It’s Sunday night and you have that feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach…. how do you know if it’s just sadness that a fabulous weekend is over, a stomach ache from the greasy fries you ate for lunch – or it’s time to find a new role?

Candidates often struggle to decide when to depart a company and find a new position. It’s sometime hard to identify if “it’s just one of those times” or it really is right for you to move on. 

Here are some clear indicators.

Walk out that door

Toxic culture: High churn rates, bitchiness, constant power plays – all point to an unhealthy workplace environment. A lot of this is set by management, so if the leaders of the business are setting a negative tone, and there’s no commitment to change this then it can be difficult to thrive. Yes, it’s time to go.

Lack of challenge: Ongoing boredom at work is the number one enemy of career progression. If you’re constantly distracted, dragging your heels on projects or worst of all clock-watching then it’s time to look for a new role that fulfils and excites you. 

You’ve turned into a whinger: If your friends and family are getting sick of you complaining about work, and it’s a constant conversation piece - clearly, it’s time to change the scenery. If you truly can’t think of at least three good things to say about your day at work, it’s a sign.

Iffy….

Bad boss: Having a terrible boss can be especially challenging – but by itself is usually not a reason to leave. Firstly, try talking to her/him – maybe there’s a communication issue or just a different management style which you can both adapt to. If not resolved, try talking someone else in the organisation who may be able to assist or intervene. Otherwise stay strong – and remember bad bosses teach you so much (how not to manage!). Of course, any type of abuse should taken straight to HR and not tolerated. 

Passed over for promotion: This can be a gut-wrenching experience and difficult to get past. However maybe time for soul-searching – perhaps you really weren’t ready, or their other candidate was simply more suited at this stage of their career. Try not to have a knee-jerk reaction, your promotion may be just around the corner.

Hang in There



Less than 18 months: Try and stick it out a bit longer. A role where you have stayed less than 18 months will create questions for your next employer and can indicate a lack of resilience and loyalty. You’ll have to work that extra bit harder in the interview to demonstrate commitment.

No job to go to:Yes, it’s time-consuming looking for a role. And takes emotional energy. And can be difficult to schedule in interviews around work hours. BUT DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT ANOTHER ROLE LINED UP. You can never anticipate just how long it will take to secure the next role, and not working can quickly become isolating, depressing and financially destabilising.

You’re tired and stressed:When you’re not operating in peak condition, it’s too easy to make an illogical or emotionally-charged decision. Maybe you just need a break – either a vacation or even a few days to recharge in your home environment. Make sure you do totally switch off – no emails or work phone calls. This time out can give you more clarity and re-consider whether you do have solid reasons to move on.

Of course if you’d like impartial career advice, the team at SCC Talent are always happy to chat and help you work out if it really is time to break up.