How to know it’s time to move on from your job
Making the decision to move on from your job can be really difficult, especially if you’ve been with the company for a long time.
When you’ve been embedded in a role for a while, it’s hard to know when the right time is to make that leap. Even in a role that you dislike, ensuring you’re choosing the timing wisely could be the difference between making a rash decision and ending up in another role that doesn’t suit you, and finding your dream job.
Ask yourself these five questions to find out whether now is the best time to move on from a job:
- Are you learning and challenging yourself every day?
- Do you get the recognition and rewards that your effort deserves?
- Are you consistently unhappy at work?
- Do your personal values and the values of your company align?
- Are you fairly compensated for your work?
Are you learning and challenging yourself every day?
If you’re not learning or growing in your current job, it might be time to move on to a new role.
Of course, it’s natural to want to learn and progress in your career; a position that doesn’t offer growth opportunities can feel stagnant and unfulfilling. If you’re not learning new things or advancing your career, it could be time to look for a job that offers more growth and development.
This doesn’t (necessarily) mean you have to leave your current position to grow! You can negotiate with your boss for additional training or development, but if that doesn’t work, it might be time to speak with a recruiter to find new growth opportunities.
Do you get the recognition and reward that your effort deserves?
It’s crucial to be treated with respect and to be rewarded for the work that you do. We all want to feel that we are getting the recognition that we deserve in our jobs. Otherwise, it can feel as though you’re putting in a lot of effort, and not getting noticed for it!
If you don’t feel that you’re getting this from your current job, it could be time to start looking for a new opportunity where you are valued for your contributions. Before deciding to leave, try having a conversation with your manager about how you’re feeling. If that doesn’t lead to any changes, talk to us to find a company that’s a better fit for you.
Are you consistently unhappy at work?
If you’re consistently unhappy at work, it could mean it’s time to move on.
Work is a massive part of our lives, and everyone should be able to find joy and fulfilment in what they do. If you’re constantly feeling miserable or you’re prone to the dreaded Sunday night blues, consider finding a new opportunity that makes you happier.
Before deciding to leave your job, try to identify the root cause of your unhappiness. For example, are you feeling overwhelmed or undervalued? Once you understand what’s causing your unhappiness, then you can decide if it can be resolved in your current role, or if it’s time to get in touch with Synergy to find your dream job.
Do your personal values and the values of your company align?
If your personal values don’t match up with your company’s, it could be time to look for a new position.
Working for a company that shares your values can lead to a more fulfilling work experience, but if your core beliefs aren’t respected by the company, it could lead to disconnection and dissonance. There’s nothing worse than doing something you don’t believe in, or working in a business where the culture just doesn’t feel right.
Before leaving your job, maybe consider the medium and long-term possibilities. If the company culture seems to be moving in a positive direction – either through recently implemented Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion policies, wellbeing strategies, or other policies – then it might be worth seeing how the company aligns with your values in the long term. Was there one particularly poor manager in the workplace who might be leaving soon? Think about the mid- and long-term prospects of the company culture before making the decision to leave.
However, if the company’s values still don’t match your own – and don’t seem to be trending in a positive direction – it could be a sign that it’s time to move on to a new opportunity that is a better fit for you.
Are you fairly compensated for your work?
If you’re not paid what you’re worth or receiving the benefits and perks you deserve, it might be time to move to a company that values you more.
Being fairly compensated for your work is absolutely vital: obviously it can impact your financial stability but being fairly rewarded for the work that you do can also do wonders for your overall well-being. If you’re not being paid what you’re worth, speak with a recruiter to find a new role with a fair compensation package.
Before leaving your job, it might be helpful to research the going rate for your position in your industry and location. Take some time to examine your skillset and what you can bring to a role: think about the value-add that you can offer the company, either through unique sector experience or being multiskilled.
This might give you a better understanding of what you deserve and whether your current compensation is fair. If you’re not being paid what you’re worth, start looking for a company that values you.
Thinking about making the leap into a new role?
If you’re feeling unhappy at work, not learning or growing, your values don’t match the company’s, you’re not being fairly compensated, or your work environment is toxic, it might be time to consider leaving your job.
It can be tough to decide to move on, but your happiness and well-being are vital. Take some time to reflect on your priorities and goals and see if there are ways to resolve any issues you’re having at your current job.
But if you’ve tried everything and you’re still not happy, talk with us, and we’ll work to find you a role that suits you. Moving on is okay if a job isn’t the right fit, and there are plenty of other possibilities.
Talk with the experts at Synergy if you think it’s time to move on to a role that suits you better.
