7 signs it’s time to leave your job
Deciding whether to stay in your current job or move on to something new can be one of the toughest career choices you'll face. On one hand, there’s comfort in the familiar - steady income, known expectations, and established routines. On the other, there might be nagging doubts about whether you're truly happy, growing, or fulfilled in your role.
So, how do you know when it’s time to stay, and when it’s time to go? Here are 7 key signs to help you weigh your decision.
1. You’re not growing anymore
If you feel like you’re no longer learning or being challenged at work, it might be a red flag. Career stagnation can lead to frustration and boredom. Ask yourself:
Am I still developing new skills?
Is there room for advancement?
Do I feel excited about taking on new tasks?
If the answer to these questions is consistently "no," it may be a sign that it's time to seek new opportunities where growth is possible. A lack of professional development can stall your career and prevent you from reaching your full potential.
2. You dread going to work every day
We all have tough days at work, but if you're waking up every morning with a pit in your stomach at the thought of going to your job, it’s time to take that seriously. Chronic dread or stress is often a sign that something isn't right. Pay attention to how your job is impacting your emotional and mental well-being:
Do you feel drained by the end of the day?
Are you constantly watching the clock or counting the hours until you can leave?
Do you experience frequent work-related anxiety?
Work should challenge you in a positive way, not become a source of ongoing stress or misery.
3. The company culture isn’t a fit
Sometimes the problem isn’t the job itself, but the company culture. If you feel out of place or like you don’t belong, it can be difficult to stay motivated and engaged. Think about:
Does the company’s mission and values align with mine?
Do I feel supported and respected by my colleagues and management?
Is there a positive work environment, or is it toxic or unhealthy?
A poor cultural fit can lead to disengagement and dissatisfaction. If you consistently feel like you don’t “fit in” or you're compromising your values to stay, it may be time to explore other options.
4. Your work-life balance is suffering
Work-life balance is crucial for long-term happiness and well-being. If your job is constantly infringing on your personal time, leaving little room for hobbies, family, or self-care, it’s worth reconsidering your position. Ask yourself:
Are you working late or on weekends frequently?
Is your job impacting your physical or mental health?
Do you have time for activities outside of work that bring you joy?
A job should support, not consume, your life. If you're sacrificing too much for your job, it might be time to find a role that offers more balance.
5. You don’t see a future there
One of the biggest indicators that it might be time to move on is when you no longer see a future at the company. Whether it’s due to a lack of upward mobility, the company’s financial instability, or simply outgrowing the role, a lack of long-term potential is a significant signal. Consider:
Can I see myself in a higher position here?
Is the company growing or declining?
Are there opportunities for advancement or are promotions rare?
If you don’t see yourself progressing within the company or if the company's future feels uncertain, it may be worth exploring new career paths.
6. You’re only staying for the comfort of the pay-cheque
Financial security is important, but if the pay cheque is the only reason you're staying, it's worth reassessing. Staying in a role purely for money can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout in the long run. Ask yourself:
Am I staying because I love the work or because it’s convenient?
If money were no object, would I still want to be in this job?
Do I have savings or alternative financial strategies if I were to leave?
While financial stability is critical, staying in a role solely for the pay-cheque can limit your long-term career growth and personal fulfilment.
7. You’ve lost passion for the work
When you first started your job, you were probably excited and motivated. But over time, it’s natural for those feelings to shift. However, if you’ve lost all enthusiasm for what you do, it could be a sign to reconsider. Ask yourself:
Do I still feel passionate about the work I’m doing?
Am I proud of the impact I’m making?
Does my job still align with my career goals?
If your passion has dwindled and you can’t see a way to reignite it, it might be time to pursue a new path that reignites your drive.
Should you stay or should you go?
There’s no universal answer to whether you should stay in your current job or move on. It’s a personal decision that requires you to weigh your career goals, mental well-being, and personal values. However, if you recognise several of these signs in your current role, it might be time to start planning your next steps.
At SONDR, we help candidates through this assessment process by talking through any grievances or concerns they have with their current role. We will then give actionable steps and advice on how to iron these out with their current employer, before beginning a search for a new role.
Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. So if staying in a job that no longer serves you can stall your progress and prevent you from discovering new and exciting opportunities, we’ll tell you. Trust your instincts, assess your happiness and growth, and take action that supports your long-term goals.