10 Unmistakeable Signs It's Time to Find a New Job

It's normal to think about finding a new job occasionally. Constantly daydreaming about it, however, is a strong indication that you need a change.

Still, it’s not always easy to determine when to hang in there and when to jump ship. 

To make that process easier, here are 10 undeniable signs that it might be time to leave your current role and find a new one that will help you get ahead financially.

If most of your stress is a direct result of your job, it might be time to seek new opportunities. 

Stress can wreak havoc on the body and cause everything from headaches to heart palpitations. Over time, these ailments may seriously jeopardize one's health and quality of life.

When considering whether to leave a job, consider whether it’s worth the risk to your well-being. If the answer is no, you may want to start updating your resume and polishing up that LinkedIn profile.

There may be low-stress, high-paying jobs that are right for you without sacrificing pay. Seeking new opportunities may help you find a better fit.

Everyone loves a pay raise, but generally speaking, you may reach the salary cap for your position at some point. After all, there’s only so much negotiating a person can do when a company has set spending caps.

It’s possible that you can secure a higher starting salary for a similar role somewhere else. If your wages are stagnant and your employer won’t budge, you may want to explore your options.

Even exciting jobs can feel dull after a while. Your work routine might become monotonous, or you may not see much opportunity for upward growth.

If you haven’t already, share your ambitions with your supervisors. They might be able to help you train for higher-level positions or restructure your responsibilities so your work is more challenging. 

When you’ve exhausted these options, though, and your professional growth stalls, you might find the mental stimulation you need in a new job.

Toxic workplaces can take many forms. You might be micromanaged or feel like you’re constantly defending yourself. Cattiness and gossip may go unchecked. Maybe the company culture as a whole prioritizes profits over people in damaging ways.

Navigating that kind of environment can take its toll after a while. If you find that your current job requires you to compromise your peace, consider looking elsewhere.

While not every day at every job is the best day ever, hating your job daily could be an issue. That’s not to say that you should quit after one bad day, but when this feeling gnaws at you persistently, you should probably listen to it.

If you go to bed every night and wake up every morning lamenting what you do and where you work, it may be wise to think up alternatives. There are different ways to make money and new opportunities to explore, so you shouldn't feel stuck where you're unhappy.

Before you quit a job, update your resume, acquire references, check your savings account, and be proactive in helping yourself be more prepared before discussing it with your employer. 

Not liking your bosses is bad enough. Not trusting them is far worse. Several factors can contribute to that distrust, each as frustrating as the last. 

Your superiors might be ineffective or incompetent, or they may be unreliable. In extreme cases, your bosses may be downright deceitful.

So, what do you do when the people you’re supposed to go to for help are the reason you need help in the first place? If the situation is dire enough, you find a new job.

Are your supervisors using phrases like “budget cuts” and “downsizing”? Is there no longer a line at the microwave in the breakroom? It’s a vulnerable feeling to think your position could soon be jeopardized.

Layoffs and furloughs can happen to any company or industry. They’re not always easy to predict, but if you suspect that a reduction in force is forthcoming, consider that your warning. Get ahead of a looming crisis and start searching for a new job, just in case.

Many resources are out there to help you bounce back after a job loss. Tips include strengthening your resume and network and grieving the loss of your job. Healthy transitions can be possible even under challenging circumstances.

Sometimes, it’s seen when deadlines are ignored, meetings are forgotten, or lateness becomes rampant — forms of job rebellion. When your apathy reaches the point that you’re almost daring your employer to let you go, it may be time to cut your losses.

To prevent soiling your reputation or even termination, it may be best (and more empowering) to leave on your terms. Take your indifference as a sign that you might need a change career-wise — and then take action before your employer takes it for you.

Sometimes, no amount of fulfillment or happiness can offset a poor work/life balance. You might be working longer hours than anticipated or feel pressured to take work home with you. 

Either way, when your professional responsibilities infringe on your personal time, that’s a problem.

The best jobs will not only respect this balance, but they’ll actively encourage it. If setting clear boundaries with your employer hasn’t worked or isn’t an option, working elsewhere may be the best solution.

Simply wanting a new job is a valid reason for leaving your current one. Nothing has to be wrong with your employer or pay for you to make a change. When you feel an undeniable urge to see what else is out there, take note.

Use that desire for novelty as the impetus to explore a new job, a new career, or even a new side hustle. Whatever you do, don’t let that feeling fester. It can grow into resentment and regret, which you don’t want.

While your current role might have its challenges, remember, greener pastures await. Take an active approach to your job search. Network, update your resume, and practice your interview skills. 

Don't jump ship until you have a secure offer in hand to avoid financial stress, but be prepared to seize the perfect opportunity when it arises. Landing your dream job is within reach.