How to Tell When You’ve Outgrown Your Job (And What to Do Next)
You are bored and your tasks haven’t changed in months. Does this mean that you should leave?
The tell-tale signs are there: a sinking feeling when Sunday night rolls around, daydreaming more frequently while on the job, tasks that have become so boring and predictable that you could do them in your sleep… and the list goes on.
Here is how to know when it is time to dust off the resume and get serious about discovering how to find a job you love:
You have hit a lull (or worse, a total dead-end)
A lull at work, such as a decrease in workload, may be temporary. However, coming up against too many might indicate that you are not in the right position. If you are bored, not challenged, or you feel like it simply is not a good fit, it is time to reconsider your professional path.
A “dead-end job” is a job in which you have gone as far as defined by your role’s job description, there is no chance of promotions, or your workload has stagnated.
Even if you liked the work in the beginning, consistent lulls or feeling like there is no room for growth might mean that you should start looking for something new.
Management is sympathetic but things do not change
Before making a final decision about leaving your job, first try having a conversation with your supervisor or manager. Let him or her know that you are interested in taking on more responsibilities and learning new skills.
If, however, there simply is not the option of reshaping the job to fit you better, then you may have to decide whether to begin the job search or keep working in your job.
If you decide to leave
Before you give your notice, research the job market in your area for work you might be interested in doing. An experienced staffing agency will know the job markets and will be able to match you with one or more good leads in your areas of expertise or interest.
Be sure to give your employer plenty of notice, especially if your job requires certain skills or experience and may not be easy to fill. You will want to leave in good terms with them if you need a referral or, perhaps, plan to return to the company in the future while working in a different capacity.
If you’re looking for a new job, check out our Job Openings page + to see what’s available. Apex Staffing specializes in connecting talented job seekers with high-quality, local employers. Our service is completely free for job seekers and we are always accepting applications.
