Some people know exactly when the time has come to pack it in and get out, while others need a little bit of a reality check.
If you’re feeling totally sian about the thought of continuing on in your current line of work, perhaps you just need a bit of a shove to get you motivated for your next step.
Repeat after me: “I probably need a new job because…”
“I wake up dreading work”
Sundays are the absolute worst. If you start getting sweaty palms from 3pm about the prospect of returning to work on Monday, then you’re likely in the wrong place. Even if your job isn’t your “dream” job, you shouldn’t hate it so much that you can’t sleep and it encroaches on your weekend.
“I simply don’t care about the tasks ahead”
A lack of passion and motivation is a pretty clear sign you’re in the wrong place. Not only are you affected by your indifference, but your insistence in sticking around is probably affecting your boss’s ability to do his job. Why not vacate your position and let someone who cares take over?
“I am stressed and it’s affecting my health”
Not sleeping, not eating and generally being in bad mental and/or physical shape because of work is an absolute sign you need to chill out. If you love your job but not the long hours and stress, you can probably fix this with a conversation with your boss – but if not, time to start looking elsewhere. Work is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your health.
“I don’t believe in my company anymore”
You might have moral or ethical differences, or perhaps you just really dislike the way they operate in general. This misalignment can make for an uncomfortable work experience. People need to feel like they are contributing to a larger purpose.
“I truly hate my boss and colleagues”
Not the casual “Ugh, why you so guai lan,” but true, pure hatred. If you can’t stand your boss, you certainly won’t respect him, which means you clearly aren’t going to do your best work. It’s a better situation for everyone if you find a position elsewhere, where you can thrive and feel comfortable.
“My skills and potential are being ignored”
Upward mobility is one of the most important things for Singaporean talent. If you’re not advancing in your career – or being given any opportunity to – it might be worth looking at similar roles elsewhere that provide an upward trajectory. Learning and development are key components to being happy at work, and you deserve that!
