5 questions to check if it’s time for a new job

You wonder if it’s time for a new job or if it’s better to stick with your current job. How do you tie that knot? This can be done with the help of the five questions in this article.

Switching jobs is an exciting step. Not only applying for a new job but also leaving behind a familiar environment. Because we humans are creatures of habit, you may keep putting off this step. Because you have a permanent contract, right? And you really like that part of your job, don’t you? There are always excuses to be found.

New job or stay?

Below you will find five questions with which you can definitively check whether it is time for a new job or whether you should stay.

1. Do you still like your job?

We’re going to start with a small tip because your happiness at work is the most important thing. Of course, there are times when you don’t like your job, or you may have gotten into a rut.

But if you never feel like going to work again, are counting down the days until the weekend, and maybe even have a stomachache on Sunday night, you can say it’s time for a new challenge.

2. Do you have a good relationship with your manager and colleagues?

Speaking of happiness at work: the people you work closely with have a significant influence on that. You can enjoy your work as much as you like if you can’t get through one with your supervisor or work with colleagues is difficult, you are not in the right place here, and it is better not to stay at this job.

Of course, your colleagues don’t have to be your best friends either, but good communication and trust are essential. Isn’t that the case with this job? Then you will come into your own better elsewhere.

3. Are you getting paid enough?

Do you know how much you are worth? You can easily find out via online tools such as Wage Indicator and Payscale. You then see how much people earn in your field if they are the same age and perform approximately the same work.

There are also enough signs that show that you are getting too little. For example, if you have been given more responsibilities but no corresponding salary increase. Then it’s time to start negotiating. Are you unable to earn more? Then it’s time for a new job, and you better not stay.

4. Are you still appreciated enough?

This one coincides with the previous question because you probably feel unappreciated if you don’t get paid enough. But appreciation is about much more than money. For example, are your ideas taken seriously? Do you feel like you can be yourself completely? And do you ever get a compliment from your manager?

Again, you can first indicate how you feel to see if the situation improves. Isn’t that the case? Then look for a place where you get the appreciation you deserve.

5. Can you still grow and develop yourself in this job?

Sometimes you like your job, but something still gnaws at you. Most likely, you will not be able to develop yourself anymore. If you feel like you’re doing the same thing year after year, “the same” can be so much fun; at some point, you don’t feel challenged anymore.

Can you no longer grow in the current company where you work? Then orientate and look for challenging vacancies. It’s time for the next step.

There is a good chance that you answered “no” to one or more of these questions. It is not without reason that you wonder whether it is time for a new job or whether you should stay. Is your answer to all questions ‘yes’? Then you are probably in a rut. Talking to your manager about the possibility of new activities can be a solution.