Figuring out when the time is right to start looking for a new job can be difficult.
Every workplace comes with its share of stress, difficulties and frustration, but when does it get to the point you may need to leave?
Workplace expert Michelle Gibbings spoke to FEMAIL about how you can recognise the signs it may be time to start looking for something new.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at the signals that may show it’s time to move on, and some ways you can improve your wellbeing at work.
Workplace expert Michelle Gibbings (pictured) said there are some very definite signs to look for that could show it’s time to move on
FEELING BOXED IN
It could be you’ve been at your job for a while and feel ready for a promotion, but for whatever reason your boss isn’t on the same page.
It’s possible your manager may have a fixed idea about your ability, which can be hard to shift, said Ms Gibbings.
‘Sometimes the only way to change that is to move on and demonstrate elsewhere what you can do.’
GOING TO WORK FILLS YOU WITH DREAD
While the job you do may be stressful, if you are waking up every morning with feelings of dread, this is a sure sign something’s wrong, said the author of Step Up: How to Build Your Influence at Work.
If this is the case, Ms Gibbings recommends to first ask yourself if the situation is one where you felt you any had control, or if it could be changed.
‘If you can’t, for the sake of your mental health and wellbeing it’s time to consider moving on.’
If you’re waking up with feelings of dread about going to work, this is a sign that things may need to change (stock image)
ALWAYS FEELING NEGATIVE
It’s normal to occasionally vent to colleagues, but if you’re constantly finding more negatives than positives about your workplace, take this as a sign.
‘Rather than offer ideas on how to improve things, you only complain,’ said Ms Gibbings.
She warned a cynical attitude will not only drain you of energy and enthusiasm, but it can put you on the back foot with workmates because you’re no longer contributing to the team in a positive way.
Persistent feelings of negativity can drain you of enthusiasm and energy the workplace expert revealed (stock image)
YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT IMPROVING YOUR SKILLS
If you’ve stopped learning at work and no longer have the motivation to improve, you may well need to think about changing your situation.
‘To stay relevant in today’s world we all need to continue to grow and be challenged,’ the expert said.
‘If there is no more room to grow or expand your horizons, it may be time to step outside.’
YOU MAY NEED TO DIVORCE YOUR MANAGER
Ms Gibbings said: ‘People don’t leave organisations. They leave their manager.’
If your relationship with your manager isn’t working or isn’t bringing out the best in you, then it could be time to find a better situation – with the same organisation or outside.
‘If your work is making you so unhappy it’s impacting your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around you it’s usually time to consider ‘voting yourself off the island.
‘Take control and make the decision to go somewhere else or do something different.’
Careers strategist Bella Zanesco (pictured) offers some tips for increasing wellbeing in the workplace
Though research shows 50 per cent of Australian workers consider a new job each year, leaving the job you have isn’t always the answer.
Careers strategist Bella Zanesco said if people weren’t feeling too bitter towards their currently job, it was entirely possible to revamp a flagging spirit.
The coach, who helps people struggling with their careers, believes improving your wellbeing at work is the key.
It’s entirely possible to find a way to fall back in love with the job you have, said careers expert Bella Zanesco (stock image)
Part of this, the expert said was to recognise that even if you’re not entirely happy at your job, if it pays well, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to stay.
‘If the money you earn gives you the freedom to do what you want outside of work then there’s no shame in staying in your job for the financial stability.’
But she did agree with Ms Gibbings with her point of not staying in a role if you felt overworked and underappreciated.
‘If you’re suffering a mental health condition relating to your work, then it’s not worth staying.’
Before looking for a new job, take the time to make a list of things you love, and things you don’t like about the job you have to figure out what’s in your control (stock image)
Ms Zanesco also recommended writing a list as a way to get a handle on your situation.
Ideally, the list would have five things you love, and five things you don’t, said the author of Smart Girls Screw Up Too – a no-nonsense guide to creating the life you want.
‘Once you’ve got that down you can decide whether you need to have an honest conversation with your boss or whether you need to look for new opportunities.’
She also stressed how important it was to have proper workplace boundaries and to make sure you stick to them.
Don’t leave your current job unless you have a plan in place, said Ms Zanesco, otherwise you may find yourself in a downward spiral (stock image)
Ms Zanesco said decide on what is right for your wellbeing in the first 100 days. This can range from leaving on time every day to not checking emails after-hours.
While there’s always the temptation to chuck it all in, this isn’t something the career expert said anyone should do.
However, she said there were some situations were leaving was perfectly acceptable such as those where bullying was a problem.
But she said if things weren’t too difficult, it would be better to think about your next move first before making the decision.
If launching your own business is the dream, put in the footwork first (stock image)
‘Leaving without a plan can send anyone into a downward spiral.’
While the dream might to leave your job and to start a business from scratch, making this a reality takes a lot of work, said Ms Zanesco.
The careers stratagist believes in a ‘first things first approach’ and recommended taking the time to make sure you’ve done the basics.
‘Register a business name, write a business plan, collaborate with someone or pitch to an investor.’
Instead of diving in, the expert said to find a way to see if this is something you really want to do.
‘Dialling back to four days a week and starting a side hustle is a great way to test the waters,’ she concluded.