We all know a job is a good thing to have—even, sometimes, the wrong job. But if you’re in a job that truly isn’t the best one for you, then it might be time for a change. If you’ve started to feel unchallenged or miserable at work and find yourself simply going through the paces to get through to the weekend, then it might be time to start asking yourself questions.
Staying in a bad job too long can damage your career. Here are 10 ways to tell if your current job is all wrong.
1. There isn’t enough money in the world that would make you happy.
It’s not just that you’re not being paid enough. When you ask yourself how much you should be making, you still experience that sinking feeling in your stomach that says you just don’t want to be there. Honor that feeling. If not even a big fat raise can make you feel good about your current job, it’s time to start looking elsewhere.
2. You’re getting bad feedback.
Not just once or twice, but often—and consistently. This job just doesn’t come as naturally to you as it does to your coworkers, and it’s making you feel bad about yourself. Take some of that feedback to heart and learn to accept your limitations. Then take responsibility for yourself and your career and find a place where you’ll be a better fit.
3. You’re just not passionate about it.
You listen to people talk about their businesses and their exciting jobs with envy. You could care less about your company and what you do, and you certainly don’t think it’s interesting enough to bring up at dinner parties. Start by rethinking what you are passionate about, what you actually like to do, then see if you can’t find a job doing one of those things instead of what you’re doing now.
4. You can’t be yourself.
There are plenty of companies out there that want you to be a corporate automaton, but these are fading out of popularity and being replaced with companies who make it their mission to encourage their employees to be who they are. If you have a big personality, stop trying to pound yourself into the wrong-shaped hole. Find a better fit.
5. Your industry is dying.
Rats are running from the sinking ship. You know it’s over. Your company knows it’s over. Your industry’s time has run out and you’re witnessing its steady decline. Instead of going down with the ship, why not figure out way to take your skills and market them in a new industry?
6. Your boss hates you.
It’s not just that you don’t like each other; your boss really seems to be out to get you. If this is you, and your work situation has become toxic, there’s probably nothing better you could do than find a way out.
7. Your commute is killing your soul.
Or even if it’s really not that bad, you just hate your job so much that the process of getting up in the morning and making your way there fills you with dread and sloth. This is a pretty good sign that you need a change.
8. There’s a ceiling.
There aren’t many (or any) opportunities in your company for you to advance. Even if you don’t actively hate the job you have, it’s probably not a great idea to stay in a job that won’t allow you to work your way up.
9. Your work/life balance has no balance.
Work/life balance is incredibly important. Make sure you’re not burning out. Some jobs will always be more intense than others, but keep in mind that you won’t always be young and you want to stay healthy enough to be able to get through your whole career in one piece. If a job just won’t let up, it might be a good idea to move on.
10. You’re not learning.
The minute you stop learning new things and being challenged is the moment that you are officially stagnating. This is always a bad idea, in the work world and in your life. Find a way to constantly push yourself to learn and try new things. And find a job that will let you do this to help maximize your career growth and potential.
