Heed These 5 Signs That it's Time for Change

You may not realize when it's time to change jobs because you probably mistake your feelings for stress on the job, overwork or simply a busy time at the office. Watch for these five signs that you should start looking for another position at another company. Recognizing one or more of these factors could very well save your career.

1. Lack of Advancement

Change jobs if you feel you have no opportunity for advancement. In the past, you tried to expand your skills, meet new qualifications and even get training to move up the career ladder at your current company. Unfortunately, your supervisor and his supervisor didn't budge, and they promoted someone else. Instead of sticking around and watching someone else get your job, take your talents elsewhere to a company that recognizes your talents.

2. Same Stressful Project

You're ready to change jobs when your daily grind turns into a constant state of stress. For example, you're working on one huge project due in two weeks. During one of those nights in the middle of the project, you awake in the night because of the high stress level. Once this project is completed on time, you have a similar project due right after it. During the next project, you feel even more stress that keeps you up even longer at night, and the lack of sleep creates greater stress. This cycle never seems to stop.

This is when you realize your job may not be the best use of your skills, especially if you find no happiness at the end of each project. Instead, find a position that flames your passions.

3. Totally New Personality

As soon as you walk in the door, you take on an entirely new personality that you would never show in front of your friends and family. Change jobs if your present position prevents you from being yourself. Consider the example of Chandler Bing from "Friends." At one point, he starts smoking behind Monica's back to fit in with the guys at work. Monica, his wife, becomes livid at her husband because it's such a departure from his normal personality.

4. Work Outside of Work

Change jobs when you feel as if you must work outside of work. Your weekends are your time off, and you should relax. When your job infiltrates your time off and you compel yourself to get some stuff done before arriving at the office on Monday morning, it's time to find another position. When your ordinary conversations with your family revolve around work, complaining about work, griping about your boss and slamming your colleagues, it's time to step back and re-evaluate your situation.

5. Monday Dread

Do you feel like Garfield and hate Mondays? If so, you need to find another position. There's no joy in working if your work doesn't bring you joy. Listen to your body; if it feels worn out and old, discover something new that rejuvenates you, and see what it does for your mind, body and soul.

The key to these five signs is to start thinking about the first step. Get ready to change jobs by starting a journal, writing down your goals and then acting on them. It's never too late to find the next big opportunity in your career.

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