Movin’ On: 6 Signs it May be Time for a Change

Change can be scary no matter what the circumstances. A job or career change can be one of more nerve-wracking decisions you’ll ever make. One day you’re happy and confident about where you’re at, and the next the floor seems to be crumbling beneath you. But how do you know if it’s better to move on than try to stick things out?

Before you make a change, determine if you want to stay in your current field or change your entire career path. Although it can be difficult to change jobs at certain points in your life, sometimes it’s necessary for your personal growth, fulfillment, and success. Recognize that you are in charge of your future. Whether you’re wrestling with changing employers or thinking about taking on a whole new challenge altogether, here are six signs to help you decide if it’s time for a change.

Your Value Isn’t Recognized

One of the strongest motivators in job performance is recognition. Putting in long hours, painstakingly giving attention to each detail of a project, and rising to every occasion to be a team player can be defeating when there’s no pat on the back from time to time. Having your dedication go unrecognized can take the wind completely out of your sails. You begin to feel like what you’re doing, putting your heart into your work, is for nothing. It’s like being in a relationship where you give, and your partner takes, and there’s never any reciprocation.

Take some time to assess the situation. Is there a personality conflict with your boss? Does he/she regularly recognize any member of the team? Is it possible to be reassigned to another position within the company? Or is time to contact a recruiter and begin searching for a position in a company that aligns with your values and will appreciate your hard work and dedication?

You’re Underpaid

Finding out you are paid significantly less than co-workers who perform the same job, or less than others in comparable positions in similar companies can undermine your enthusiasm and willingness to stick things out. After all, an essential part of the motivation for a job well done is financial compensation. Should your salary fall short, your motivation may wane, and from there it’s a downward spiral.

If you want to give your current job a fair shake, speak with your boss about a raise. If company policy dictates that you aren’t due for a raise, ask for some input and feedback on how you can increase your value, so when the time comes you will be compensated accordingly. Determine the validity of your future with the company. Sometimes you’ll find policies in place that make your financial compensation more of a “waiting game”. Use the time to improve your skills or start looking for a better fit.

You Believe Your Company is Going Under

Do you see signs that your company could be in trouble? Some common signs your employer may be on financial quicksand are multiple C-level changes or upper management turnover, you’re long overdue for a raise, your workload is unpredictable, or you haven’t noticed any new hires in a while. What you may be seeing is a company tightening their belts, or even getting ready to sell, or these actions could be coincidental. However, if the office chatter and your gut feeling seems to point to a sinking ship, it may be a good time to make a change. Make sure your resume is in order, and update as necessary. Update your contact list, beef up your LinkedIn profile, and put out your feelers.

You’re Not Being Supported

If you feel your organization isn’t offering the proper tools, support or opportunities for you to perform at your best for the benefit of the company this may be a good indication that you won’t be growing or moving up on this particular path. Some businesses just can’t afford the time and money necessary to provide the right support to their employees.

If you believe the added resource will promote client satisfaction, help you deliver more, save time which can be reallocated to other projects, then draft a proposal to share with your boss. If management still doesn’t see the value in this type of tool or support, they may be entirely too shortsighted and not good for you in the long run.

There’s No Opportunity to Grow

When you feel your employer provides no support or opportunities for you to advance your career, it may be best to leave the organization entirely, and find better opportunities elsewhere. An employer who seems so ill-advised that they don’t value affording their employees the skills and ability to grow their potential is no place for a talented, focused and motivated team member. There are better opportunities out there for someone who is ambitious for him or herself and the company.

It’s No Longer the Right Fit

If there’s one thing that’s sure about many employers, large and small, it’s that change is inevitable. You grow in your goals, and perhaps your employer can no longer accommodate your path. There are changes in management, and the direction of the company may no longer line up with your ideals. What was once the most satisfying of jobs may now have you dread going into work.

Accept this restlessness for what it is and make the change you need to feel fulfilled in your career. Take stock of your life and your goals. Where do you hope to be in six months? A year? Five years? It might be time for a job change, or you may need to begin moving in a different direction entirely. Only you can determine this for yourself. Take the time to evaluate your current situation and how it fits with your life goals and be completely honest with yourself. That’s the start of creating a career which will offer fulfillment, meaning, and satisfaction.

Before You Go

If you feel at all apprehensive about leaving your current job, make an effort to remedy the situation. Once you feel as though you’ve exhausted the possible ways to stay in your position, let your company know you’ll be going elsewhere. Never burn bridges and always offer constructive feedback when invited to give an exit interview.

Try not to wait out your decision. As you attempt to cope with your situation, you may lose heart and eventually your performance, or lack thereof, is noticed. Being shown the door can force your hand, and make it difficult to find new employment.

Assess your current position and feelings of restlessness. Use these six signs to examine your future with your current employer. An opportunity for change can offer an incredible experience in growth. Don’t be afraid to chart your course and create the career you want most.