How to Know When It's Time to Move On

It’s natural – sometimes you and your job simply grow apart. You may be in the same spot as you've been with the hope things will improve, but are you hanging on to something that’s not there anymore?

Many of us may have accepted – or will accept – a position at a company we believed we’d stay with until retirement. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Studies show that the average person will hold about 12 jobs between the ages of 18 and 48. If you're feeling slightly unsure about if you’re where you’re meant to be, here are some warning signs telling you to move on.

YOU'VE ALREADY BEEN THINKING ABOUT IT
If you've previously said to yourself, “I need a new job, now,” chances are you’ve been mulling over leaving and for good reason. Deciding to quit is a hard process that requires you to seriously think about all aspects of your life. But when it comes to your career, doing what is best for yourself and your professional future is most important. If the thought of finding a new job continues to linger in the back of your mind, it may be time to start looking.

YOU'RE UNHAPPY GOING TO WORK
It’s normal to wake up and dread going to work sometimes, but do you find yourself feeling this way most days? This could be a major sign that you need to move on. It’s important to do something you enjoy and are producing work that you are proud of. Don’t deny your feelings because they're probably pointing you to a serious situation that needs to be addressed. Believe it or not, your job shouldn’t make you miserable or cause you to lose your sense of self-worth.

YOU'VE EXPRESSED YOUR FEELINGS AND REQUESTED CHANGE WITH NO AVAIL
This is true in all aspects of life, but things can’t change if you aren’t trying to change them. If you're unhappy at your job because you’ve fallen into a rut with your day-to-day, ask for more responsibility. If your colleague isn’t giving you respect or credit, talk out your frustrations with said colleague. However, if you've expressed your feelings and things seem to stay the same, this may be a sign the change you need is unlikely to occur.

YOU BELIEVE YOU'RE MEANT FOR BIGGER THINGS
Studies show that 51 percent of American’s aren’t engaged at work – meaning they lack the connection they need to be productive and happy. Many people have a hard time admitting they are unhappy in their role because they feel like they're capable of bigger and better things. You only have one life, so make sure you are spending it doing something you're happy with. The worst feeling is being complacent, so take that next jump and trust in your skills – you never know what can happen!

The signs it’s time to move on will be different for everyone, but the above are some general guidelines to consider if you’re on the fence. It’s important to feel happy and content with your job and workplace. If you feel held back and like you're unable to reach your full potential, taking a leap of faith to pursue another opportunity is probably in your best interest!