When It's Time to Find a New Job

As an Employment Counselor my function was to support others to find a job that aligned well with their skills, ambitions, and personal needs. Most often my clients were individuals who had already left a position for one reason or another, but occasionally they were covert job seekers escaping bad employment conditions.

Feeling undervalued at work can be a deeply frustrating and demoralizing experience. Over time it can significantly impact your productivity, mental health, and overall job satisfaction. When your contributions are consistently overlooked and your value is underestimated, it may be a clear signal that it’s time to consider finding a new job.

These feelings may have been building for a long time, or perhaps a recent change in management or policy has brought it about.?

In today’s difficult job market that can be an overwhelming and frightening prospect, but when your skills are being either underutilized or overworked, when you no longer look forward to doing your job because of the strain and stress, and when you are fully aware that you are being underpaid for your contributions and skill level…. It’s probably time to go.?

?

Warning Signs

Lack of Recognition: Despite putting in long hours, meeting all deadlines, and delivering quality work, you aren’t receiving the acknowledgment you deserve. This could be in the form of praise, raises, or promotions.

Inequitable Workload: You might find yourself doing more than your fair share of work without adequate compensation or recognition.? Especially true if you are taking on the workload of a manager or supervisor while suspecting they are taking credit for your efforts.

Microaggressions:? Microaggressions at work are subtle, often unintentional, actions or comments that can demean or marginalize individuals, particularly those from marginalized groups. It may be references to your ethnicity, your ancestry, your age, your height or weight, your clothing, your hobbies or anything that distinguishes you from the aggressor.? These behaviors, though seemingly minor, can accumulate over time, leading to a toxic work environment and significantly affecting the mental health and job satisfaction of those targeted.

Limited Career Growth: If your current role offers little to no opportunities for advancement, it's easy to feel stuck and undervalued.? Or if responsibilities are being whittled away in order to decrease your stature at work.

Poor Management: Inadequate communication, lack of support, and ineffective leadership can lead to a toxic work environment where employees feel unappreciated.? Being micromanaged is abusive and indicates a horrible lack of respect by upper levels.?

?

The Consequences of Being Undervalued

Feeling undervalued can take a toll on both your professional and personal life. Here are some ways it may be affecting you:

Decreased Motivation: When your hard work goes unnoticed, your motivation to perform at your best can wane.? You probably don’t expect a parade when you perform well, but being unacknowledged altogether is demoralizing.

Increased Stress: Persistent feelings of being undervalued can lead to chronic stress, which negatively impacts your health and well-being.? Are you exhausted at work?? Are your headaches increasing?? Are you snappy and cranky?? Are you going straight to bed after work to doom-scroll for hours??

Lowered Self-Esteem: Constantly feeling undervalued can erode your confidence and self-worth.? Horrible, insidious thoughts may enter your head that you really aren’t very good at your job….

Burnout: Over time, the combination of these factors can lead to burnout, making it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance.?

?

Recognizing the Need for Change

It’s crucial to recognize when these feelings are more than just occasional frustrations and instead are indicative of a deeper issue with your current employment. If the following signs resonate with you, it might be time to consider a new job:

You dread going to work every day.

You feel emotionally and physically drained by your job.

You frequently think about quitting.

Your work environment feels toxic.

There is a lack of alignment between your values and the company's values.

?

Steps to Finding a New Job

Once you’ve decided that it’s time to move on, taking proactive steps towards finding a new job where you’re valued is essential. Here’s how to start:

Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, accomplishments, and what you’re looking for in a new role. Understanding your real value and contributions will help you find a job that appreciates your skills.

Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Ensure that your resume and LinkedIn profile accurately reflect your achievements and the impact you’ve had in your previous roles.

Network: Reach out to former colleagues, attend industry events, and join professional groups. Networking can open doors to new opportunities.

Investigate New Companies:? Get onto Glassdoor, Payscale, GreatPlaceToWork, Indeed.? What are current and former employees saying about the company and the management teams?? What does their diversity profile look like?? Have they been in the news lately?

Apply Strategically: Apply to companies that align with your career goals and values. Tailor your applications to highlight why you’re a great fit for the roles you’re pursuing.

Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experiences and why you’re looking for a new job. Emphasize your desire to find a workplace where you can make a meaningful contribution and be valued.

Consider Company Culture: During the interview process, ask questions about the company culture, opportunities for growth, and how the company recognizes and rewards employee contributions.

Embracing a New Beginning

Leaving a job where you feel undervalued can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and fulfillment. By finding a new role that aligns with your skills and values, you’ll not only improve your professional life but also your overall well-being. Remember, you deserve to work in an environment where your contributions are recognized and valued. You deserve to be treated like a grown-up and respected for your abilities.? Taking the leap to find a new job might just be the best decision you make for your career and personal happiness.

Working in an environment where you feel happy and fulfilled offers so many wonderful advantages that extend beyond just professional satisfaction. When you are genuinely happy at work, your motivation and productivity naturally increase, leading to higher quality output and a greater sense of accomplishment. This positive state of mind fosters creativity and innovation, allowing you to tackle challenges with enthusiasm and resilience. Being in a fulfilling job enhances your mental and emotional well-being, reducing stress and promoting a healthier work-life balance. It also cultivates stronger relationships with colleagues, creating a supportive and collaborative workplace culture.

Ultimately, when you are happy and fulfilled at work, it not only boosts your career growth but also enriches your overall quality of life.