We all experience periods at work where we are filled with excitement and passion for our projects, reigniting our love for our roles. However, there are also times when motivation is hard to come by. If the thought of returning to work after the weekend fills you with dread, it may be a clear indication that something is amiss.

It could be that you have outgrown your current role, the work environment has turned toxic, or perhaps you have realized that your true passions lie elsewhere, in a different position or company with different values. There are certain signs to watch out for that suggest it may be time to start looking for a new job.

Making a decision to change careers can be intimidating, leading many to ignore the signals that they should move forward. Today, we discuss the six unmistakable signs that indicate it is time to begin searching for a new job, along with advice on how to go about finding one.

1. You no longer enjoy going to work.

There are numerous reasons why people might feel hesitant to leave their homes in the morning, whether it be due to a gruelling commute or a long train ride. However, the journey to work should not be a period filled with dread as you watch the minutes tick by until your start time. Have you caught yourself stopping for a coffee just to postpone stepping foot in the office? Have you begun taking a longer route to work? Does the thought of work in the morning prevent you from getting a good night's sleep?

In today's world, many individuals are now working remotely from home, eliminating the need to physically commute to work in many cases. Despite this shift, feelings of dread can still manifest during morning Zoom meetings, conference calls, or whenever work-related notifications pop up on your screen.

Feeling anxious about your job is not something that should be considered normal. If you find yourself experiencing this, it may be time for a change.

2. Feeling Disconnected

Employers who prioritise employee engagement are typically considered top-notch. A great employer who values the building envelope industry will make sure employees have the right workload - not overwhelming them but also not leaving them with too little to do.

Employees should feel motivated and committed to their jobs, as well as feel a strong connection to their team and employer, which will drive them to give their best every day. This passion and dedication are usually present when someone first applies for a job.

However, if proper management is lacking, employees may start to feel disconnected and lose interest over time.

Once this detachment sets in, it becomes challenging to muster enthusiasm for the job. Employees may question whether their employer truly values them, especially if circumstances change in the short term.

3. Calling in Sick or taking extra holidays

Excessive absences due to sickness or taking time off solely to escape work may indicate underlying issues. Studies show that approximately 12.7% of sick leave is related to mental health issues, often stemming from dissatisfaction with one's current job.

If your mental well-being is suffering as a result of your work, it is important to communicate with your supervisor. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that your job does not compromise your health.

If the problems persist despite your manager's efforts, it may be necessary to consider seeking employment with a company known for prioritising employee well-being.

4. Not getting on with your colleagues

Establishing positive relationships with both your boss and co-workers is not guaranteed in any job. It's a pleasant bonus when you enjoy your role and have a good rapport with your team. However, negative interactions with colleagues can quickly sap your energy, turning a once ideal job into a nightmare. There are always options to explore before resorting to finding a new company, but sometimes it's necessary.

Unfortunately, toxic work environments are more common than we realize. Even if your job looks great on paper, if your boss constantly belittles you and the atmosphere at work is consistently negative, hindering your success and overall well-being, it may be time to seek employment where you not only feel fulfilled but also content.

5. Being Underpaid

Many employees feel they are not adequately compensated for their efforts – a common scenario in many workplaces. Initially, the job responsibilities may have been well-defined, but as time goes on and you gain more experience, you may find yourself handed more tasks without a corresponding pay increase. It could be that your manager is unaware of the extra workload you are shouldering, which ultimately reflects poor management on their part.

If you find yourself assigned additional duties or even taking on managerial responsibilities without any offer of increased compensation, it is a clear indication that your employer is exploiting your hard work. Fortunately, not all companies in the Construction industry operate in this manner. It may be time to start seeking out employers who value and fairly compensate their employees.

6. Not Feeling Valued

In addition to receiving a fair salary for your efforts, it is crucial to also feel appreciated and backed emotionally by both your manager and coworkers.

Some red flags to watch out for that may indicate you are not being fully valued by your current employer are:

• Your work is consistently overlooked,
• Your performance and salary reviews keep getting postponed,
• You are not given the autonomy you deserve in your role,
• Those around you are advancing while you remain stagnant,
• You are frequently left out of important opportunities.

Feeling undervalued could signify that your current employer lacks the motivation to help you progress in your career, and it is unlikely that this will change unless there is a significant overhaul in management. However, you do not have to just sit back and wait for this to occur.

Next Steps

Numerous individuals find themselves trapped in positions that bring them great discontent and have a negative impact on their mental well-being because they feel there are no alternatives available to them.

The reality is that there are always other paths to explore; it's possible that you just haven't come across them yet – and this is where we can assist you.

Get in touch with us, Metis Recruitment – we will provide guidance and present you with various options. We can connect you with potential new employers and even help schedule interviews for you. So, what are you waiting for?

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