When do you know it’s time for a new job

 Are you like most people who are faced with a seemingly overwhelming thought of venturing into a new job? You try to imagine yourself in an entirely different work setting, slaving away to get your new duties done, and basically having a totally novel experience. If you’re exactly like these people, then you’re probably hesitating and holding off on leaving your current position and applying for a new one.  You might be thinking that your present job isn’t so bad and that the new one might be more than you can handle. Doubts fill your mind, and as a result, you convince yourself that you don’t need to quit at all. But how do you know when it’s really time for a new job? Here are some tell-tales:

1. You can’t imagine a future with your present employer

At the job interview which got you into the company, you were asked what your plans for the future were and if that future included your present company. Now, years later, you need to ask yourself the same questions. Do you see yourself working for your current employer for another three, five, or ten years? Can you picture yourself growing further at your present job? Put some serious thought into these questions as your answers to these are critical in making the right decision. If you answer these questions in the negative, then it may be time for you to formulate another plan. After all, it is never too early to make plans if you wish to be working at some other place in the near future.

2 You can’t reach your full potential with your current job

You know that you can do better, accomplish more, and achieve greater levels of success, but your job just isn’t giving you an opportunity to make it all possible. It might be that your boss just passed you over for promotion, or it might be that the responsibilities being placed under your feet just aren’t challenging enough. If you feel that you won’t reach your full potential or that you don’t receive enough recognition for your amazing achievements, then perhaps it would be better to devote your time and skills working for another company.

3.  You can’t seem to find any joy in what you’re doing

Sure, working isn’t all about fun. There will be days when you won’t be able to find a single thing to smile about, but if you constantly can’t take pleasure in anything about your job, then there’s something truly wrong. It might be that you just applied for this job because it was what you needed at the time to feed yourself and the people relying on you, but financial rewards can only go so far. If you’ve tried everything, such as switching to a lateral position in the same company to no avail, then it’s probably the right time to do some soul-searching. Find out what your real passion is, and look for a job that ignites it. When you’ve got that job, even the worst workday can seem like nothing.

People are naturally frightened by change. However, without it, you will always be where you are right now – stuck in a loathsome job. Take note of the signs. Determine whether it’s time to move on from your current position to a new one. Don’t let change impede you from taking that bold step.