Author: Michael Scaletti
The "Great Resignation". By this point you've probably heard about it. People all over the country are continuing to leave their jobs at record rates. Very likely you've wondered if now is a good time for you to look for other work as well. How do you actually know when it's time to quit your job and move on to greener pastures? The truth is that there is no one answer that will fit everyone, but looking for these four signs can help you analyze your current working environment and decide whether or not its time to move on.
1. No Room for Growth
Sure, getting a big raise or promotion is great, and a key form of growth, but don't forget that growth can come in many forms. Management opportunities, education opportunities, new experiences, all of these can lead to professional growth, and can contribute to a sense of fulfillment at work. Whatever form your growth takes, however, the important part is that you have the opportunity to experience it. Take a look at your job. Have you explored multiple growth paths and been stymied? Have you been vocal about your desire for growth and been ignored? Than your needs aren't being met and it may be time to move on.
2. You're Not Being Challenged
Similar to growth above, the ability to learn and acquire new skills and experiences is key to job fulfillment, and a lot of that growth can come from being put in engaging and interesting situations that you have not faced before. This doesn't mean that you are taking on additional work without being compensated for it, but it does mean that you are being allowed to stretch your intellectual and creative problem solving muscles. If you find yourself stuck in a rut and have expressed your desire to change things up to no avail, it is possible that it is time to look for new challenges elsewhere.
3. You’re Doing Multiple People's Jobs
This is especially problematic when combined with a high turnover rate. If multiple coworkers have left and instead of replacing them your job has simply placed the additional responsibilities onto you, especially if they have not offered you additional compensation for this additional work, it can be a red flag that your employer doesn't value you. Have a frank discussion with your boss about what you think fair compensation is for your time, and if that still doesn't move the needle, test the waters elsewhere. It is very likely that someone else will be willing to pay you what you're worth.
4. The Culture is Toxic
Several recent studies have shown that younger workers value company culture above many traditional perks. Odds are, if you are reading this post, you're among them. The question is what does a solid company culture look like. The reality is that will change from person to person, but there are some things you should look for. Does your workplace value a good work/life experience, or does it encourage its employees to be "on" at all times. Does it value your time and effort, or does it often feel like it goes out of its way to not acknowledge your work and experience. Does it make a conscientious effort to make you and your coworkers feel included, regardless of your race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc? Do you feel proud or embarrassed to be associated with your company? These questions can help you identify any potentially toxic aspects of your workplace, which in turn can help you decide whether or not you want to remain with said company.
Comments