Top signs to call it quits at work

A few signs to tell if the current work position you are in, is a good fit or not and if you should get out while you can.

Wondering how I stumbled upon the topic? Well, let's just say, I embarked on a little adventure and did what I like to call research. I noticed the signs, and it was like a neon-lit exit sign on a dark, twisty career highway. I had to make a move before my job felt like a never-ending rerun of a workplace sitcom gone terribly wrong

But, let's be real, the decision to bid farewell to your job isn't always as crystal clear as the plot of a good comedy. Some folks lose sleep over it, pondering, "What should I do?" They turn to friends and family, seeking advice, hoping someone will give them the green light for change. They know the answer is lurking in the shadows, and it's usually wrapped up in a "change is essential" package. But, oh boy, making that change? It's about as daunting as trying to switch the light on during loadshedding.

Then there are those oblivious beings who haven't realized they're stuck in the job version of Groundhog Day until someone taps them on the shoulder and says, "You might want to rethink your career choices, bru."

But before you storm out of your workplace with a dramatic exit, let's talk options. Can you quit and leisurely hunt for a new gig, or do you need to pull off the undercover job search while you're still tethered to your current one? And, hey, are you set on your current career path, or is there a secret longing for a career change, much like my quest to find the world's best sandwich (which also involved a few plot twists)? So, let's dive into the top signs it might be time to pull the plug and set sail for a new career horizon.

So, let me ask you a few thought-provoking questions:

• Ever get the feeling you're the odd duck in your office pond?
• Does work stress cling to you like a stubborn coffee stain on your favorite shirt?
• Have you been denied that well-deserved R&R time, or worse, had your leave snatched away just when you needed it most for important family matters?
• Heard the unwelcome tune of verbal abuse at work?
• Have you been treated to a masterclass in colorful language not suitable for polite company?
• Are you juggling tasks that would make a multitasking octopus envious?

If you find yourself checking off multiple boxes, it's probably high time to get off stage. In fact, according to the experts, these are just a sampler of signs that should have you pondering whether it's time to address the issues or wave goodbye pronto.

Other questions to consider:

• Am I Still Growing and Learning?
• Is the Company's Future Stable and Aligned with My Goals?
• Do I Feel Valued and Recognized?
• Is the Work-Life Balance Satisfactory?
• Is My Passion and Motivation for the Job Gone?

Here's a piece of friendly advice: when you sense it might be time to part ways with your current job, start by setting some clear goals. Paint a picture of what you desire in your next career move, whether it's the scope of responsibilities, the workplace culture, a boost in your paycheck, or those coveted perks and benefits. The wise experts suggest crafting a timeline for yourself, both for securing a new opportunity and for orchestrating your grand exit.

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty signs, remember, the key is understanding whether you're genuinely happy in your current workplace.

Before we dive right into the signs, the key is realizing if you are happy at work, or not.

Do you know the difference between acute and chronic unhappiness?

It's essential to spot the difference between the occasional "Ugh, it's Monday" and the "I-can't-stand-this-job-anymore" kind of unhappiness. Take a moment to look at your job situation with a sense of humor (if you can muster it). If you're as sure of your ongoing unhappiness as you are about the sun rising in the east, and if your attempts to sprinkle positivity around your workplace resemble an epic fail meme, there's only one logical path left: time to dust off the old resume and venture into the job-hunting jungle. It may feel like auditioning for a reality TV show, but no job should hold the exclusive rights to your misery.

When you're genuinely unhappy at work, remember that you're the director of your life's sitcom. You can create plot twists and happy endings, even if it means switching channels to a new job. Keep in mind that every job, like a Netflix series, has its quirky characters and humorous moments mixed in with the drama; the trick is to find work that leaves you smiling more than it leaves you facepalming.

So, here are a few signs and please, do let me know in the comments section below if any of these make sense to you.

How can you tell? Well, if your mornings are more like a sad trombone sound than a bugle call of excitement for your job, you might have a passion shortage.

Remember those early days when you strutted into work like you were about to conquer the world, all smiles and a pep in your step? Yeah, those days are as rare as a unicorn sighting now.

If you're not chasing your passion, you'll be stuck chasing coffee just to make it through the day. The experts predict it's a one-way ticket to "just another job" land, and each day will feel like a never-ending treadmill of drama.

Don't let your career turn into a grind; aim to make it a daily dose of delight instead!

It's elementary, my dear Watson. If the very thought of going to work makes you want to crawl back under the covers and declare a duvet day, you're not exactly embracing the day with open arms.

When your job feels more like a soggy tomato sandwich than a satisfying full English breakfast, and your excuses for not going to work rival the creativity of Shakespeare's best works, it's time to consider if you're in the right place.

After all, there's nothing worse than being forced to do something you'd rather dodge, right?

When experts advise you not to go down with a sinking ship, they're not talking about an ill-fated cruise liner. They mean your workplace! It's time to channel your inner Jack and Rose from Titanic and find yourself a metaphorical life preserver, pronto.

Here's a little nugget of wisdom: reputation is your swanky tuxedo or dazzling evening gown at this high-stakes party called your career. So, don't let it get splattered with mud while the company is doing the deep-sea dive. Why tarnish your sparkling image when you can jump ship and swim toward brighter horizons?

It's not rocket science to figure this one out. If your job, your coworkers, or the office culture feels about as healthy as a deep-fried Snickers bar, and you can sense the physical and mental toll, it's time to sound the alarm.

Experts put it bluntly: when stress becomes a clingy companion, both at work and as your unwelcome plus-one at every family gathering, it's like having a permanent dark cloud over your life. If even the mere thought of work sends you into an anxiety tailspin, that's your cue to change lanes.

When your job starts affecting your health - whether it's physically, mentally, or the dreaded combo platter - it's time to make a graceful exit. After all, life's too short to let work become your personal stress trainer!