The signs are there. We’ve all seen them, yet so many people choose to ignore the warning lights that are shining brightly in their eyes.
It seems more difficult to be happy at work these days, especially for those who have been given more responsibility without additional pay. Then there is the guilt factor that says you are supposed to be happy because you are gainfully employed in a tough economy.
As the job market loosens, millions of unhappy workers will have to decide whether to remain with their employers or go elsewhere. Here are some signs that the time has come for you to go.
1. You can no longer keep a straight face when the president says, "Our people are our most important asset." It’s impossible to be positive all the time when you are working in HR, but some days are worse than others. Especially when the president follows a statement like this with a layoff announcement. Perhaps the time has come to ensure your name gets on the list, so you can take advantage of any packages that may be offered.
2. Your recommendations are ignored. You used to have the ear of the CEO, but these days she seems to ignore your recommendations. Somewhere along the way your credibility has been lost. Credibility can be reestablished. However, it’s an uphill battle with no guarantees. Maybe it’s time to find a place where your ideas will be valued.
3. You no longer have the energy to do it all. You loved your job so much when you first arrived that it didn’t seem to matter that you were the only manager without administrative support. Now you dread getting out of bed every day because you aren’t sure you’ll have the energy to crawl into bed when you return. Something’s wrong when you are the only one without support. Evaluate where you stand in the organization and prepare to make a change.
4. Outstanding review; underwhelming bonus. It’s been a tough few years for many companies. In spite of the economy, large bonus checks are being cut to others in the organization. Unfortunately, your name isn’t on one of these checks. Read between the lines. You’ve done a great job and can be replaced with someone who will cost a lot less money. If this is the first time this has occurred, you may let it slide. If this is a pattern, then you know exactly what to expect when next year comes along.
5. You no longer have a job. You are working as the lead recruiter for a company that has just instituted a hiring freeze. You’ve been given other tasks to do, but nothing seems to have replaced the adrenaline rush you feel when juggling twenty open requisitions. There are companies adding to staff. Will you retire in place or seek a more active workplace where you can feel alive again?
6. You can’t think of one good thing to say to a new recruit. You used to get excited when you described the company to new recruits. You now find yourself reaching for a script to avoid saying anything negative. Clearly the joy is gone for you. If you can’t say anything nice about the company then perhaps it’s best to say nothing at all. Exit gracefully before you are asked to leave.
7. Your boss asks you to train a "backup". At work, we often hear, "We need someone trained in case you get hit by a bus," even though we rarely hear about people actually being taken out by a bus that has gone wild. This is code for, "You’re on your way out pal. I need you to train someone before I fire you." It’s difficult to stay motivated when you are waiting for the hatchet to fall. Live life on your own terms. Find a new home where you can be happy again.
About the Author:
Roberta Chinsky Matuson is the President of Human Resource Solutions (www.yourhrexperts.com) and author of the highly acclaimed book, Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around (Nicholas Brealey, January 2011). Her firm helps organizations create exceptional workplaces that deliver extraordinary results.