On The Job: 7 Signs You Really Need To Move On

Leaving a company can be difficult; whether it’s your first job or not, there is always some anxiety that goes along with putting in your two-weeks notice. You may question whether or not you’re doing the right thing. Is moving on the right option? Will I regret leaving where I am now? What if I fail? You may not know until you try, but if you find yourself relating to these 7 things, it might seriously be time to consider leaving.

1. Every day feels like the day before Thanksgiving break.

Let’s be honest, you’re spending more time on Facebook than you are checking your email. You feel like you have things that you need to get done but you’re stuck in that long-weekend-limbo feeling when your hour long lunch break feels way too short. Don’t worry, we all get that right before a holiday, but if it is just another Tuesday, that might be a problem. You know you have work to do and that it’ll all get done, just not right now. After all, your company isn’t giving anyone with only a year of experience any work that is too important… or at least, that’s what you tell yourself as you work up the motivation to send out some applications.

2. You feel like your only value is answering the phone.

You’re happy pitching in with the administrative work – changing ink cartridges, making note when pens are running low, and, of course, answering the phone from time to time. That’s part of almost any job. Basic customer service is a necessity, but when you’re answering your own cellphone with the companies greeting there is a problem. That can be overlooked though; the real sign that it’s time to move on is when your manager is getting mad at you because you left the office for lunch and they had to answer the phone for once. Bye-bye.

3. There isn’t any opportunity for you to advance.

In this day in age, we live in a world where job-hopping is a commonality and loyalty can be viewed as overrated. When your boss is firing people who have been with the company from the start, there isn’t much motivation to remain faithful. Some companies have realized this and are comfortable having a high turnover rate of entry-level minions. When you know that you aren’t getting anywhere on the corporate ladder, it’s time to get off and find the elevator.

4. Your mentor loves you, but knows it is time for you to find something better.

She has been your work-wife since day one, but it’s not her, it’s you. You’ve outgrown your company and those closest to you can see it. When people around you start pointing out things – whether their big or small – that indicate you should be doing something else or working somewhere else, listen to them. Your mentor is there to encourage and guide you. She is there to support you, teach you, and give you the push you need. When it’s time for her little mentee to spread those wings and leave the nest, mentor knows best. You can still see each other at happy hour!

5. You’re constantly looking for other ways to pass the time.

Whether you have a mountain of work or your employer doesn’t trust you with anything, you spend most of your 9 to 5 looking up where to go skydiving or the hippest new bar to check out this weekend or you might be pursuing a new hobby while your manager’s head is turned. If you find yourself spending your work day not wanting to work, it might be time to spare a couple of hours researching new companies.

6. You dread waking up in the morning.

When your alarm goes off in the morning, you just want to throw it out the window – but then you remember you can’t because you need your cell phone to entertain you at work. You’re upset, but not because it’s early. No, you wake up upset because you have to go to work. If you find yourself nodding your head at this, it’s time to say goodbye.

7. You’ve learned the basics, but there’s not much else they can teach you.

You were excited when you first started your job. Everything was bright and exciting, and every day offered you an opportunity to learn something new. Now, that entry-level job is starting to feel like a kindergarten class. If one more person tries to tell you how to use Excel, you might actually lose your mind. You know the basics: how to speak to someone on the phone, proper email etiquette, and even how to tolerate that coworker that makes you want to punch them in the face. If there isn’t anything left in the company that you haven’t learned and if there is no option to grow, it’s time to move on.

Have you ever experienced any of these before you decided to quit your job?