Quintessential Careers Blog

Independence Day is today, and Americans are getting ready to light fireworks and celebrate our freedom from England with barbecues and backyard gatherings. But as we know, the freedom we celebrate didn’t happen on its own. America’s independence came after sacrifices. The same concept that sparked our America’s independence can also help you light a spark under your own life and start taking the steps necessary to control your own career. If your current job isn’t working, it might be time to take the reins and get out of there. Here are 10 signs that it’s time to give notice and start your next chapter.  

• You’ve been passed over for a raise for the second time

  Being passed over for a raise is just a part of working life. If you’re told that the company can’t afford what you’re asking — or, though it may be hard to hear, that you haven’t earned it — you can head back to your desk, buckle down, and try harder. But only once. The second time you’re treated this way, pack your things.  

• You’ve been passed over for a promotion twice

  Like raises, promotion decisions are made for many reasons — some legitimate, some not. So if you’re denied a promotion that you believe you’ve earned, keep an open mind. But if it happens twice, say goodbye. It’s time to find a place that allows you upward mobility.  

• Your boss isn’t trying to accommodate you

  You don’t love your boss, but that’s okay. You’re willing to do your part and meet halfway on the issues that divide you. You’re open to compromise, and you’ve clearly explained what isn’t working for you. But your boss hasn’t changed and shows no interest in changing in the future. Don’t stay miserable. Find a new boss.  

• Your workplace culture is toxic

  If you find yourself still at your desk at 10 PM every night, afraid to go home because your boss or coworkers might brand you as “lazy,” go home. Don’t come back.  

• Your workplace culture makes the world worse

  If you find yourself wading through an atmosphere of racism, sexism, bullying, mismanagement, or abuse every day, don’t force yourself to adapt. Don’t assume this is the “real world” and you have to “just get used to it.” You don’t. You can do better.  

• This job isn’t great for your career

  It’s okay to take a job that steers you away from your official career plans. In fact, your side-trip may expose you to some new goal that diverts your attention permanently. But if you really want to get somewhere and this job just isn’t taking you in that direction, don’t stay here for more than two years.  

• This job is derailing other aspects of your life

  You don’t mind this job, but during your lifetime, you also want to raise a family, or move to Seattle, or develop as an artist, or take care of your parents, or make lots of money. And you can’t fulfill your plan and keep this job at the same time. If the choice between the two is making you miserable, quit. Jobs are replaceable, but your life goals are not.  

• You’ve changed

  You wanted this job very badly, at one time. A long time ago, this position felt like the fulfillment of all your worldly hopes and dreams. But that was then. You’re a different person now, and it’s time to move on.  

• You want something else more

  This job is great, but you see something better on the horizon. So go for it! Act now, while you have the chance.  

• You just want to

  If you’re ready for a change, you may not fully understand why. But don’t stand still while you struggle to articulate your decision to an imaginary jury. Your friends and family aren’t judging you or scrutinizing your decisions as harshly as you may think. Most of them just want you to be happy. When it’s time to express your independence and hit the road, rely on Livecareer. We can help you choose a new direction and a new set of career goals.

The post Independence Day: Is it Time to Free Yourself from Your Job?   appeared first on LiveCareer Blog.