Tough Call: Should you leave your job or try to make it work?

It can be stressful to think about leaving a job and starting over somewhere new. However, ignoring the red signs is not an option.

There are many reasons to leave a job. If your job is stressing you out, you should consider them well before deciding to move on. These are the most significant signs of trouble you need to look out for.

You can’t grow or advance anymore

If you can see that your skills are not being utilized anymore, then something’s not right. If that’s the case, you’re probably no longer learning anything new because you’re not getting the chance to work on challenging tasks or lead new projects to enhance your existing skill set.

What you can resolve: This doesn’t have to be the end of the rope if you haven’t spoken up about it yet. Talk to your manager about wanting to get more responsibility and more opportunities to own new and interesting projects so you can learn new things. If they don’t respond, talk to their manager. Communicate your frustration clearly up the corporate ladder before making any rash decisions.

You’re underpaid

If you’re struggling to save money or notice that you immediately have to spend every pound you earn, you’re underpaid. If your whole salary is going in the direction of your basic living expenses or to cover your commute to work, then you need to reconsider your current job. In addition, your salary would cover your basic needs, but it still doesn’t compensate you for the amount and/or quality of your work. If that happens, it’s a problem.

What you can resolve: You do have the right to talk to your manager about getting a salary boost, especially if you know the work you’re doing is worth more than the money you’re getting. So consider negotiating for a better salary if you see that you’re not being compensated fairly.

You’re physically and mentally drained

If you know for sure that your workload or toxic work environment is taking its toll on your physical and/or mental health, it’s time to raise the red flag.

[clickToTweet tweet=” If you’re being severely overworked to the point that it’s making you sick, leave. No job is worth your wellbeing. ” quote=” If you’re being severely overworked to the point that it’s making you sick, leave. No job is worth your wellbeing. ” theme=”style3″]

If you’re being severely overworked to the point that it’s making you sick, leave. No job is worth your wellbeing.

What you can resolve: If your issue is strictly one of a heavy workload and not enough days off, talk to your manager about task distribution and communicate clearly that you’re overwhelmed and need time off. Then, make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance moving forward.

You think your company is going nowhere

If you can see that your company has major problems that senior management refuses to deal with, leave before the water comes closing in on you. You don’t have to be aboard the ship when it drowns. Moreover, maybe you just no longer believe in the company’s values anymore. If that’s a case, look for a place you do believe in.

What you can resolve: Do your part and let them know we have a serious problem on our hands, and when you do so make sure you bring suggested solutions to the table, not just complaints. They could be responsive and cooperative and you could end up working together to resolve the company’s issues. And if things work out, you could get a lot of credit for your part.

You can’t stand the people you work with

Workplace relationships are critical, however, underestimated. When we don’t like the people we work with or continuously clash with them, work environments become stressful.  It’s really hard to put out quality work when you hate your boss.

What you can resolve: If you have serious issues with your boss, team members or other people in your office, make sure you make an effort to confront them and air out all of your problems before deciding to just leave. Broken relationships can be mended if you give them the chance.

Your potential is being wasted

If you no longer love what you do, and you feel like you want to try something else or that your true calling lies elsewhere, it’s time to think about leaving.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Maybe your manager won’t give you the freedom to fulfill your potential or maybe this is just not the right career path for you. ” quote=”Maybe your manager won’t give you the freedom to fulfill your potential or maybe this is just not the right career path for you.” theme=”style3″]

Maybe your manager won’t give you the freedom to fulfill your potential or maybe this is just not the right career path for you. Which one is it? It’s an important question to answer.

What you can resolve: If you feel like you have the right job but just aren’t getting the opportunities to shine, tell your manager. Tell them you want to own more projects and have more freedom to execute your vision. They could help you explore new opportunities.

You’re a victim of some form of workplace abuse

If you’re experiencing harassment, discrimination of any kind, bullying, or any abuse at work, that your employer didn’t take any actions against, you should leave your current job. This doesn’t mean you should leave without taking corrective measures, make sure to do that but also make sure you’re looking at other opportunities at the same time.

What you can resolve: All forms of workplace abuse are illegal. So you don’t have to feel helpless, you can reach out to the HR and legal departments in your company to find out what measures you need to take to make things right.

Your career goals are stagnating at your job

If where you are now doesn’t fall into your career pathway, you may need to rethink of a way to change that. Maybe you have outgrown your position, there is no room for growth, or you have used all your opportunities; this might be the point where you have to take a step towards your goals.

What you can resolve: You can talk to your boss about what your career goals are so they can have the big picture and help you work towards those goals. Perhaps you can ask to be assigned to new projects or even work in a different department if that’s what will help you grow in the direction you want.

You’re procrastinating all the time

If you feel like you can no longer muster the energy to perform your tasks and just keep pushing them to no avail, this is a clear sign that something’s wrong. Either you’re not interested in the work you’re doing because you are not working on the projects you like, or you’re seriously burnt out and need some vacation time.

What you can resolve: If you need time off from work, ask for it. And if you want to work on different projects or tasks, or even work in an entirely different team in your company, you can certainly ask for that too.

You’re not being heard or appreciated

Having a well-heard voice at work is very important. If you keep trying to speak up at work to voice your opinions but you can never win an argument, then something isn’t right. Moreover, if you feel like your excellent performance isn’t recognized and your efforts and results aren’t appreciated, you should consider finding a place that will appreciate them.

What you can resolve: If you’re not getting the recognition you deserve, say that. Don’t be scared to speak up about not getting verbal recognition. It’s your right, just as much as financial recognition.

Finally, one of the biggest signs that indicate it’s time to leave is if you’re simply not happy with your job anymore. If you dread going to work, are always miserable at work, and you just can’t seem to enjoy any of it anymore, it’s time to move on.

Many workplace issues that cause us stress can surely be fixed. However, if most of the reasons listed here apply to your current situation despite your trials to make things better, and you definitely know that you’re just not happy anymore, pack your stuff and leave.