Is It Time to Look for a New Job? The Top 5 Signs
How do you know when it’s time to look for a new job? The simple answer is when your current position no longer works for you or your employer. That can be because there is no more upward mobility for you, or because your skills and experience have outgrown your employer’s pay band, or perhaps your employer is looking to downsize.
There are a few common signs that many job seekers rely on to tell them that it is time for a change.
Here are the top 5 signs that it’s time to start looking for a new job:
- Nowhere to go. Are you ready for the next step in your career, but there’s no step to take at your current employer? It may be time to go. Whether it’s a family firm and you’ve risen as high as you can go without being family, or there is just no turnover in the level above you, seeking new opportunities could be your next step.
- Salary stagnation. Have you been told you’re at the top of your pay band? Or have you asked for a raise and been told you’re already earning more than others in similar positions? Your skills and experience may have outgrown your current employer.
- Skills stagnation. Are you eager to keep improving your skill set, but your employer just cannot support it, either financially or managerially? Many companies are wary of employees who earn advanced degrees or certifications, as they are concerned that the employee will become more expensive or leave. If you’re feeling discouraged from growing your career, it may be time to look for an employer eager to help you grow.
- Mission shift. Did you start out in a mechanical engineering role and ended up in quality control? The needs of your employer can offer new skills and deeper experience, but sometimes those needs push you into a career direction that simply doesn’t fit. If your role has shifted and your employer cannot offer that original role that excited and motivated you, it might be time to find a new position that is a better fit for your interests and expertise.
- Layoffs. Is your company looking to downsize? Have there been layoffs and you’re concerned about your job stability? It may be time to get proactive and start looking for new options!
