Let me ask you a question: how do you really feel about your current job? Are the Sunday scaries starting to creep in every day of the week? Do you dread logging on or find yourself calling in sick just to have a day off?

If the answer is yes, you’re far from alone. According to Google trend data, searches for ‘when to quit your job’ have risen by 214% in the last month and ’should I quit my job’ has attracted more than 70 million views on TikTok. But how do you know whether these negative feelings about work are temporary or a sign that you should look for something new?

According to career expert and AI Jobs founder Rob Phelps, there are multiple factors to consider when it comes to making such a big decision. Leaving a job can be scary, but it can also be the best decision for you and your wellbeing. 

The spark has faded

You used to find your work exciting and looked forward to each day, but now you’re finding that the days all blur into one, and the challenges you once craved seem underwhelming. “This lack of motivation is a sure sign that your current role isn’t fuelling your professional fire and it might be time to look for something that excites you again,” explains Phelps.

Your mental health is taking a hit

Work can be stressful, but when it starts to be the sole cause of your anxiety and stress, it’s a big red flag. “If you’re dealing with chronic feelings of exhaustion, dread and burnout, and it’s difficult to switch off, relax and enjoy your personal life, then it’s impacting your mental health,” Phelps says. “Listen to your body and mind and consider the toll your job is taking on your sleep, appetite and temper.” If the negatives outweigh the positives, you should think about moving on.

You’re at a dead-end

The most difficult decision can be leaving a job that you still love but have simply outgrown. You feel like you’ve learned everything you can and there’s no room for growth or progression, or you constantly exceed managers’ expectations but are always being passed over for promotions. “Remaining in a stagnant role like this can stifle your career development and if you can’t see a path to progression in your current role, you might need to get off the dead-end road and look for an alternative route,” says Phelps.

The vibes are bad

Surrounded by negativity, gossip, disrespect or bullying at work? A toxic work environment can have a huge impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing, chip away at your self-confidence and make you feel like you’ll never be able to escape. “Whether it’s workplace bullying or a lack of support and unrealistic expectations that’s making it toxic, this environment can cause a constant knot of anxiety and stress that can impact you both mentally and physically,” he says.

You’re filled with dread

Similarly, when the thought of going to work fills you with dread, it’s a strong indicator that something needs to change. “Low job satisfaction, dreading tasks and upcoming meetings and spending your day watching the clock, desperate for your day to be over, is a sign that your job is negatively impacting your wellbeing and you should think about moving on,” suggests Phelps.

There’s no balance

Life is about more than just work. We need personal time to recharge and relax, but if work constantly intrudes on personal time, and it’s not by choice, it can be a recipe for burnout. “If your workload is consistently exceeding what can be done in contracted hours and you’re expected to work late and be contactable at all times, it’s a sign that the role is understaffed and not being managed well,” Phelps says. “This can lead to resentment and feeling like you’re being taken advantage of, especially if your extra efforts aren’t being recognised or compensated. There might be another role that will have a better balance.”

Images: Getty