In recent years, the workplace has undergone massive shifts. From the Great Resignation in 2021, when millions left their jobs for better opportunities, to 2022’s trend of quiet quitting, where employees disengaged without leavingworkers worldwide have been rethinking their careers. Now, we’re experiencing the Great Re-evaluation, where employees aren’t just changing jobs; they’re redefining their relationship with work.
A Forbes article recently predicted that “Lack of Career Growth May Be the Top Cause for Turnover in 2025.” Research shows that nearly 75% of millennials and Gen Z employees might leave jobs lacking opportunities for skill development. With these generations becoming the majority workforce, it’s a wake-up call for both employees and employers.
So, how do you know when it’s time to move on? Consider May’s story, she recognized six clear signs that led her to find a job better suited to her goals and well-being.
6 Signs It’s Time to Leave Your Job
1. You Dread Mondays
May once looked forward to planning exciting projects on Sundays. Now, she feels anxious every weekend. If the thought of going to work fills you with dread, it’s a sign your job might not bring joy or satisfaction anymore.
2. No Growth Opportunities
When May joined her company, she envisioned a bright future. But promotions went to outsiders, and requests for development were ignored. Feeling stuck with no room to grow is a strong indicator it might be time for a change.
3. Work Feels Boring
What once inspired May now feels repetitive and dull. If your daily tasks no longer challenge or excite you, boredom could be pushing you to consider new opportunities.
4. Toxic Work Environment
May’s office atmosphere turned toxic, with team meetings filled with blame and negativity. A lack of collaboration and support drained her energy and enthusiasm. Toxicity in the workplace can severely affect your mental health and productivity.
5. Misaligned Values
May joined her company for its focus on sustainability, but when profits overshadowed values, she felt disconnected. If your personal beliefs no longer align with your company’s priorities, staying motivated can become difficult.
6. Declining Well-Being
Work stress began taking a toll on May’s health sleepless nights, constant fatigue, and neglecting hobbies she once enjoyed. When your job starts affecting your physical or mental health, it’s a serious sign to consider leaving.
Deciding When to Quit
We spend about one-third of our waking hours, roughly 90,000 hours in a lifetime working. It may be time for a change if your job isn’t fulfilling or supportive.
Deciding to leave isn’t easy, and you shouldn’t rush it. Reflect on your financial responsibilities and career goals. For May, staying unhappy wasn’t fair to herself or her employer. Her disengagement impacted her performance and the team’s morale.
Taking the Next Step
If these signs resonate, it may be time to update your resume and start networking. May eventually found a new role at a company whose mission reignited her passion. Now, she wakes up excited to contribute and feels valued once again.
Remember: Quitting doesn’t mean failure. Sometimes, it’s the first step toward a more fulfilling career.
