Signs It’s Time to Start Looking for a New Job

Waiting for Monday can sometimes feel like waiting for Christmas as an adult.

When you hate your job, Sunday nights are full of dread. Mondays are long. And every other day is just endured.

The issue?

Too many people wait too long before they start moving on.

They tell themselves things will get better tomorrow. They lie to themselves that the grass isn’t always greener.

But they know the truth.

The job market is changing rapidly, and those navigating entry-level careers or making career transitions know when it’s time to start looking for something new.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. Why staying too long can hurt you professionally

2. 4 Signs it’s time to look for a new job

3. How to take action without burning bridges

Why staying at a job too long can hurt you professionally

Here’s a secret most people don’t know…

Remaining in the wrong job too long can harm you professionally. Mentally, emotionally, and financially.

Workers who stay in unrewarding positions become bored with their work. They begin losing the skills that made them good at their jobs in the first place. Their confidence diminishes.

Even the data shows keeping a job that doesn’t fulfill you is bad for your career.

Studies show workers under 30 are far less satisfied with their jobs than older workers. Only 43% of workers aged 18-29 said they were extremely satisfied with their jobs compared to 67% of workers over 65.

That’s a HUGE difference.

And it’s even more crucial for those exploring entry-level careers after college or switching careers. These first few jobs often set the tone for your professional life.

Whether someone is searching for job opportunities in Tucson or anywhere else, understanding when to leap is vital.

But how do you know when it is the right time to go?

4 Signs It’s Time to Look for a New Job

Everyone has a bad day now and again. But if you’re consistently experiencing any of the following, it might be time to look for a new gig.

Let’s dig into the four biggest signs…

You’re Not Getting Paid What You’re Worth

If there’s one thing that will cause employees to jump ship, it’s low pay.

Rent, food, and bills aren’t getting any cheaper, but paychecks sure don’t tend to go up (unless you’re negotiating like crazy).

The more employees feel like their pay doesn’t reflect their value to the company, the more resentful they will become. And that resentment will eventually manifest itself in their work and attitude.

Here’s the thing:

If the company isn’t willing to pay you what you’re worth now, they probably won’t start suddenly.

You’re No Longer Growing

Here’s another one most people don’t think about…

When was the last time you learned something new at work that excited you?

Career growth is more than a paycheck and a title. Employees want to feel challenged and like they’re learning new skills.

When you stop growing personally and professionally, you start dying.

In all seriousness though, employees who are stuck in jobs that don’t allow them to grow will find themselves falling behind. As their coworkers learn new skills, those stuck behind will find it harder and harder to find a new job that can meet their salary needs when it’s time to move on.

You’re Always Stressed

Stress is part of any job. Some days will be better than others.

But when did you last come home from work excited to start your next shift?

Chronic stress is unhealthy. According to one survey, 52% of employees feel burned out at work in 2024. Burned out workers are three times more likely to look for a new job.

Take a moment and think about that:

If employees are constantly stressed at work, they’ll begin to look for something new. Your body and mind won’t let you ignore stress forever.

Your Workplace Has Turned Toxic

Okay, this is kind of a big one.

Bad management, office politics, poor communication. Whatever it is, when work becomes toxic, it’s hard to enjoy going in every day.

Look for these signs:

• Your managers are constantly negative

• Good workers keep quitting

• People take credit for your work and tell you what you did wrong

• Everyone is too scared to speak up

These are almost never things that will magically fix themselves. When a company has a toxic culture, they tend to double down instead of changing their ways.

What You Do Daily No Longer Excites You

This is sort of a catch-all, but when you hate coming to work, it’s time to go.

Many workers go into “autopilot” when they hate their job. They do the bare minimum and sleep half the day away.

Some call that “quiet quitting,” but really it just means the relationship with the job has run its course.

How to Leave Your Job Without Burning Bridges

Knowing when to leave a job is great, but knowing how to leave without burning bridges is important too.

Here are a few things to remember:

Don’t start your job search until you have another job. Being currently employed while searching will alleviate desperation and help you make better decisions.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile before applying. This will ensure your application will stand out and be one of the first cut. You never get a “first impression” with a potential employer if your resume is out of date.

Network, network, network. Most jobs are never posted publicly. Your network is your ticket to seeing those jobs.

And finally, don’t burn bridges on your way out. You never know who you’ll work for down the road or who they’ll work for. Help people out when you can and make sure you leave on good terms if at all possible.

It’s Time to Act

Just because you got a great benefits package or have been at a company for decades doesn’t mean you shouldn’t leave when it’s time.

One of the best things about life is that we get to choose how we spend our days. Don’t waste yours somewhere that’s miserable.

Take control of your career and leave when you know it’s time.

Remember the signs:

• You’re not getting paid what you’re worth

• You have stopped growing

• You’re constantly stressed

• Your workplace has turned toxic

Leaving as soon as you recognize these signs will allow you to beat the crowd and never look back.

The job market favors those who take action. Those who wait around get left behind.

Don’t wait any longer. Start looking today.