10 Signs It's Time to Quit
Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.co.uk editor
Are you raring to get out of bed in the morning? Or less than enthusiastic about going to work? Is it time to take the plunge with a new job? Should you stay or should you go? Here are some signs to help you decide.
Sign No. 1: Your co-workers are annoying.
Office life can be fraught with tension. A survey has revealed that one in three workers in the UK have considered leaving their jobs due to the irritating habits of their colleagues. Colleagues who keep getting in the way not only distract but also hinder productivity.
Sign No. 2: The environment is poisonous.
Do you work in a less-than-nurturing atmosphere? Is morale constantly low? Whose company do you seek out? Are you drawn toward the constant whingers? Do you moan constantly about your boss? It's time to seek a more positive environment.
Sign No. 3: You're mentally exhausted by the end of the day.
Stress can cause low morale and have a negative effect on your personal life. According to CareerBuilder, 68 percent of workers feel burnt out at work. Professor Linda McKie, of Glasgow University's psychology department, says, "It is true to say the workplace is a much more stressful place for young people today than it was 20 years ago." We all have to step up a gear sometimes but if stress weighs you down constantly, it's time to pack up and go.
Sign No. 4: The boss from hell.
Does your boss make your life a misery through bullying, ignoring you or even stealing your ideas? A Marie Claire survey found nearly half of women had actually left a job because of the boss's demands, which even included cancelling a honeymoon for a work event. A good boss should always be supportive, encouraging and understanding about work-life balance.
Sign No. 5: You're watching the clock ... every 10 minutes.
If you aren't feeling challenged, you need extra responsibilities or a change in roles. But be warned, if you find yourself with nothing to do, management might be trying to phase you out and you might be in danger of losing your job.
Sign No. 6: Lack of respect.
Does any of this sound familiar? Your ideas aren't taken seriously; you're discouraged from improving skills with a course or seminar; you're passed over for a promotion -- again; or you're excluded from key projects. Why are you still giving this organisation your time, energy and great ideas?
Sign No. 7: Too many cat-fights.
Research shows that every office loses an hour's work a day through personal spats. Most of these are symptomatic of power struggles. Clash of personalities, different ways of working, distrust or jealousy can all lead to acrimony.
Sign No. 8: You're left in the dark.
Lack of communication from the top is the top factor making people unhappy at work, according to a survey by Chiumento HR consultancy. In a successful office environment, information needs to flow freely and openly around the workplace.
Sign No. 9: You haven't had a pay rise in ages.
National Statistics cite unsatisfactory pay as a trigger for looking for another job for a third of men and almost a quarter of women. Demonstrate what you've done to earn a rise or bonus and why you're a key player. Your boss may genuinely not be able to make any pay increases at the moment but are there other benefits? More time off, training, vouchers, healthcare and a sabbatical are ways of being rewarded without adding to the company's salary bill.
Sign No. 10: All work and no play.
Nearly one-intwo of today's young workers receive work calls on their mobile up till 8pm while 27 per cent say they regularly stayed late, on average 45 minutes a day. The Government supports businesses and unions through the work life balance campaign, so there's no reason why your company shouldn't support you.
If you really dread Monday mornings, look closely at your present employer to see if there are other opportunities there. If you do decide to stay, make a list of the top 10 issues you need to address by the end of next month - and act on it!
Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.co.uk. She's an expert in job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Last Updated: 24/09/2007 - 3:50 PM
|
