In our grandparent’s day, perhaps even in our parent’s experience, it wasn’t unusual to stay in a job for life. Changing jobs or even careers is far more common in today’s job market and this trend will increase in the coming decades.
Mark McCrindle, social researcher states “By 2020 average job tenure will be around 3 years (4 years today) with voluntary annual turnover approaching 20%.”
So how do you know when it is time to move on?
For some people the time for change in their career is obvious, as they regularly reflect on their goals to ensure their current role is in alignment with long term goals, but for others they may not realise the time to move on has arrived until someone else points out how dissatisfied they are.
Dissatisfaction in your work does not necessarily signify a total change is in order, perhaps a review of duties or responsibility is sufficient, however when more than one sign appears then it is likely that a complete change is in order.
The first and most common symptom that your job isn’t a good fit for you any more, is that you no longer feel any passion for your role. The excitement for all the possibilities ahead and the contributions you could make are no longer present, and at its worst, you dread going to work each morning.
If you no longer enjoy working with the people around you, or have begun to dislike them, this is a sure sign it could be time to move on. While it may be possible to work through relationship issues with co-workers, sometimes they are just not fixable and the only solution is to seek alternative employment. Chances are your colleagues have not changed, perhaps you have. If you no longer have a common goal or feel you fit in with the company culture any longer this will cause an uncomfortable workplace.
I’m not unhappy,” he said. “Only people with no purpose are unhappy. I’ve got a purpose.”
― Cassandra Clare, City of Bones
Job satisfaction is still important; boredom with your duties or a feeling that your contributions are not being recognised, are good signs the time to go is now. If you feel you have been overlooked for promotion or are not being included in key projects or meetings, change should be imminent; your employers might also agree your capacity to contribute has decreased and your skills are best utilised elsewhere.
Losing passion for your work and struggling to relate to your co-workers may simply manifest as anxiety or stress, and if you get unhappy just thinking about work, then it is most certainly time to leave. We’d like to hope we can keep our work and home lives separate but this is rarely the case. It may well be your friends or family are the first to notice a change is needed.
A feeling of dissatisfaction for any reason will have implications on your work performance, regardless of how strong your work and personal ethics may be. Added stress can create havoc with your health, your sleep and your work life balance and affect your home life and personal relationships.
Changing jobs can be one of the more stressful activities in life but if your mood sinks on Sunday afternoon as you approach the working week ahead, then a review of goals and assessment of whether they can be met in your existing role is required. If you identify with one or more of the signs then don’t hesitate to seek change. Life is too short to be unhappy in the place you often spend more time than anywhere else.
If you are at a crossroads in your career and are unsure which way to turn we can help you take the next step. Please contact us for your obligation free initial consultation now.
