We all have bad days at work. Deadlines pile up, there are lots of e-mails to read and respond to, and there are mornings when it’s hard to get out of bed. That’s all normal.
But if work is sucking the life out of you – body, mind, or spirit – every day, then something’s amiss. Too many of us are trapped in terrible jobs out of fear, laziness, or uncertainty about how else to make enough money to pay the bills.
Burnout isn’t fun, but it can be the beginning of a brighter and healthier career pivot. Perhaps doing something else somewhere else. If your job is costing you more than it pays, it might be time for a change.
Consider these five signs it’s time to leave.
You’re always tired, even after resting
Exhaustion after a wild day at the office is very different from exhaustion, regardless of how many hours you sleep. If you are sleeping eight hours a day and you find yourself exhausted when you get up in the morning, your job might be draining you physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Adults need at least seven hours of sleep nightly. You’ll want to consider seeing your doctor if you’re not getting quality shut-eye. Failing to do so can lead to depression, burnout, or anxiety.
A chronic lack of sleep can cause numbness and detachment from work, irritability, or exhaustion. If each week is a marathon with no apparent finish on the horizon, that is a giant red flag. Vacation and recreation time may provide temporary relief, but if you return to work and find yourself still feeling drained, your job might be the problem.
You hate rising and reporting to work daily
A previous survey finds that almost four in 10 workers (38%) say they wouldn’t wish their job on even their worst enemy. Ouch! It’s normal to have the occasional “I don’t want to go to work” attitude. But if you’re waking up every morning with horror, depression, or fear, it could be that something is seriously wrong.
Work does not have to be torture. If the mere idea of heading off to work another day makes you shudder, then perhaps you need to step back and ask yourself why you feel that way. If you’re honest with yourself, it might be clear that you need to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
You feel trapped and underappreciated
Being undervalued or underappreciated is a major cause of employee disengagement. If you’re not receiving the respect you deserve, being bypassed for promotions, or not getting what you need to do your job, it will gnaw at you.
You might want to explore new opportunities and go where you’ll be better appreciated.
Your health is suffering
An overly stressful job can literally have a devastating effect on your mind and body.
If your job is causing recurring headaches or migraines, low-quality sleep, digestive issues, panic attacks, or wild mood swings, take notice. Your job might be negatively impacting your overall health.
No paycheck is worth sacrificing your well-being. If your job is consistently affecting your ability to eat well, sleep, exercise, or enjoy life, that’s a sign it’s time to re-evaluate your career priorities.
You’ve lost passion or purpose
It’s not always a lack of commitment or laziness that causes on-the-job discontent. People may outgrow jobs, careers, or even employers. At that point, it’s time to do some serious soul-searching to find out what you want to do.
What to do when experiencing any of these signs
If any of these five signs feel relatable, you’ll want to consider doing the following:
- Talk to someone you trust
- Update your resume and look at other possibilities
- Set boundaries in the workplace for more peace of mind
- Research education and certification options
Sometimes doing something different is the key. And you don’t have to sit around in a classroom. For instance, a job in the trades can offer a financially rewarding new start.
If pursuing a forklift certification, it’ll take less time than you think. How does same-day sound? If you want a new start without the huge financial burden or time commitment, a same-day certification can open up a world of opportunity.
It might be difficult to quit a job that’s draining you if you’re being compensated well. But holding on to a job that is killing you slowly or depleting your happiness is a riskier gamble in the end.
Tim Williamson, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
