We are living through a time of change in the workplace. With the great resignation from 2020 until now, many people decided now is the right time to switch jobs or careers. But how can you know if now is the time for a change? Here are the top signs to look out for:
- Feeling undervalued: This is one of the most common reasons for changing your job. Feeling undervalued can be different for different people – maybe you feel like your efforts go unnoticed, or you feel like you are expected to take on extra work that doesn't fit your job description. Feeling undervalued can also be caused by pay that might be particularly low for your professional average. Feeling undervalued at work can make it difficult to be motivated and can cause you to struggle to focus. Experts find that those who feel undervalued at work feel more sluggish at the end of the day. They may be more likely to eat unhealthily than those who feel valued at work. Feeling undervalued can also have a detrimental effect on your self-esteem over time.
- Work-Life imbalance: This is the number one reason for people changing their jobs in the UK. It has become a particularly topical workplace issue since flexible working has become more common. Workplaces that we're unwilling to incorporate partly remote/flexible working policies have lost many employees who have switched to positions that allow flexible working. Beyond this, other reasons for changing jobs because of a poor workalike balance include expectations for long hours. As the world has become increasingly digitalised, there is sometimes an expectation that employees/businesses are constantly available. This can often mean that employees work long hours that may extend their contracted hours, which often impinges on their personal life.
- Loss of recognition: A loss of recognition at work is often a result of a negative work environment. If your efforts are not recognised or if others are taking credit for them, you are bound to feel frustrated and deflated. Consider seeking out a work environment that embraces your talent.
Leaving your job and finding a new one is sometimes unnecessary. Many of these problems can be solved with communication, so don’t be afraid to discuss your concerns. Despite this, if you have a consistent feeling of being undervalued and under-appreciated, it may be time to move on. As you look for a new profession, be conscious of the work environment you would prefer to work within. This can help you to narrow down your options and find the right position for you, where you are likely to feel more fulfilled. LinkedIn can be a valuable tool as you look for a position better suited to you.
