7 Signs it May Be Time to Move On from Your Present Job 

When you’re unhappy with your job, Sunday nights start a weekly struggle: on Monday, you’re in survival mode, and by Friday, you’re exhausted from the pretense. But then again…quitting feels impulsive and subject to criticism, so you choose to persevere through your misery.

Sound familiar? And how about this:

After being unemployed for two years, my friend, Linda, started working at a call center. She had recently graduated with her Master’s in Social Work, and though the call center wasn’t her dream, she knew she could do the job.

However, Linda quickly noticed how critical her new boss could be: he provided little upfront direction, but harshly corrected mistakes. When Linda asked about steps to becoming a manager, she was told that “tenure trumps all,” and not to expect anything for at least five years.

So it’s been ten months, and Linda feels hopeless. She’s worried that if she quits, her family won’t understand,  and that she’ll be labeled a failure.

What should Linda do?

I’ve talked to Linda and other dissatisfied workers about knowing when to leave a job. Along the way, I developed this list of seven signs it’s time to quit:

1. You don’t want to do the work. If you don’t want to fulfill the basic duties of the job, you probably shouldn’t be there. Perhaps there is 50 percent travel involved, and that doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore. Or you’re tired of meetings — but work on a cross-functional team where they’re always expected. Bottom line: meeting the job description is necessary. If you aren’t motivated by it, move on.

2. You feel physically or emotionally ill. Sometimes we mistake neglecting our health as a sign of a strong work ethic.  Granted, there will always be bad days and occasional sacrifices, some of which make us say offhandedly or jokingly: “This place makes me sick.” But once you find that phrase being literal, on an ongoing basis, it’s time to reevaluate. Your wellness should never be a compromise.

3. You feel underutilized or unappreciated. A thankless job without room for advancement can make you feel worthless. Some organizations don’t nurture their employee’s professional development. So if you’re growth-minded, it’s hard to stay put at a job that doesn’t think the same.

Discuss the situation with your employer, and try to come up with solutions. If they are unwilling to help, help yourself: find a career or company that will appreciate you and develop your skills.

4. Your employer lacks integrity. Unethical organizations or ones that turn a blind eye to shady, bullying managers should be banished from earth. Unfortunately, there are many of them, and if bad morals are a part of the culture, you’ll soon be asked to do something unscrupulous too.

5. You have made personal sacrifices beyond your comfort. Sacrifices are a part of life, but when work life has imposed on your home life to the extent that you are no longer comfortable with the (un)balance, regret is inevitable. We spend too many hours at work to feel badly about our choices. While it may not always feel that way, the choices are yours to make — and live with — so be sure that you feel that sense of ownership.

6. You are pursuing a new career field. Did you miss your life’s calling? Or finish a new program or certification, and you’re ready to practice in that industry? Everything could be right about your current job, but when you’re ready to start over, there’s little that your present employer can offer to further your  new goals — except a letter of recommendation.

7. You found a new job (of course!). Congratulations if you’ve already found your next opportunity! Having a new job is the best reason to leave your last and, of course, makes easy the decision to quit.

When you’re not sure if it’s time to quit, or if you’re experiencing normal, temporary unhappiness, my advice is to wait six months. Over this course of time, pay attention to how you’re feeling about the work, and how your employer is responding to you.

After six months if you feel no peace, happiness or contentment with your job, it’s time to start your search. (Note: That’s what Linda decided!)