10 Signs You Need a New Job
Career Discovery, Self Awareness
Whoever tells you they’ve never cried in the bathroom stall at work is lying. We’ve all been there. Fortunately, you don’t have to stay there forever. Here are some signs that often lead up to that breakdown and signal it may be time to walk away and find a new job:
When someone’s phone ring is the same as your alarm clock sound and you irrationally want to break their phone.
Ok, so most people aren’t really in love with having to get out of bed in the morning. But your degree of detest for your alarm can tell you a lot about your degree of detest for your job. When our alarm clock goes off because we need to get up for things we actually enjoy (like brunch or vacation or a job we’re excited about). Even though we might not be dancing out of bed, we are typically happy to wake up. If you literally have anxiety at night about the idea of work the next day, that’s a pretty clear sign that it’s time for a new job.
When you become the worst version of yourself.
A buildup of work-related stress over time can often lead to you lashing out on those around you. You may find yourself acting in ways that are completely out of character, shocking and embarrassing. Don’t continue to disappoint yourself or end up in a damaging situation. Identify this behavior early on and take action to find a job that empowers you to be the you you know.
When you really just DGAF.
If you feel completely apathetic about your job, you’re likely not doing something you’re passionate about. When we do something we’re passionate about we feel energized and alive. If you just don’t care and you’d rather spend your day doing anything else, it’s time for a change. Take note of what you do while you’re procrastinating from your work work. What we do when we procrastinate is often a good indication of what we’re truly passionate about.
When your life feels like a scene from Groundhog Day.
It can be incredibly demoralizing when you’re craving more, but you’re stuck doing the same thing over and over again. Sometimes you just grow out of a job. Ensure you’ve learned all there is to be learned and you’ve connected with the folks you want to remain a part of your network while you work to find the next growth opportunity for you.
When you’re secretly jealous of the homeless guy on your way to work because he doesn’t have to go to your job.
And if you’re jealous of him, you’ll definitely be jealous of your friends who actually enjoy their careers. Don’t hate them. Be them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by jealousy when you see friends who are fulfilled by their jobs, it should be a kick in the pants to find a career equally meaningful to you.
When you feel like you’re on an island.
And not the kind with palm trees and mai tais. If you’re feeling completely alone and unsupported by those around you or by your organization, it could be time for a change. While your career path is yours to own, you need the support of others for guidance, personal growth and to achieve your potential. You may be able to actively seek out support, but if you’re feeling deserted you may want to look elsewhere.
When your significant other hates your job more than you do.
Most people don’t realize that they carry their jobs home with them. When you carry the stress of work home with you, it’s taxing on you and those around you. If you’re constantly checking your email, talking about the things that went wrong at work or complaining about your boss or coworkers, it could be a sign that this job isn’t right for you. Finding balance in our lives and knowing when to turn off work mode is important to both recharge and maintain healthy relationships. Sometimes we can put strategies in place to provide boundaries, and sometimes we need a new position all together.
When you feel icky about it.
Our values are a key component of who we are as people. When our job forces us to compromise our values, it often leaves us feeling unsettled or frustrated. Maybe you don’t agree with how your company treats its customers or maybe your job forces you to prioritize work over family. If those things conflict with your core values, the emotional and physical strain is sure to surface.
When you feel like what you do all day is pointless.
Cool, you just skipped happy hour with your friends to stay and crank on a PowerPoint presentation that NO ONE WILL EVER LOOK AT AGAIN. That sucks. Now we’re not all going to be a bunch of Mother Theresa’s, but we all want to feel that how we spend our time 40+ hours per week serves a purpose. We want to feel like our hard work has made an important contribution to someone or something. If you’re feeling like what you do doesn’t matter to anyone, it’s likely not aligned with your personal purpose.
When you can feel the stress wrinkles as they form.
Botox ain’t cheap my friend. But vanity aside, stress and anxiety caused by your job can have a true impact on your physical health. Poor eating habits, lack of sleep, weakened immune system are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of stress’s impact on the body. If you’re wide awake in bed at night, over-analyzing what your boss will yell at you for tomorrow, or panicking over a potential mistake you made in a spreadsheet, please consider is if it’s worth it.
Don’t forget – most of the time people quit bosses, not jobs. Do not underestimate the impact one negative person can have on your perception and your wellbeing. When our clients come to us looking to make a career transition, we first have to diagnose the root of the problem. Do you not like your work? Or do you not like the people around you? Either can signal the need for a change. But it’s important when making the determination of where to go next that we don’t let the negative impact of a person cloud our judgment about a role or career path in general.
At Ama La Vida, the path to a fulfilling career starts from the inside out. You first have to understand who you are: what makes you come alive, what makes you unique, what guides your decisions and what makes you feel happy and full, before you can design an optimal career path. Noticing the signs of unhappiness is the first step. That opens the doors for you to find that career that doesn’t have you rushing to your next Botox treatment or wiping your tears with toilet paper in the office bathroom stall.
Want to learn more about career coaching and how it can help you design a career you love? Click here!
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