you’re dealing with in your current situation, never voluntarily leave a job unless you have something solid lined up to replace it or a healthy savings account to cover you for at least a few months.
What do you think? Have you had a sign that you should have left a job but ignored it? Have you left a job based on a gut feeling and were thankful you did?
Let us know - we welcome your comments below.
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