10 Alarming Signs the Job You Have is Not Working Out for You

Getting a job can be exciting, but you might discover that the position that looked great on paper doesn’t really fit your needs. If you’ve just started, certain signs might pop up quickly that indicate the job is not going to work out for long. 

Or perhaps you have been in the position for years, and it is just coming to your attention that there are few opportunities to advance and get ahead financially.

Following are some signs that it is time to start a job search because your job is no longer working out for you.

Stepping into a new position can be exciting, especially if you’re learning and mastering something new, or finding a way to make enough to keep more money in your bank account.

However, if you have been at the company for a while and haven’t had an opportunity to advance, it might be a sign that it’s time to move on. 

Failing to get promoted can easily lead to boredom and may even limit your earning power over time.

Is your company missing its goals? Are you hearing whispers about cuts to the labor force? These are worrisome signs that could mean the company isn’t going to make it.

Should you stick around? That depends on how much risk you want to take and the potential for rewards. It’s a personal decision based on your risk tolerance.

But such worrisome signs might be an indicator that it’s time to find something more stable.

For many people, work-life balance is important. While we all want to make more money, many of us worry about doing so at the cost of missing out on enjoying life.

If you have to field endless phone calls and emails outside of normal work hours, it might be a sign that your work-life balance is off-kilter.

This alone can be a reason to leave, especially if you find it’s causing mental fatigue or making it hard to maintain valuable relationships.

Sometimes, a job is not a good fit because the work does not suit your skills. Feeling overwhelmed — such as dreading the next task or struggling to make decisions on the job — can be clear indications that it's time to move on.

Perhaps there’s just too much work and not enough time to do it. Recognizing that you’re simply not cut out for the position is better for all involved.

Pro tip: If the only thing stopping you from pulling the plug is the debt you're in, consider these ways to get out of debt so you can move on from a situation that isn't working. 

If your job seems to limit you in a way that’s making you uncomfortable — from not having the opportunity to speak up to not being able to dress in a certain way — it might be time to part ways.

While there are always exceptions and some needed workplace rules, it’s tough to be passionate about a job if you’re not able to be you when working. 

You deserve to be paid fairly, but sadly, some jobs pay less than they should. If you are not getting enough money for the amount of work you do, it might be time to look for another job.

No matter why you feel unvalued, find a job that pays you what you deserve, especially if your research indicates that you’re being underpaid.

Perhaps your job isn't a good fit for you morally, or the culture doesn’t feel right. If the work doesn’t align with what you believe in, you shouldn’t be in that position.

There's no shame in acknowledging that the job is a bad fit simply because you don’t have faith in the company’s mission or the people running it.

Pro tip: Many people stay with a company a lot longer than they should. You can avoid making mistakes like that one by just being honest about where you stand with the company you work for at all times and be ready to actively move. 

Some people feel on edge all day at their jobs. They no longer can see the good in the work they do. Or maybe the job provokes mood swings and a feeling of being in the wrong place.

If you're often in a bad mood once you get to work — even though you didn’t start your day feeling that way — it might be your conscience telling you it’s time to look for a different position.

Few things are more miserable than working for a supervisor you don’t like. If you cannot tolerate your boss, it might be time to move on.

If you believe you can work things out, by all means, try. But things are unlikely to get better if you and your boss don’t mesh after a few months.

Sometimes, it’s not about wanting to leave but recognizing the signs that your employer wants you to move on. 

The boss may not say that outright, but if you are receiving numerous warning signs — such as not being selected for projects or being overlooked for a promotion — don’t ignore them.

This could be a great time to find a way to make cash on the side from home so you don't have to be pushed into taking another job that isn't the right fit. 

If your job leaves you unhappy, unfulfilled, unchallenged, or just ready for a change, it’s time to look for new work. Doing so can be the right move for your future.

However, making such a big change can be scary. If you're unsure about whether to move on, try your hand at other ways of making extra money — either a part-time job or a side hustle — to see if you feel happier working somewhere else.

If you find more joy away from your job, it might be time to take the plunge and finally leave your main job behind.