5 signs it's time to change jobs

Professor Benjamin Laker at Henley Business School (University of Reading, UK) shares 5 signs that it's time to change jobs.

No more challenges

The most obvious sign that it’s time to change jobs is when it no longer excites or challenges you. Initially, a new role excites you because of the learning opportunities and responsibility. But as you master the tasks and see fewer opportunities to learn new skills and take on more responsibility, stagnation can set in.

Unchallenged work often manifests as boredom. This comfort may be appealing in the short term, but in the long term it will hinder your career growth.

Talk to your manager about expanding your job. But if you don't see any change, it may be time to explore other roles where your skills and ambition can shine.

Personal values ​​no longer align with the company

Another key indicator that it may be time to move on is if your personal values ​​conflict with the company’s direction or culture. Maybe your company has changed its mission, adopted new policies, or changed its leadership style in a way that no longer aligns with your principles. Or maybe there are ethical concerns about how the company operates.

When your values ​​no longer align with the organization's, it can lead to feelings of disillusionment and affect your motivation, as well as your performance.

No more advancement

If the company doesn't offer opportunities for advancement or growth, you may find yourself stuck in a role, unable to move forward. Or if you've consistently performed well but there's no room for growth, it's time to reconsider.

Before you decide to leave, have a frank conversation with your manager about your goals and ambitions. Ask if there are any potential projects, mentorship, or roles you could explore. If not, it may be time to consider a company that values ​​your growth potential and offers a clear path for advancement.

Not appreciated or recognized

This is a major factor in job dissatisfaction. If your hard work and contributions are consistently not recognized, it shows that you are not valued and appreciated. Over time, this lack of recognition can lead to frustration, low morale, and dissatisfaction.

Sometimes, being unappreciated is not just about a lack of praise, it's also about benefits that are not commensurate with your contributions, making you feel taken advantage of.

Communicate openly with your boss about your contributions and how you're being compensated. But if these conversations don't lead to meaningful change, you may need to find an employer who recognizes and rewards your value.

You are "burned out"

Burn outis a key sign that it might be time to change jobs. The World Health Organization defines it as a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion and a sense of ineffectiveness. If your job consistently leaves you feeling tired or overwhelmed, even after taking a break, you may be experiencing burnout.

Common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, irritability, and a feeling of apathy toward work. While burnout can be remedied with rest, sometimes the solution is to change jobs. A toxic work environment can also contribute to burnout.

If these factors are ingrained in your company culture or role, leaving is the best option for your mental and physical health.