Signs that It’s Time to Leave Your 9-to-5

Has the thought of leaving your 9-to-5 crossed your mind? You are not alone, Post-COVID resignations are expected to heat up, which is why you have probably seen the words “the great resignation” in the news lately. So, how do you begin the process? The first step is to stop making excuses, look at the signs, and create your strategic plan.

Here's the thing – you can't ignore the signs. How many times have you said, "They got me messed up!" or "I don't get paid to do this?" When you start having this type of internal dialogue with yourself, it's time to go. Need help identifying the other signs that it's time to leave your 9-5? Keep reading and see if any of these signs speak to you.

The money doesn't match the responsibility

Have you ever become the unofficial manager or supervisor in an office? You continuously make your company money, train new and existing employees, and represent your department in company-wide meetings. Yet, the supervisor role (that you have applied for), title, and money belong to someone else or sits vacant.

It's fair to assume that you have voiced your need for promotion upon articulating your metrics and value, but your leadership still hasn't promoted you, but continues to pile the work on – RUN! It is time to go. You have shown them that you will do it all with nothing in return. This is not a place where your skills will be appreciated and it is not a place you can grow.

Your innovation is being used and claimed by someone else

OK – I am about to strike a nerve and make a few professionals have a flashback. Have you ever shared an idea with leadership that got shot down, then was pitched to the team and implemented without credit to you? It is time to go, and QUICKLY!

This leadership team does not value you as a professional, but they believe you have a valuable innovation that they can capitalize on without paying you the money you deserve.

They don't think you understand your value, so they are taking advantage of your skills. Don't let them. Start applying for other positions on another team or at another company – maybe even a competing company (that is, if you didn't sign documentation that says you cannot work there).

You lack passion and drive

Picture this, it's Monday, and after a great weekend with friends and family, you wake up dreading the walk to the living room to log onto your company’s virtual platform – it's time to get your resume together.

If Monday doesn't sound like Rihanna singing Werk Werk Werk Werk – then you are not fulfilling your personal and professional passion. Understanding your cubicle love language (I made that up) will help you create a stimulating, fulfilling, and exciting career strategy. It is 2021, creativity and innovation are leading in the workforce.

Your company is cutting corners or doing questionable things

Let's face it; people will cut corners if they can get away with it. When you cut corners, it compromises the quality of the finished product. Not every corner cut is legal – understand that.

If you are not comfortable performing your job duties because it challenges your moral compass – you should leave. Find a reputable company that is operating with integrity.

You find more money for the same job at other companies

Suppose you have cruised a job board or websites like LinkedIn, GlassDoor, or Payscale and discovered that other companies are paying more for your current job (especially in IT).

In that case, it is time to start negotiating your salary at your company. If your salary ask does not align with their organizational budget, you should start applying to other companies. Be sure to have all of your accomplishments with measurable metrics to show how you have added value to your position.

Your 9-to-5 is a relationship much like anything else. Be sure to think of it that way; it is ok to grow in a different direction – once you identify that this is happening, you should prepare to depart.

But, DO NOT overstay your welcome. Leave while the relationship can be salvaged if you need to come back for a better opportunity in the future. Good luck! Stop letting these companies stress you out, underpay you, and take you for granted. You have value – know that!