The average person will spend 90,000 hours of his or her lifetime at work, according to author Jessica Pryce-Jones in her book Happiness at Work: Maximizing Your Psychological Capital For Success. That’s a lot of hours for any employee to invest into their work, but for those struggling to make it through the day or yearning for a new job, these hours can put a strain on relationships, physical and mental health, and the individual’s overall well-being.

While some may be able to recognize when it is time to move on from a certain position or company, it can be difficult for others to face the truth. Whether it’s a lack of confidence or a fear of failing, some employees might just put up with certain hardships for the sake of sticking with familiarity.

The truth is, a job shouldn’t stand in the way of anyone’s happiness. If you find yourself identifying with any of the following eight scenarios, take it as a sign to begin looking for a new role.

The working conditions are not manageable

If your company requires you to work from home but you do not possess the necessary skills or adequate equipment to do so, your productivity and work ethic can suffer. Likewise, if your company works in-office year round, a long commute can cost you valuable time and money. If your current company isn’t able to accommodate your needs, it could be time to look elsewhere -- especially as more organizations are becoming more flexible as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

You have different values than your company

You might not agree on every decision your company makes, but sometimes there isn’t room for compromise. When your ethics or views on social responsibility differ from those of your company, you’re putting more at stake than just your peace of mind. If you can not speak up for what you believe in and end up representing an organization with offensive or hurtful views, you could be damaging your relationships with those around you, your reputation, and even your own self-worth. If you tend to feel uncomfortable or have a sense of general unbelonging in your workplace, it’s definitely time to reevaluate your position.

There is no room for advancement

Let’s face it -- holding onto a position with the hopes of one day moving up the ladder can be a waste of time if you’re not seeing any changes in your responsibilities or benefits. If you’ve been at your job for quite some time and still feel like you’re at the bottom, it’s time to find an organization that will appreciate your hard work and value the time you put into your role.

Your personal life is suffering because of your work

Leaving work at work and maintaining a proper work-life balance can be difficult, especially in remote positions that create a sense of being perpetually available. When this happens, it can be challenging to draw the line between work and your personal life, which can begin to negatively affect those around you. In other words, if your work is beginning to take away all of your free time, or family and friends are being negatively affected by your work, it’s time to reconsider your current role.

You feel unmotivated or bored with your work

It’s no secret that not every employee is 100% satisfied with work. In fact, Gallup, a global analytics and advice firm, has reported that only 15% of global employees are engaged at work. While it’s certainly normal to look forward to the weekend or have days where you'd rather not be working, the problem occurs when this way of thinking becomes a permanent mindset. If this sounds like your everyday train of thought, it could be time to find a new role. Feeling unmotivated or bored with work can lead to low productivity levels and poor interactions with clients or customers which can both put a strain on your work and the relationships with those around you.

Your job is taking a toll on your health

A lack of sleep, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, and more are all symptoms of stress. This means over time having that “I just need to get through this week” mentality isn’t just affecting your work or productivity, but it can also be affecting your mental and physical health. When stress is not properly managed, it will only become worse and can lead to further complications and even a shorter life expectancy. When your job begins to consume all aspects of your life and becomes a constant stresser, it’s time to reevaluate whether or not your current position is worth putting your own health at risk.

You are not getting the pay or benefits that you need

Your pay and the benefits package you receive aren’t perfect but the other perks of your job are worth sticking around for, right? Wrong! If you find that you’re bargaining with yourself on important aspects such as your salary or benefits for the sake of keeping a job that almost meets all of your requirements, it’s time to look for a new position that will be able to give you what you deserve.

You’ve already considered finding a new job

If you’ve already considered finding a new job in the first place, you probably know it’s time to move on. At Nexus, we understand finding a new role can be a lot easier said than done and that there is a lot of time and preparation that goes into searching for a new role. If you frequently find yourself browsing job listings but spend all of your time debating whether or not it’s time to start over, it can be hard to take the next step. Let go of your fears and contact us today to get started!

Eight Telltale Signs You Should Be Looking For A New Job