3 Signs that it’s Time to Quit Your Job
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? If you’re like most people you probably passed on the chance to become a cowboy or a ballerina to take a more traditional job; one that you may not like as much as you’d hoped. It’s hard to walk away from a secure job, especially if it pays good money, but the fact that you’re reading this article may be a sign that it’s time to quit your job – or at least start exploring other options.
Your Work Performance is Slipping
First, you’re a couple of minutes late and no one notices. A couple of minutes turn into 10 or 12 minutes and before you know it you’re sneaking in the door late nearly every day. Almost everyone gets a little tired of their job now and then, but if you’re regularly unmotivated, coming in late, spending a lot of time on the phone, surfing the Net – doing less work and more clock watching, it may be time to quit your job.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s alright to continue poor job performance because you’re going to quit soon anyway. Eventually, someone will notice those late mornings and afternoon naps. Bad work habits could cost you the good references you need to get that other job, or even get you fired before you have new employment lined up. Once you‘ve realized your work ethics are slipping, make efforts to get back on track and start searching the help wanted ads.
There’s No Room to Grow
If you think your boss has the worst job in the world it may be a sign that your opportunities for advancement are limited. Imagining yourself as the boss someday, and then her boss, and his boss is a sign that you’re invested in the company, care about the work that’s done there and loaded with ideas about how you can help make the company even better. But if you’re supervisor’s job looks like one long feast of garbage pie, chances are you’re not too excited about earning a promotion.
Of course, it may be that you may think your boss has a great gig; one you are willing to work hard to get someday. But if you’re putting in more effort than your coworkers, logging long hours, sacrificing your social life and still getting overlooked, it may be that you’re just not on the company’s radar. Unless you can figure out how to get some attention, and quickly, it may be best to share your talents elsewhere.
You’re a Negative Nelly
Pay attention to what you say about your job when you’re not there. Are you constantly complaining to your partner or friends about your horrible boss, dank cubicle or the mind-numbing tasks you’re forced to perform each day? Do you think most of your coworkers are morons and that the company is rotten to the core? Guess what – it's probably you and not them.
No matter who’s smart and who’s not, if you’ve developed a negative attitude about the people you work for and with, it’s time to search for greener pastures. Boredom can lead to anxiety, depression and a generally sour outlook on life. The negativity you feel about work will seep into other parts of your life and could have serious consequences on your relationships and your health. No paycheck is worth being miserable for.
