There comes a time when getting out of bed to go to work can feel the world's most difficult task. You might be physically capable of doing it, but can't get your mind and heart to cooperate. Sometimes, there is one major cause for your unhappiness at work - other times, it's just everything. But since staying or quitting has such a major impact on your future, it's best to figure out exactly what has gone wrong and brought you to this point. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, it might be time to put in your papers.
1. There is no growth potential
It might have not always been that way and you might have already grown a lot since you joined the company. But if you don't see yourself growing further in your current set-up and don't see that changing in the near future, it's time to look for other job opportunities where you might. The worst thing you can do to your career is knowingly stay in a dead-end job. Ultimately, if you need work to be challenging to keep you motivated, you need to have a frank conversation with yourself first and your reporting manager once you know what you want. Maybe you overlooked a growth opportunity or a role you would be perfect for. If you have a role in mind, tell your manager why you think you should be considered and what you bring to the table. Even if there is nothing for you in your current company, having this conversation is important.
2. You've become too comfortable
It happens to many people in the first job they love. Colleagues become friends and the office becomes a second home. So even while you might not dread going to work, you're still keeping yourself from exploring other options just become you feel like you need to be loyal to your company/work family. No matter how comforting the familiarity is and how much you like your colleagues, your career decisions cannot be dependent on them. Step out of your comfort zone and explore challenging growth options. If they are truly your well-wishers, they will be happy and supportive of you.
3. It's all you think about, day in and day out
There is no off switch. You're checking your emails during dinner every night, you're coordinating work over the weekend and you're dealing with deadlines when you should be on holiday. Dedication is one thing, but letting your work take over your life is not healthy for anyone. If your work is just not allowing you any down-time for yourself and your family, it speaks a lot about the kind of people running the business and the ethics of treating employees like machines. If this sounds like your life, you should seriously consider switching to a more humane work culture.
4. You've got a much better offer
Sometime, it's actually as simple as that. There might be nothing wrong with your current job - but just the fact that you did get a better offer (in terms of designation, salary, etc.) means that you could actually be doing better. It can come as a surprise sometimes, when you think you're doing well for yourself... But if someone out there thinks you can do better, you owe it to yourself to find out if you've been underselling yourself.
5. The company isn't doing well
This is a tricky one. On the one hand, you might feel a strong sense of loyalty, on the other, if it's not your ship, you really don't need to go down with it. If you're aware that the company is in grave trouble or that even though right now your job is stable but things are likely to get worse, there is no shame in jumping ships when you get the chance to. As awful as you feel, remember that at the end of the day, if the company has to let you go, it will, too. Looking out for yourself and your interests is not being selfish, especially when you know that waiting for longer might intensify the competition or put you at a disadvantage.
6. You're not receiving any feedback
Again, to get better at your job, you need to receive regular (if not constant) feedback, at least in the initial years. And it shouldn't always be negative either - every employee needs to be made aware of what they're doing right as well. If your company doesn't have a performance review setup and if your reporting manager is refusing to meet with you (for whatever reason) for a feedback session, then it's absolutely okay to quit that job and move on to a company that provides a stronger mentorship model and, consequently, growth prospects.
7. You don't believe in the work you do anymore
People change and sometimes grow out of things. What you thought was your dream job as a fresh, eager graduate might not excite you anymore. The values you hold very dear may not be reflective in your work or your company's behaviour. It's absolutely okay to change jobs and even fields, when you realise what you're doing doesn't give you happiness anymore. But, of course, the sooner you do it, the better it is for your career - so don't stay in denial about it for too long. On the other hand, many times your company's goals might change, which in turn, might change your roles and responsibilities. Again, it's okay to be open about not being passionate about work anymore and moving on.
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