How to Know When to Change Jobs

It is easy to get stuck in a position where you are comfortable, consistent, and ultimately proficient at what you do. However, there are many aspects of jobs that people overlook, often components that will help them realize it may be time to change positions. Read more about them here and figure out if your current work is right for you!

  • Growth: Arguably the most important aspect of any career, job, or project is the growth generated from the experience. From day to day, month to month, and year to year, you should be able to recognize the growth your job has helped you achieve as a professional employee, leader, or overall person. If you do not feel as though you have been able to accelerate your skillset in your position it may be time to consider a different path.
  • Company Change: As a spectator of your company, it is crucial to be aware of the way your firm may be beginning to expand, downsize, or shift directions. Especially if your company appears to be downsizing, start your search for a new firm or job so that you are able to completely avoid a potential layoff. This is also a great time to evaluate your current position. Do you enjoy what you do? Are you interested in returning to school to expand your education and achieve a higher degree?
  • Attitude About Work: While we all know that work may not be the place where you find your greatest enjoyment, there is no reason to dread going to work each day! After all, a workspace is where the majority of people spend the majority of their time, so make sure your job provides you with happiness and an overall level of satisfaction.
  • Passion: If you no longer feel an inner spark, sense of passion, or enthusiasm about what you do, this is no longer the position for you. A stronger indicator of when to search for a new job is the way you feel about the work you complete. You should feel pride in your work! If you don’t, begin looking for something that will reignite your passion.
  • Learning: Throughout your entire life, there is always more to learn! Although you may no longer be in school, you should always be learning more through your career. Whether you are increasing your understanding of the industry you work in, yourself and your passions, or the correct strategies to heighten your potential, you should always be expanding your knowledge! If you do not feel like you are learning anything new through your job, consider changing positions.
  • Lifestyle: Although this last aspect does not exactly tie into the work you are engaging in on a day to day basis, it is still an extremely significant component of your overall fulfillment. If you are pursuing a family, looking to move far away from your current home, or considering a large lifestyle change, your work location should not hold you back for your entire life. It is super important to maintain a career, but equally as important to love your life outside of your work.

After evaluating your contentment through each of these “tests,” are you considering a job change? If so, read through our open jobs list!

Debating if your career truly suits you? Figure it out by learning how to find out what you want to do in life, and how to identify your strengths and weaknesses!