Are you wondering if you should stay in your job? Do you dream of something else? Everyone has a personal timeframe that governs how long they are comfortable staying in a role and an inner clock that desires change. I call this the “stay~go loop”.
I have met people who like stability and will stay in a role for 10 years before seeking a change. Others prefer to stay for 5 years. And there are also people who seek change every 1-2 years. There is no perfect cycle, only the one that works for you.
How do you know when it’s time? First off, have a look back at your own history – how often have you changed your job role? This may involve entire shifts to a new organization or a job promotion. Yet, it can also refer to times when the responsibilities in your role changed, even if you were working from the same desk. Do you notice a pattern? For example, do you get the itch to change every 1, 2 or 3 years?
Another way to figure this out is to track your current thoughts and feelings. The following statements can help you understand if it is time to go.
- I have trouble sleeping on Sunday nights because I’m thinking about having to go back to work.
- I sit at my desk and daydream of what I would like to be doing.
- I have less patience with customers or co-workers than I use to.
- When I have to phone people as part of my job, I either avoid this task altogether or I spend more time chatting than I need to.
- I am exhausted during the workday.
- I don’t bother mentioning concerns or issues to my boss because I don’t care anymore.
- I do the least amount of work required – projects that use to inspire me are now ignored.
- I surf job sites on the Internet.
- I complain to my friends and family about my work.
If five or more of these statements is true for you. You may be experiencing significant dissatisfaction with your work. Only you can decide whether you are satisfied with your current job. If you are dissatisfied, don’t ignore it. Reach out and get help, before your situation gets worse!
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