I get that being unemployed is really scary, especially in this economy. But there are times when you need to realize that the career you’re in just isn’t cutting it, at least in its current iteration. You might say “I’m willing to stick it out for the money,” and that’s fair. There are times in life where money does have to take precedence over your own happiness. But those are just a few small times, not your entire adult life. Consider these five signs of workplace exhaustion. If you’re experiencing all of these, you might need a change in employment for the sake of your emotional health.
- Room for growth: Are you in the same place in this company that you were multiple years ago? Have any advancement opportunities or new assignments been offered to you?
- Satisfaction: Are you happy doing what you do and working with who you work with?
- Learning opportunities: Are you actually getting anything out of this job besides a paycheck? Have you picked up any marketable skills or made connections, social or professional?
- Salary growth: Gotten a raise lately?
- Daydreaming, waiting to leave: Are you constantly staring at the clock, desperate to be anywhere but work?
There’s no shame in quitting a job that isn’t working for you. If you have the skills and gumption (and I’m sure you do if you had a job in the first place), you can find another position in your preferred industry. Just make sure not to burn your old job’s bridges. Not to encourage you to go back, but if your boss liked you, they may do you a favor and find you a connection.
