Charlotte Grainger 
Know when it's time to move on
Is it time to break up with your job? If you've been considering moving on, you're not alone. A massive 89% of British workers looked for a new job in 2021, according to new research from Totaljobs. Put simply, the majority of the country's workers are ready to change things up. Whether you have dreams that your current role can never fulfil or have started to feel bored at work, there are plenty of reasons that you may want to spruce up the old CV and start applying elsewhere.
When you've run your course in a certain role or with a particular company, there are plenty of signs that will crop up. Whilst you may want to bury your head in the sand and pretend you don't see them, noticing these red flags is the first step in finding a position that suits your future. With that in mind, here are seven of the major signs that it's time for you to look for a new job.
1. You complain about work
Does work dominate your conversations? When you're chatting with friends, do you find yourself complaining about work stress, your boss, or your colleagues? The impulse to constantly talk about work when you're not there is a troubling sign. It may point to you being unhappy in your workplace or that you're itching for a serious change.
The next time you're catching up with someone, notice how often you reference your job. If you can't stop complaining about it and keep telling convoluted stories about your workdays, perhaps it's time you looked for something new.
2. Your job has no flexibility
Are you craving flexibility? Since the pandemic, many UK companies have switched to temporary remote working structures. That means that thousands of professionals who usually work in an office setting have had a taste of working from home.
Research from OnRec suggests that a whopping 13 million Brits requested flexible work when lockdown restrictions lifted. If you're hoping to make this flexible approach to work a permanent fixture, you need to consider how that affects your current role.
3. There's no room for progression
Desiring progression is a central part of human nature, and it's also essential for a fulfiling career. If you're not moving forward in your current role, you may feel as though you've started to stagnate. Perhaps you've been passed over for a promotion or have already reached the top of your company's ladder.
Whatever the reason, if there's no room for progression where you are you may need to rethink things. Switching to a larger business or even upskilling and trying something new could give you more options. Act like an interviewer and ask the question: "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
4. You don't feel challenged
Does your work bore you? Do you find your everyday tasks mundane? If the answer is yes, it could be a telltale sign that you need to look for a new job this year. Unless you're merely working to pay the bills, your job ought to inspire, engage, and educate you on a daily basis. The moment that you stop finding your work challenging, there's a real problem.
If you've identified this issue, the first step is to see whether you can progress within your current workplace. Start by speaking to your manager. If you find that there's nothing more for you in this job role, why not look for something new that will keep you excited?
5. Your job description has changed
If you've been in the same job role for years on end, you may have found that it's changed somewhat. For instance, your manager could have loaded your plate with extra tasks that aren't in your ballpark. Or, you could notice that co-workers sneakily give their tasks to you to lessen their loads.
If you've noticed a real shift in your everyday duties away from the core position you want to be in, you should do something about it. Speaking to your manager is the first port of call. Let them know that you've seen a change in your role and want to speak about it directly. You may find that they offer you a raise or take some of the tasks off you. Should your manager be unyielding in their response, though, this may not be the work environment for you.
6. The company is struggling
The pandemic hit a wealth of industries, with experts suggesting that some sectors will take more than five years to recover. If you're worried that your company has been directly affected and is struggling, you may want to figuratively jump ship. You may have noticed a slowdown at work in recent months or a difference in your manager's attitude, for instance. If the security of your job seems in danger, applying for new roles could be a way to give yourself some peace of mind.
7. You absolutely dread Mondays
Picture the scene: It's Sunday evening and you're standing in the kitchen making lunch for the next day. How do you feel? If your stomach is in a knot because Mondays fill you with dread, that's not a positive sign. Whilst most of us feel a little gloomy towards the end of the weekend, feeling anxious before the week has begun is worrying.
Is it time to pursue something new?
Few people stay in one role for the entirety of their working life. If you've noticed the above signs, it may be time to take that leap you've been thinking about. Refresh your CV and start looking for open positions in your sector. Switching things up could give you a chance to expand your horizons and grow your career.
The first step towards a new job is a strong CV. Click here to get a free CV review.