How do you know when it’s time for a new job? Maybe you have been at your warehouse for years and while the engineers and assemblers feel more like old friends than coworkers, there’s zero room for growth. Or perhaps you have peers in a similar position at a different distribution center, and you know for a fact their compensation and benefits far outweigh your own.
Are your concerns valid enough to justify a career switch? Here are four clear signs that you are ready for change.
You’re Dissatisfied with the Company Culture
The phrase “company culture” is often thrown around in today’s job market, but what exactly is it and why does it have such an impact on your job?
Think of it like someone’s character. For example, a collaborative culture is seen through supportive teamwork. When you have an end-of-day meeting and managers listen to the pros and cons of a new production procedure or ask their team if there’s a more effective way to conduct the automated and non-automated systems, that’s a collaborative culture. If, on the other hand, when you have ideas about how to improve the last-mile delivery system of your product and receive a dismissive response that the current procedure is just fine, then the company isn’t really valuing collaboration
Will there be times you and your boss don’t see eye to eye? Absolutely. However, the resolution process (or lack thereof) reveals a significant aspect of the company culture. The way you and your colleagues are treated stays with you. Finding a supportive environment is a valid, even essential, aspect of any long-term career choice. So, how would you describe your company’s character? You’re answer may provide a clear sign of direction.
You’re Lacking the Right Compensation
Money isn’t everything in a job, but it will always be a significant consideration. So, it’s helpful to do your homework. Do a little compare-and-contrast research on your role. If you are a Quality Engineer making $55k a year but see the average low compensation for this role across the country is $66k, then you should take note. Company size and years of experience are further factors to consider, but with tools like LinkedIn Salary and Glassdoor, you can get some real-life perspective and a leg to stand on when preparing for a change.
Perhaps your financial needs have changed – you are starting a family, ready to purchase a home, need to support your child in college, or trying to maximize your retirement savings. These are important life changes that require adequate financial planning. And if your warehouse seems to be restructuring every year without raises or people around you are quitting left and right, these arrows are pointing to the sign: find a better job!
You’re Missing a Good Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance can be closely related to company culture. A work-hard play-hard culture often lends to a wholesome and suitable schedule, in and out of the office. But it the focus is only on the work hard portion, burnout is around the corner.
For instance, if there’s a constant downpour of messages from your manager around the clock that contain an invisible “answer me now” overtone, you’ll reach the point of mental exhaustion fast. If, in order to take time off, you have to make solid open and closing arguments to prove the validity of your request, you may avoid taking PTO altogether (another red flag).
Maybe those examples are extreme. A lack of the right balance doesn’t inherently mean your employer is the big bad wolf. It may just mean the role and company are not what you need right now.
Put another way, how much are you being asked to give up? Is a lack of flexibility keeping you from your kid’s basketball game after school? Are minimal personable relationships with your team making you feel isolated or obsolete? Is your workload so taxing that you have zero capacity to travel on the weekends or be fully present with family and friends?
At the end of the day, no one can define your perfect work-life balance besides, well, you. Give yourself the freedom and permission to define what you need.
You’re Wanting Space to Grow
Perhaps you love your company, but you’ve maxed out on learning in your role. You know the ropes of your job, and new employees ask for your advice and input constantly. While that in and of itself brings a level of accomplishment, you are ready for more – a good sign! But there’s no where to grow, and that’s a significant problem. Learning and growing are key to staying engaged in any career.
According to the University of Arizona, the sweet spot for motivation and learning is an 85% success and 15% failure rate. Challenging yourself to learn new responsibilities or skills, even with a few bumps along the road, correlates with happiness and a sense of satisfaction in your job.
Of course, there are steps you can take on your own. Take an initial class for your MBA and test your leadership and administration skills. Try and join the board of a small local nonprofit to expand your executive perspective while taking an initiative in your community.
But maybe the best place to start is by asking your current supervisor for more opportunities. From creating operational policies and procedure for new warehouse equipment to beginning a QWLP or CWLP certification to running point on a Monday morning meeting, make the effort to ask. The response will give you a further sign to whether you should stay or go.
Don’t just aimlessly scroll your LinkedIn job suggestions and wonder if you should or shouldn’t apply for a new role. Take a look at the signs, and, if some or all are pointing to you starting a new chapter, chart a new course and go for it. The right job is worth the effort.
Are you on the fence about restarting your job search? The right position might seal the deal. Check out our open jobs to see if anything sparks your passion.
