How to Know When It’s Time to Look for a New Job

No matter the payroll or HR position you hold, chances are you’re not receiving a gold watch and a retirement party from your current employer. Even if you’re in a rock-solid, secure job, someday you’ll be faced with a decision to look for a new job. How do you know that “someday” isn’t today?

Most often you’ll know when it is time to look for a new job and move on. And if moving to a new city is the way to go, I have some recommendations on that as well!

Sometimes that truth is hard to face and sometimes you may feel disloyal even to feel that way. Other times your gut is telling you that your position isn’t secure and you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. Remember the first thing you will be told if you’re laid off is “it isn’t personal; it’s business.” You need to take care of your own business and find another HR opportunity if the ship is sinking.

If your job is secure, then you need to find out for yourself if you’re happy. Are you in any of these situations?

Your Workplace is Hostile

A hostile workplace isn’t as uncommon as you might think. In a recent survey, 20% of employees said their workplace is a hostile one.

Do you, yourself feel like you’re in an explosive environment? Like you have to walk on eggshells and/or tiptoe cautiously around a colleague or even a manager for fear of getting hit with “friendly fire.”

If you’ve tried to make things better but haven’t gotten anywhere, it may be time to look elsewhere.

You’ve Already “Quit”

There’s an episode of Seinfeld when George asks Kramer: “You’re not really going are you?” to which he replies, pointing to his head “Up here, I’m already gone.” https://youtu.be/dN3gSx1HhlY?t=189

Fact is, you may have already left your job mentally, maybe it’s time to leave it physically as well. Are you no longer enthused, challenged, or both? Are you just “going through the motions” in a lackluster job you’re accepting because looking for another job seems like a hill that’s too steep to climb right now? There are life situations that could be overwhelming you making a punch-the-clock type of job ideal. If you find your job isn’t challenging you, maybe the rest of your life is so complicated and challenging that that is perfectly fine for the time being.

But if your disengagement is a long-term condition that isn’t balancing other parts of your life you should look for a new job. After all, “you’re already gone.”

Deep, Depressing Dread

Even if your job is great “on paper,” that’s not where you work. You work in the real world and if you wake up not only not excited to go to work but DREADING it – there may be an issue. Everyone wakes up and doesn’t want to go to work from time to time, but if you find yourself feeling that way almost every day, that’s a pretty good sign you should be looking for a new payroll or HR job.

You Can’t Get Past “It”

Has there been a situation that made you angry that only served to sow the seeds of a deep and growing resentment or do you need time to move past something? Every relationship, including employer-employee relationships, face challenges. Only you know if you can get past the hurt and/or negative feelings. There really may be no resolution – and that’s okay.

Moving on is never easy and can be complicated – but you know in your heart if it’s your time to go. If it is, let Willory know and we’ll help you land your next great payroll or HR opportunity. Move on. And indeed, that’s your cue to quit your job and find another company.