Staying at the wrong job for too long can have lasting consequences, including mental and physical health issues. A bad job can also negatively impact your personal life and career success. The problem most people have is differentiating between normal and unhealthy work issues. Being unhappy and stressed is so commonplace that we don’t know when to get out. If you’re wondering if you’re in the wrong job, look for the following signs that it’s time to leave:
Always Drained
A big sign of a bad job is constantly feeling emotionally, mentally and physically drained. Do you come home everyday too exhausted to do anything but watch TV or sleep? Do you no longer make time for hobbies or relationships? A job isn’t always fun and exciting, but the right job should leave you with enough energy to live a life outside of work.
Complaining All the Time
If you find yourself constantly complaining about your job to anyone who will listen, it’s time to get out before you say the wrong thing to the wrong person. It’s fine to occasionally vent your problems to a trusted non-work friend, but it isn’t healthy when you’re job has no redeeming qualities. And although letting out frustration feels good in the short run, it’s better to do work that encourages positivity.
Dreading Work
It’s common for people to dislike going to work some days, but it’s not normal to dread work so badly that you feel sick or you try to find ways to avoid going in to work. Do you have trouble enjoying vacations or time off because you dread going back to work? Do you lose sleep worrying about going to work the next day? If so, it’s time to address why you’re experiencing so much dread, and if it can’t be changed, start looking for a position that’s a better fit.
Increased Health Problems
Chest pains, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, nausea, depression, and anxiety are some health problems caused by stress. If you’ve noticed an increase in health issues since starting your current position, it’s a sign you’re in the wrong job. Being sick isn’t just bad for your health, but ongoing illnesses can decrease productivity and prove detrimental to your career.
Every job has ups and downs, and even the most satisfied employee experiences a bad day here and there. However, if the negatives always outweigh the positives, it’s probably time for a change. For more help , read Career Change: Stop hating your job, discover what you really want to do with your life, and start doing it!
