10 Signs You Should Look for a New Job.

We all have "bad days" at work. But there's a huge difference between that and continuing with a job that is genuinely not right for you. Discover what makes that difference!

June 20, 2023

We all have bad days at work.

You know the days when everything seems to go wrong and everyone seems to be working against you…

Angry and upset, we go home, rant at our loved ones and by the morning the entire ordeal has blown over and we’re ready to start afresh.

But there’s a difference between having these occasional “bad days” and being in desperate need of something new.

The 10 signs below make that difference…

1. You’re not happy.

Pretty simple right..? So why do so many of us put up with jobs that make us unhappy?

Often it comes down to two things…

We think it’s an inevitability of working life. Everyone hates their job don’t they?

We’re too scared to try and find something new. What if nobody wants us?

So we try our very hardest to become happier at work. (Click here for some tips).

Or, we just continue being miserable.

But come on - life’s too short to be unhappy.

2. You’re bored.

Ok so, you’re not necessarily “unhappy,” but you’re mind-numbingly bored at work.

If that’s what you want from a job, then fine.

But if being challenged is important to you then do something about it!

Show your boss what you can do, ask them for more opportunity or even look for your own opportunities (is there a way you could speed up processes or improve the business?).

If none of this works, then it’s time to move on then!

Click here to find out some of the best ways to stop yourself getting bored at work.

3. You’re constantly stressed.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t be constantly stressed either.

If you are, then you’re not receiving the support you need.

  • Do you work ridiculous hours?
  • Refuse to take a break?
  • Constantly think about work?

STOP! Is it really worth it?

Perhaps you can keep it up for a while, but one day, you will burn out – and that’s not doing you or anyone else any favours.

4. You just don’t care anymore.

Perhaps you’ve already burnt out?

Or are so damn bored that you just can’t find the energy to even care anymore?

Whatever the reason, a lack of motivation is a real sign of unhappiness and it’s clearly not going to do your career or the company any good.

So why carry on?

Finding something new, more exciting and/or less stressful will make you happier and better at your job in the long run.

5. Your company are (really) struggling.

Ok, this sounds just a little bit harsh…

But do you really, genuinely want to go down with a sinking ship?

However horrible it feels, sometimes you do just have to look out for yourself.

6. You feel physically ill.

If you think that work is making you ill, then it really is time to pack up and leave.

Illness is a sign of burnout and it will only get worse if you don’t cut out the root cause now.

Your company should be working hard to look after their employees’ wellbeing; if they’re not doing that then do they really care?

7. You’ve never get a pay rise.

If your role has progressed substantially since you started, you’ve developed your skills and are adding real value to the company but your pay packet remains the same, do something about it.

Because employers feel like they have more power, it’s often more difficult to leverage a promotion or pay rise when you’re already in the job (compared to when you get new one).

If you don’t ask you won’t get.

But if you do ask and still don’t get – it’s time to look elsewhere – where you’ll be appreciated.

Click here for some tips on how to negotiate a higher salary.

8. You are being abused.

Get the hell out of there.

No one ever (ever, ever) has the right to treat you in a derogatory, abusive or discriminatory way.

9. You don’t get on with your co-workers.

Do you find it really (really) hard to bond with your co-workers?

It happens; it’s probably not their fault or yours.

But it can have a significant impact on how happy you are at work.

If it’s getting you down and you find yourself feeling lonely, it may be time to move on.

10. You hate your boss.

You know, one of the biggest reasons people leave their workplace is because of a manager.

It’s easy to understand why. Working for someone you just can’t get along with can be a nightmare.

So why do you put up with it?

Time to leave?

Recognise any of the above? Is it time to leave?

Recruiter Pro Tip Sometimes you don’t need a big blaring sign. Sometimes you just know that it’s time to move on. If that’s the case, don’t put it off. You’re in a great position – it’s always easier to find a job, when you already have one.

If you’d like some more careers advice and job-search tips, click here to receive a weekly update from us with the latest.

Or click here to start searching opportunities today!

You deserve to be happy.

Good luck.

Coburg Banks - Multi-Sector Recruitment Agency
We help great people get brilliant jobs in top companies.

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