Are you stuck in a job that’s no longer fulfilling? You’re not alone. According to a Gallup survey, only 23% of employees are engaged at work, leaving a whopping 66% searching for meaning and purpose. It’s easy to stay in a rut, but knowing when to make a change can be tough.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 sure-fire ways to know it’s time to start looking for a new job. From burnout signs to stagnant career growth, we’ll help you identify the red flags that indicate it’s time to take the leap and find a job that’s right for you.
Let’s jump right in!
The Money Isn’t Adding Up
Gone are the days when yearly raises were the norm. But if you haven’t seen any meaningful increase in compensation for two or more years despite solid performance, taking on additional responsibilities, or keeping pace with industry standards, it’s a red flag. Factor in inflation, and you might actually be earning less in real terms than when you started.
You’re Going Nowhere Fast
Career development isn’t just about promotions. You’re probably in a dead-end position if you’ve asked about advancement opportunities and received vague responses or if your company lacks a structured development program. Watch out for situations where you’re doing the same tasks year after year with no new challenges or skills acquisition or watching less qualified colleagues get promoted; read the room. Your career shouldn’t feel like a treadmill.
Your Industry Is Shrinking
Pay attention to market trends. If your industry is experiencing significant disruption, consolidation, or decline, it might be wise to pivot before you’re forced to. Look for signs like frequent layoffs across similar companies, reduced investment in your sector, or obsolete technology becoming central to your role.
The Vibes Are Off
Sometimes it’s subtle. Maybe your collaborative team suddenly feels competitive, or your once-transparent manager starts having closed-door meetings. Trust that pit in your stomach. If you ignore these signs, you may likely end up in the middle of a major restructuring.
You’ve Changed (Or They Have)
Remember being excited about your company’s mission? If you’re now rolling your eyes at the CEO’s “we’re changing the world” speeches, something’s shifted. Maybe it’s you, perhaps it’s them. Either way, misaligned values make every workday feel longer.
Your Skills Are Collecting Dust
Are you still using the same Excel formulas you learned five years ago while your industry moves to AI tools? Bad sign. If you’re consistently working below your capability level or your expertise is ignored in favor of less effective approaches, you’re not just stagnating – you’re actively losing market value. Your skills are like muscles; they need regular exercise to stay strong.
Money’s Getting Weird
When expense reports take longer to process or that promised bonus structure gets “revised,” pay attention. Watch for reduced benefits or sudden cost-cutting measures in previously well-funded areas. If vendors are complaining about late payments or if there’s unusual turnover in the finance department, these could often signal bigger problems.
Your Personal Life Is Disappearing
If you’re missing dinner with your family to answer “urgent” emails that could wait until morning, that’s not dedication – that’s dysfunction. Occasional busy periods are normal, but something’s wrong if you consistently work long hours without recognition or adequate compensation. This is especially true if you’ve voiced concerns about workload and seen no changes.
Leadership Is Unstable
Had four managers in two years? That’s not normal. High turnover at the top usually means chaos is coming. If your direct supervisor has changed multiple times in a short period, or if there’s constant restructuring, it’s hard to build the relationships necessary for career growth.
Your Body’s Sending SOS Signals
Those stress headaches aren’t normal. Neither is checking Slack at 3 AM. Physical symptoms like frequent headaches, insomnia, or anxiety attacks shouldn’t be ignored. If you find yourself getting sick more often, developing new stress-related health issues, or self-medicating to cope with work stress, your job might be literally killing you. Listen to your body – it’s usually right.
You’re Out of the Loop
Remember when you were copied on all the important emails? If you’re learning about major decisions in the company all-hands meeting like everyone else, you’re probably being phased out. Being sidelined can be a subtle form of pushing you out or a sign that your role is becoming less relevant.
Your Skills Feel Like Yesterday’s News
If the new hires are talking about tools and techniques you’ve never heard of, and your company isn’t training you on them, you’re falling behind. Technology moves fast – don’t let your skills stagnate.
The Thank-Yous Have Stopped
Not getting recognized isn’t just about ego. When your contributions stop being acknowledged, it often means you’re being taken for granted or, worse, become invisible. Good work deserves recognition.
You’ve Stopped Learning
When was the last time you learned something new at work? If you can’t remember, that’s a problem. A healthy career should involve regular learning opportunities, whether through formal training, new projects, or exposure to different aspects of the business.
Your Gut Says “Time’s Up”
Sometimes, you can’t put your finger on it, but you know it’s time for a change. This intuition often comes from subconsciously processing numerous small signs that add up to a clear picture: you’ve outgrown your current position.
What Now?
If you’re nodding along to these signs, here’s what to do:
- Polish your LinkedIn profile before announcing any job search plans
- Start networking now, not when you’re desperate
- Figure out what you actually want next – don’t jump from one bad situation to another
- Update your skills – take some online courses in your field
- Start looking while you still have a job – it gives you leverage
Remember: Leaving a job isn’t failing. Sometimes, moving on is the smartest career move you can make. The best time to look for a new position is while you’re still employed, as it gives you leverage in negotiations and removes the pressure of unemployment.
