10 Signs It's Time to Find a New Job

We've all had moments that made us think about switching jobs. But when the only thing holding you back is either fear or the need for an external opinion to validate your feelings—that’s when you might want to listen to your gut No matter how safe your current job feels or the state of the economy, sometimes enough is enough. We're here to help you recognize some signs it's time to find a new job.

Take a look at this list and see how many of these situations resonate with you. If you check at least two boxes and there's no apparent solution, it might be the universe telling you to update your resume and LinkedIn profile.

How to know when it's time to find a new job? Look for these 10 signs

No one is 100% happy with their job all the time. After all, work comes with its responsibilities and challenges. However, it's neither normal nor healthy to feel constantly frustrated and unsatisfied with your role or company. 

“Everyone experiences some level of work anxiety occasionally,” says career coach Kaila Kea-Lewis. “But if you regularly dread going to work, are experiencing any form of harassment or unethical treatment, or persistently feel it in your gut that it’s time for a change, it’s probably time to leave your job.”

1. Going to work feels dreadful

Do you hate waking up for work? Do you feel a wave of sadness every time you step into your office building? When work starts to feel overwhelming, it should ring an alarm bell inside your head signaling it's time to leave. We all have bad days, but they shouldn’t be so frequent or intense that the mere thought of going to work makes you feel bad.

2. You're underappreciated

If you're always going above and beyond but your efforts are never acknowledged or appreciated, it's a valid reason to consider switching jobs. Lack of recognition at work is a major red flag and can have serious consequences over time. For instance, employees who feel undervalued may lose motivation and begin underperforming.

3. There's no space for growth

Does your company offer learning and development opportunities? Do you feel there's room for professional growth? “Learning and development is very important,” Lewis says. “If your employer isn't offering these opportunities and you want them, you should consider finding a new employer that does prioritize your professional development.”

But before making a decision, analyze if this is the only issue you have with the company. “For instance, if you are happy with the other aspects of your position, consider an alternative, such as asking whether your employer is willing to fund professional development opportunities that you find on your own,” she suggests. 

4. You're underpaid 

One of the most common signs you should find a new job is if you’re being underpaid. According to a Pew Research Center poll, 63% of workers quit their jobs due to low salary. If you've already tried to negotiate a promotion based on your performance and it was denied multiple times, it's unlikely that staying a few more years of hard work will change this reality.

5. You're not a good fit with company's culture

Cultural fit between the company and its employees is a big deal. Some companies even include surveys in their hiring process to better understand candidates' motivations and personalities.

This leads to another valid reason to find a new job: lack of alignment with your company's culture. “If you feel like you don’t fit or have found that your team is excluding you for not fitting in, and it’s impacting your mental health, you should consider new job opportunities at a company that is a better fit,” Lewis says.

The first option is always to try to find a solution. But if nothing changes, it might be time to seek a better and more welcoming workplace. “Once you’ve made an earnest attempt at reconciling things, without compromising yourself, and that hasn’t worked, consider moving on,” Lewis adds.

6. The work environment is toxic

Unfortunately, most of us had to deal with toxic bosses or toxic colleagues at some point. They can be jealous, spread rumors, or make unreasonable demands. Women, in particular, may face additional challenges, like being undermined by their bosses. 

Research shows that a toxic work environment can impact your mental health, raising your stress levels and lowering your self-esteem. If you're going through a similar situation, take it as fuel to find a new job.

7. Your company is making layoffs

If your company is laying off employees, it's a sign that things aren't going well financially or, at best, they're restructuring some departments. It could also be a sign to start looking for a new job as soon as possible. 

Dealing with layoffs? Read What to do After Being Laid Off: Your Emotional Survival Guide

8. The work is affecting your health

Your job shouldn't make you ill. If you're constantly stressed, depressed, or on the verge of burnout, these are red flags. Add to that a lack of work-life balance and strain on your relationships, and it's clear it's time to seek a less stressful job.

9. You don't feel challenged 

I once worked at a place where most employees held the same position for years. There was no career development plan, and promotions were rare. Needless to say, many of my coworkers felt unsatisfied and stuck. After a while, they decided to leave for better opportunities. If you find yourself in a similar situation and don't feel challenged anymore, it might be time to consider doing the same.

10. You're constantly thinking about quitting

If you're constantly asking yourself, “Is it time to find a new job?” or “Should I find a new job?” you may already have the answer. This non-stop feeling that it's time to make a change can be an indication that you're not satisfied with where you are right now. So, trust your gut and explore external opportunities.

Start by looking for open jobs on Fairygodboss.

Should I quit my job before finding a new one?

When we realize that our jobs are no longer serving us well, the urge to leave can be overwhelming. We want to do it now and quickly. However, the current economic climate demands caution and patience. Lewis suggests making a plan that takes the following into consideration:

• Are you considering quitting without notice or resigning with at least a two-week notice period?

• Will you take a break from the workforce or dive right into job searching?

• Do you have any other sources of income that can sustain you until you find a new job?

After carefully considering every possible scenario, including perhaps doing some math to assess your savings, you should make a decision. 

“You should also consider some contingencies,” Lewis says. “Your resignation may not go as planned. For example, if your manager encourages you to stay, are you open to that or are you adamant about leaving the role? Consider a few different scenarios so that you are prepared, regardless of what happens.”