Is It Time To Find Another Job?

We've all been there. We hit the snooze button on the alarm too many times to count because we just don't feel like going into work for yet another day. When we're at work, we count the hours to quitting time. We bide our time for the weekends.

Or possibly it's worse. Maybe the thought of work hurts the pit of your stomach. You get headaches and your teeth clench. Every day at work is like running the gauntlet.

If you're thinking that it might be time to find another job, that's a strong signal that it might be time to find another job.

If you're not sure, don't worry. There is no harm in updating your resume and keeping an eye open for other suitable positions. In fact, it's a good idea to test the waters every now and then, even if you're happy with your job. It gives you a sense of your marketability and helps you feel in control of your situation.

However, if you're wondering if it's time to find another job, the worst thing you can do is nothing.

It may be that your intuition is telling you something that your conscious mind hasn't recognized yet. It may be that the company is preparing for a downsize, or your boss is thinking of replacing you. Sometimes we're unaware of undercurrents, but our intuition tells us that something just isn't right. It's similar to listening to a piece of music in which one instrument is just slightly out of tune. It might be so slightly out of tune that our ear doesn't even pick it up, but we sense the music is lacking in something or is just "off" somehow.

If you think your intuition is telling you something but you don't know what, do a quick assessment of your situation:

- Are you in a rut? Does the idea of doing the same thing next year, or five years from now, depress you?

- Has your boss's behavior changed towards you over the past few months? 

This includes behaviors like unwillingness to make eye contact, unavailability for discussions, excessive criticism, a lack of confidence in your judgment, or even unusual (and seemingly insincere) warmth toward you.

- Is your boss a jerk, plain and simple?

I've heard it said that you should never quit a job because of a bad boss. I disagree. I think that's a very good reason to quit a job, especially if the chances are that your boss will be around for a long time. You don't necessarily have to leave the company, of course. You could look for positions elsewhere in the organization.

But if your company is very small, you might just have to quit your job to get away from your bad boss. A bad boss can make your life a living hell. Of course, do what you can to improve the situation and get along with your boss. But give yourself a deadline. Promise yourself that you will do whatever you can to get along with your boss, but if the situation hasn't improved in six months, you will start sending out your resume.

- Has there been a change in upper management?

Certain people in charge tend to prefer to supervise employees that they've hired themselves. They often don't like to supervise their predecessor's employees. This is not true of all supervisors, but it does happen.

- Has the company changed philosophies, and if so, are you comfortable with this change?

You, of course, don't want to be resistant to change, especially if it's changed for the better. But if the company's philosophy has shifted to something you're uncomfortable with, then you should take note of it.

- Have you found that your workplace companions are the naysayers of the organization?

Nothing can deplete morale faster than chumming with the complainers. Yet, too often, the complainers are the only people discussing what's really wrong with an organization. If you find that you're among the group of people always complaining about the organization, consider either finding another organization to work for, or work to improve your current situation.

If any of these situations sound painfully familiar, it might be time for you to consider looking elsewhere. Life is too short to waste in a job that you don't like!