Bills Covered, Fulfillment Missing. Is it time for a change?

Signs that show you need a change

Feeling negative emotions can be a sign that something is off with your job. Before making any drastic decisions, like quitting, it’s a good idea to ask yourself some questions and take some time to think things over.

Here are some signs that can tell you it’s time for a job change, whether you’re thinking about quitting or making changes to your routine or attitude.

Stress, sadness and physical problems

Pay close attention to how you feel before heading to work. If you struggle to get out of bed and the thought of Monday and work fills you with anxiety, it’s time to pause and assess how it’s impacting your mental well-being.

At times, stress can lead to physical symptoms like digestive problems, insomnia, and extreme fatigue. This is the most important point to consider, as your health is the foundation on which you build your life. So, we suggest paying close attention to this indicator.

You need to numb yourself after work

Here’s another important sign: if you feel the need to numb yourself after work to avoid the unpleasant feelings your job generates, it’s a clear indication that something isn’t right.

Some ways people try to numb these emotions include excessive use of social media or turning to harmful habits as a temporary escape.

Lack of motivation and enthusiasm

Always expecting work to be ideal and consistently comfortable isn’t realistic. But here’s something important to consider: if you started your job with enthusiasm and have noticed your motivation gradually fading to the point where going to work feels like a chore, it’s worth paying attention to.

In more extreme cases, this declining motivation can even turn into a strong dislike. In other words, you start finding faults in nearly everything related to your job and constantly focus on the negatives.

We suggest asking yourself a few questions: How long have you felt this way? Has it been going on for an extended period? What initially drew you to work in the industry you’re in?

You feel like your efforts go unnoticed and unappreciated 

This is another reason that might be contributing to your dissatisfaction and could also be triggering your desire for change. The lack of recognition from your boss or your team, the failure to acknowledge your efforts, the considerable time and energy you invest in your role, and the absence of appreciation for your achievements can be quite frustrating.

It’s also crucial to consider whether there are opportunities for growth within the company and if your salary aligns with your experience, position and responsibilities. If you feel that your salary doesn’t match these factors, an intermediate step could be having a conversation with your boss to express your feelings and discuss your needs.

Procrastination and struggle to focus

Putting things off and struggling to stay focused at work could be signs of a deeper problem. It’s normal for everyone to procrastinate from time to time, but what’s important is whether this is a recent change.

In simpler terms, if you used to be organized and on top of your tasks but now find yourself procrastinating regularly, it may indicate that you’re not happy with your current work situation.

What to consider when making a change?

It’s time to be honest with yourself and ask what you need. Is it about the paycheck? Do you want a better work-life balance? Are you unhappy with your company’s culture? Or do you feel like you need a professional change, maybe exploring a different field or learning something new?

Also, before making a decision, take a moment to analyze your situation: think about the pros and cons of your current situation and consider whether the negatives are affecting you so much that a change would be the best option.

It’s important that you make a plan: assess your savings to see if you can manage financially, think about other areas that interest you and consider what you’d like to do if you left your current job.

We also recommend reaching out to a support network and talking about your feelings with people you trust. Putting your emotions into words can make you feel supported, give you a fresh perspective and you might even receive advice or insights that help you make your decision.