According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, 1.8 percent of people – or 2.4 million – left their jobs in December 2013. This is the highest percentage since the recession ended. Some retired or dropped out of the workforce, but most moved on to new positions.

Are you constantly stressed about your work? Don’t feel that you fit in or that your skills are being effectively used? Are you bored – or do you simply hate every minute of it? These are among the signs that it’s time to move on.

For some, the decision is crystal clear. But for many, it may not be as obvious. That’s why it’s a good idea to continually reflect and ensure that your job aligns with your personal long-term goals and lifestyle.

• The passion is gone. You no longer feel excited about your work. That feeling you had when you first started working there – enthusiasm and an adrenaline rush regarding future possibilities – has vanished. If you no longer like what you’re doing, you’ll never tap into your true potential.
  
  
• You really dislike your coworkers or boss. You’ve done all you can to work things out, but the problem is irreparable. This is especially true when there’s a lack of chemistry with your manager. The adage that “people don’t quit their jobs, they quit their bosses” has a lot of truth to it. If you’ve gone over your supervisor’s head or to HR and the situation has not been resolved, then it’s probably time to go.
• Work related stress is constant and damaging. You’re continually stressed, negative and unhappy about work. Even just thinking about it makes you lose sleep at night. The stress may even be affecting your physical, mental or emotional health. No job should take that kind of toll on your life.
• You no longer fit in. There are ethical, moral or cultural differences that you can’t overcome. You’re morally misaligned, which makes every workday uncomfortable. If after six to 12 months on a job, you still have trouble – or the culture changes for whatever reason – then you need a change.
• You’re overqualified or your skills are not being tapped. Management is not acknowledging that you have more to offer than what you’ve been contributing. You’ve been passed over for promotions or more challenging assignments. Your proposals are met with silence or denial. Your ideas are not being heard and/or you can’t get time with key decision makers.
• Your duties have changed, but not your pay. Even if downsizing has moved your team into double time, but you’re nowhere near double compensation, it may be time to move on. This is especially true if the organization is performing well.

Now What?
If you realize it’s time to make a change, you need a carefully thought out and executed plan to ensure your next move is for the better. A professional career coach can be an invaluable asset as you make this transition. To learn more, contact the PrideStaff Modesto team today.