When is the right time to change your job?
Truthfully, there’s never a “right” time, but there is a right sign: your body.
When it comes to knowing when to call it quits and find new work, our bodies are the best clue givers.
So what are the signs to look for? Here are 5 cues your body will give you.
Body Cue #1 - You wake up in the middle of the night thinking about your workday to-do list. This is your body's way of saying "I'm burned out" or "there's too much to do and not enough time to do it all." Listen to this voice by addressing your workload with your boss or supervisor. Let them know your capacity and what's currently getting in your way of being able to effectively accomplish your tasks (i.e. too many meetings). If your boss or supervisor responds with an openness to shift your priorities, that's a good sign to remain in your job. If your conversation does not support your needs, it's time to change jobs.
Body Cue #2 - Your morning routine consists of calming your nerves. This is your body's way of saying "something is bothering my nervous system". Listen to this voice by pausing to identify what's causing your nerves and when they're showing up. Do you have a regular 9am meeting that requires you to present? Is there someone in your workplace that makes you feel uncomfortable? If you identify your nerve points and have the support to address them head-on, that's a good sign to remain in your job. If you do not have the support to address your nerves, it's time to change jobs.
Body Cue #3 - You rarely smile or engage in meetings or conversations with coworkers. This is your body's way of saying "I'm not interested this conversation" or "there's someone or something that is making me uncomfortable." Listen to this voice by seeking out a mentor who you can walk through a meeting scenario with. Have this mentor point out what they're hearing you say to identify what specifically is making you uncomfortable and closed-off. If you identify something that can be changed within your control, that's a good sign to remain in your job. If what you identify is out of your control, it's time to change jobs.
Body Cue #4 - When you’re with friends, your conversations focus on complaints about work. This is your body's way of saying "even when you're not at work, you're still thinking about work." Listen to this voice by sharing the facts about your struggles with your friends versus the gossip. Ask your friends for advice on how to resolve your situation and any resources that could help you navigate your workplace difficulties. If your friends notice opportunities for change, that's a good sign to remain in your job. If your friends do not see opportunities for change, it's time to change jobs.
Body Cue #5 - When someone else asks you about your job, you immediately change the topic. This is your body's way of saying "Stop!" or "Abort! Abort!" Listen to this voice by answering this person with honesty. Share a brief summary of your struggles with work, what's causing the struggle and what your goal is to resolve these issues. If your goal is something that can impact your current job, that's a good sign to remain in your job. If your goal is not something that can impact your current job, it's time to change jobs.
Ali Goodin Certified Life & Career Coach in Central FL
I'm a former Disney employee, graphic designer turned life coach, and career transition expert. I created Ful Life Coaching to give professionals of all ages & stages a safe space to navigate career transition. My passion is equipping professionals with the tools and confidence they need to transition in their careers – from launch to retirement – so they can live happier, healthier lives.