Not everybody is in their dream career, but we all have to make ends meet and get things done at work. That said, more than half of workers in the United States alone are unhappy with their jobs. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to jump the ship or stick it out a little longer, check if any of these bullet points ring true for you.
Your pay is not in line with your performance and contributions
You are possibly not getting paid enough for the amount of work that you put in. Consider how long you’ve worked at the company you’re at, and how much progress you’ve made in that time. If you feel like you’ve adequately made a positive impact in your time there and yet have not received the proper compensation for it, it’s one big sign it’s time to look for a better offer somewhere else.
Besides that, it may also do you well to think about whether your salary is no longer worth it in your mind. If even the money you’re getting is not enough justification in your mind to feel satisfied, it may not be worth the energy to stay there any longer. Reach out to an accountant or use the help of payroll services if you want to make sure that you can afford to move on, and go from there.
You are constantly drained and stressed
Work is noted as one of the top causes of stress for adults, and while this may seem like an inevitability with all the problems and tasks that come with the work-life, it should not be at a point where it always overwhelms you. Chronic stress is a sign that the situation is not in good shape where you’re working, whether it’s the workload or the environment. The health problems that can come from this are myriad and often quite severe if you wait around too long.
Although stress usually manifests in irritability, another symptom that often comes hand in hand with this is fatigue. It’s best not to overlook this, both for physical tiredness and mental fatigue. If you find that it’s a consistent feeling and you’re dreading the workweek, it could be time to go.
You feel like you’re always doing things out of your purview
It’s essential to know your worth and stand firm in what your job entails. There’s no need to go above and beyond your job description, especially if it often takes away time from your actual responsibilities. If you are continually being asked to go out of your purview, it may be a major tell that people are not putting enough value on your work or that you might be getting taken advantage of in your workplace.
Another variation of this to watch out for is simply if your skills are mismatched with your position. If you feel like that’s the case, seek out a job where you can thrive and make the most of what you know. That will not only make you feel more fulfilled and productive but also be more beneficial for the company that you end up working for in the right role.
If any or all of these situations apply to you, it may be time to send in that resignation letter and find another option.