Many of us will have experienced a point in our lives where we suddenly feel an overwhelming urge to melt into the ether, yet for some reason putting our finger exactly on what this feeling truly means can evade us. Whether it's a fear of disappointing ourselves or others, feeling guilty about our feelings, or simply not connecting the dots, we're here to help you figure out whether or not it's time for a fresh start.
Sick Days
Being in a role you don't enjoy not only takes a toll on your mental health, but your physical wellbeing too. This doesn't need to mean catching the flu more often, but finding yourself delving into unhealthy habits more frequently like drinking, smoking, or not getting enough sleep to escape negative feelings at work will catch up to your body eventually. To be a great employee you need to be a great human first and foremost, and that means optimum mental and physical health. If work is causing these to suffer then it's time to prioritise yourself over your workplace.
Fish Out of Water
Whether you didn't quite fit in from the beginning, or your good friends left over time - leaving you suddenly isolated where you were once part of a community - being uncomfortable around your colleagues is less than ideal considering the amount of time we spend with them from Monday to Friday. If you find yourself feeling anxious, or feel that you don't have anybody to rely on, perhaps it's time to find your tribe elsewhere.
Deflated Balloon
Very few people LOVE being at work, but the majority don't mind it. If you find yourself filled with dread every Sunday night, ready to cry by Hump Day, and positively exploding with relief on Friday, it's time to admit that this toxic cycle isn't normal. Work should be enjoyable, make us feel useful, challenge us, and be a pleasant place to be the majority of the time. Before you let a lack of motivation cloud your vision, channel your energy into building out your CV and finding a role that re-ignites a spark of excitement.
Toxic Burn
Toxicity can take many forms, whether it's a bad manager, a colleague that goes beyond irritating, a gossipy office, high turnover, or simply a lack of recognition that eats away at you. Having skills that are under-utilised, ignored, or unrewarded can be as detrimental as overt attacks and have the same toxic effect. When we stop getting challenged, and find ourselves robbed of the ability to be challenged, we should look to join a company that celebrates talent rather than stifles it.
Cliff Edge
No matter how good a company, how lovely your time has been, and how great your colleagues are, there might come a time when it dawns on you that you've done all that you can and it's time to move on. Good employers will admit this, and do their best to help you find your next steps, so it's always a great idea to talk to your manager about these feelings and leave on the best possible note.
Final Note
Deciding to move on doesn't need to be a lonely road. Talk to the people you trust the most - friends, family, and even colleagues. People who have your best interests at heart will also be the ones to help you make the right decision.