7 Signals That It's Time To Change Jobs

3 November. On this day, many years ago, I was as they say “let go” by my then employer. I remember the day as it coincides a significant racing day in the Australian calendar. At the time I was upset, frustrated, and wasn’t sure the reasons why, but on reflection it was one the best things to happen to me as I was not happy there, being under-utilised, and not the right ‘fit’.

Since then I’ve made conscious choices, and every year on this day I reflect and I ask myself, do I enjoy what I’m doing?

Here are 7 signals that help guide me whether it’s time for something different!

1. Being comfortable
   
   If you’re comfortable in your job this means it is not challenging enough. Some people prefer it that way – I think it’s a recipe for disaster and if you know the job like the back of your hand, you’re bound to take things for granted and not make the extra effort. Your job should make you uncomfortable at times.



2. Your manager
   
   Many people say you don’t leave your company or your organisation, but you leave your manager, this is particularly true for good employees who will find a place elsewhere. If you have difficultly working for your manager, and you feel you are not performing to your capability, this is a clear signal. Don’t wait for the manager to change. You change.



3. Not Learning
   
   Whatever you do, you should always be learning and acquiring more knowledge and experience. If your part of a fast changing industry that’s great! If not, you need to be in a role that gives you that opportunity or know how that can be fulfilled.



4. When your job is your “full time”
   
   What do I mean by this? I always say my job is my “part-time” and my home and everything that comes with it, my personal interests, being a father et all is my “full time”, put things into perspective, your job is not your life, it may form part of you, however the focus should be on the “part.” Your job should allow you to fulfil your life, not the other way around.



5. Doing it just for money
   
   When we put extra effort in work, or are really motivated for a desired outcome, it’s not because of money. It’s because we are passionate, ambitious and want something to work. Put it this way, the most expensive football team does not always win, it’s the team that has the best team work, passion, and hunger.



6. Fun
   
   Let’s face it, a significant chunk of our waking hours is at work, we want to enjoy it and have fun, and this has a bearing outside of work. You simply ought to enjoy what you do.



7. Motivation and Inspiration
   
   Yes, you should be motivated and inspired when you go to work. You want to make a difference, you are seeing your contribution part of a bigger picture, you can see how your role “fits”, and you are passionate – if you are not, clearly it’s time to move on.

Reproduced with permission.