In 2021, the number of people leaving their jobs behind in search of something new skyrocketed. The phenomenon was so significant, it earned the title of the “great resignation”, sending countless employers into fits of anxiety about losing their staff.

While a mass exodus isn’t enough of a reason to leave your role, it may prompt you to consider whether you’re really happy where you are. If you’re feeling burnt out or undermotivated at work, it could be a sign that you’re ready for something new and exciting.

Here are some signs it might be time to quit your job.

You’re Not Using Skills

While it might be tempting to stay in an easy job, it’s not going to lead to much satisfaction in the long term. You made the effort to develop the skills you have today because you wanted to do something with them.

If your current role isn’t challenging you, it could be a sign you should be looking for something else.

Even if you don’t have specific qualifications, you may have a passion or talent that you want to use regularly. Looking for a job where you can shine is a great way to ensure long-term workplace happiness.

The Environment is Unhealthy

One of the biggest reasons people started leaving their jobs in 2021 was that they began to recognize how unhealthy their current workplace environment was.

If you’ve noticed that you are constantly dealing with a stressful boss who makes you feel anxious at work or a competitive landscape that is difficult to deal with, it is important to reconsider your options.

Other examples of an unhealthy workplace may include an environment where you’re forced to work longer hours than you are contracted for, without additional pay.

No job is worth putting your health at risk – whether it be your mental health or your physical wellbeing.

You’re Not Earning Enough

While many people accept a lower salary in exchange for unique opportunities, it is important to make sure you are being paid what you are worth.

If you have been doing your research into positions similar to yours and have noticed the starting wage is a lot higher than the one you currently have, this could be a sign that it is time to move on to a new job.

If you like your role at the moment, you can always consider speaking to your boss about whether it might be possible to get a pay rise.

You can present the findings you have about other basic rates of pay to help make your case.

Your Ethics or Values Don’t Align

Company culture isn’t just a buzzword in today’s business landscape; it’s an important part of ensuring you’re happy and satisfied in your role. If you feel like your ethics are being compromised by the job you’re in, you’ll never be happy in that position.

Similarly, if your values do not align with the values of the organization, you may have difficulty fitting in with the team.

Furthermore, you may find that your performance in your position is not up to par compared to others in similar roles because you are not completing work in a manner that meets your employer’s expectations.

You Dread Going to Work

Most of us would rather spend the day lazing around at home or hanging out with loved ones than going to work.

However, you should not despise your job. If you spend every morning with a feeling of despair in your stomach at the thought of going to work, there is clearly something wrong.

There’s nothing strange about feeling sad when the weekend is over or looking forward to vacation time; however, if you’re losing sleep or constantly feeling anxious about going to work, it’s a good sign that it’s time to quit.

You should at least be comfortable enough in your role that you don’t mind spending time at your job, even if you’d rather be somewhere else.

You Can’t See a Future There

Finally, you should be able to see a future in the business you are in, and it should allow you to progress from your current position.

If you feel like you are just filling the hours to earn a paycheck, this may work for some time; however, ultimately, you will not be happy in your job.

The best thing that you can do in this situation is to start searching for a different role. Ask yourself where you would like to be five or ten years from now and use that vision to begin looking into opportunities for new work.