Get a new job

1. A layoff or furlough seems to be imminent.

COVID-19 has pushed the globe into a spiral, and the implications on the economy as a whole have been startling. If you work in a sector that is especially vulnerable to the pandemic's severe economic effects, it may be time to start searching for a new job that can weather the storm more readily.

But how can you determine whether a furlough or layoff is on the way? If your employees are being laid off or furloughed, or your industry peers are adopting severe steps, it's a solid sign that things are, at the very least, unstable. Other indicators of impending change include:

Your task has been greatly reduced.

Business in general has slowed.

Key accounts are having payment issues or are no longer customers.

If you find any (or all) of these occurring at your employment, particularly in the present job market, consider getting a head start on your job hunt.

2. Every Night Is Like Sunday Night

Are you continually looking for "greener pastures"? Feeling concerned or nervous about having to report to work the following day every day? You could have felt fear on Sunday night as a youngster, knowing that school started the following day. And now, as an adult, you feel the same way about your job.

You may feel unappreciated because of a lack of good feedback, a poor work atmosphere, or a lack of support from superiors or coworkers. But if every night seems like a Sunday night (and every day at work feels like a Monday morning), it may be time to dust off your résumé.

3. There is little or no work flexibility.

COVID-19 has transformed the majority of firms into remote operations. While you may appreciate working from home today, your firm may not have previously provided much work flexibility and has hinted that staff will soon be returning to the office. Returning to your commute bores you, and the lack of flexibility makes it tough to handle children and life's challenges.

If you're concerned that your newfound freedom won't last and that negotiating permanent remote employment will fail, it's time to look for a new job.

4. Your job performance is deteriorating

Do you find that your excitement for your work has waned and that your job performance may be improved? If you feel like you're going through the motions at work every day, it's time to talk to your employer about it and see if you can come up with a solution together. Determine your next step based on how it goes. Give it a chance, but don't let it deteriorate. Set deadlines for yourself and respond appropriately depending on progress.

5. You've Learned Everything You Can

A new job may be thrilling as you learn new regulations, processes, and norms. However, after a while, you may feel as if you've outgrown your job, particularly if you're not learning anything new. You may have taken every precaution possible to prevent professional burnout, yet nothing has worked.

A lack of opportunities for job progression or training to improve your professional abilities might be another indicator that it's time to consider moving on. When that occurs, talk to your supervisor about taking on more tasks or moving to a different role, especially if you still enjoy your job and the firm you work for. However, if a position move or new duties are not an option, you may wish to seek for a new work that will enable you to develop and spread your wings.

6. The Pay Isn't Going to Get Any Better

Perhaps you've asked for a raise a few times and been put off or informed bluntly that one isn't in the cards. If you've tried asking for a raise and struck a brick wall, it's time to look for a new job. However, given the present economic context, workers should be aware that many firms are likely grappling with wage hikes.

The employment market has shifted significantly in recent months, and employers are no longer recruiting at the same rate they were a few months ago. Furthermore, since the employment market is overcrowded in some industries, individuals who are hiring may not be providing top salary. Make sure your expectations are reasonable, and recognize that it may be wise to wait during sluggish economic periods in order to optimize your worth many months from now.

7. Your Workplace Is Toxic

You may have a boss with whom you do not agree at some time in your career. Let's face it: we don't always get along with everyone, but these hiccups are usually brief or manageable.

The issue emerges when a brief hiccup becomes permanent. Examine the company's purpose and culture thoroughly. Blurry direction and contradictory business goals are also strong reasons to look for a new employment.

8. You've reached the "Quit or Else" stage.

Avoid doing something impulsive, such as resigning before you have a clear job search strategy in place. If you're actually at the point where you may go out the door any day, but aren't quite there yet, there's no better moment than now to be clear on your life and work priorities.

9. You Want to Change Your Career

Maybe you've always wanted to be a web designer or you like helping at an animal shelter. Whatever it is, the prospect of a new profession is what keeps you motivated at work these days. And if that's the case, it's probably time to take the required measures to move to that new profession.

10. The Thought of a New Job Excites You There's something to be said about following your intuition. So, if the prospect of a new work causes your heart to race, you should listen to your instincts and begin your job search.