Thinking of switching things up?

The idea of packing in your 9-5 and changing jobs (or careers entirely) can seem a bit intimidating at the best of times. But it turns out there are a few key signs that it may be time to make a big move. Matrix Recruitment, one of Ireland’s leading recruitment firms, have taken a look a some of the biggest signs it may be time to switch your job. 20 years go, the average employee would stay in their role for 20 to 30 years - working their way to the top of the career ladder, with their sights set on a highly coveted position. Nowadays, though, things have gotten a lot more complicated. The average professional can expect to switch jobs up to ten times in their working life. But knowing when it's time to officially take that leap - and how to do it - is key. Here are eight signs that it may be time to change your job.

1. Monday morning dread

Job motivation is important for many reason: it can help you keep up a positive outlook; fuel career ambition; increase your output and productivity - and, really, make you a better employee/colleague. This will, in turn, increase your potential for promotion as you look to climb the career ladder. So if you're already wishing the rest of the week away as soon as you arrive in on Monday morning, it could be time for a new job.

2. Has work taken over your life?

Showing commitment to your job is great. But if it feels like its starting to a fact the rest of your life on a regular basis, you’ve got to decide if it is really worth it in the long run. If you’ve missed weddings, parties, funerals and great nights out because you’ve been stuck in work - or if you find yourself glued to your emails wayyyy out of hours - it could be time to look elsewhere.

3. Are you growing your skill set?

Nowadays, the goal for many people is to build up a bank of skills that will allow them to keep pace with any career changes that will happen during their working life. So, if you've been in the same job for more than two years and don't remember the last time you learned a new skill, it may be time to reconsider you career goals. I you’re not moving up the career ladder, it could be time to move on.

4. Have your co-workers started to leave?

Have there been rumours of redundancies or restructuring in the company? Or are your co-workers getting restless?  If you feel that the company’s future, or indeed its reputation is unstable, you need to think about your own future and perhaps a move is on the cards. Kieran McKeown MD of Matrix Recruitment, says:

“Make sure you have all the facts before making your final decision. "The company may be restructuring for future growth or perhaps there is an opportunity to avail of a redundancy package, so consider all the options and the bigger picture.”

5. Are you stuck in a rut at work?

If you feel like you've gained all the experience you can get and there’s nowhere else for you to go in a company, it’s time to start looking at what other options are open to you. A new challenge can be intimidating but rewarding - and it will not only get you out of a rut, but give you a chance to move up the career ladder.

6.   Do you and your boss see eye to eye?

Given that most people spend more than 40 hours in work each week, it really helps when you like your colleagues - and especially your boss. Having a manager or boss that you look up to and can approach with ease can make all the difference.

7. Is a co-worker getting paid more than you for the same job?

If a co-worker with the same levels of experience and grade is getting paid more for the same level of work, it might not be time to hand in your resignation - but you should definitely have a talk with your boss. Request a meeting with your manager and question how each employee salary is judged. If your boss can’t give you a valid reason for paying a colleague more than you and is unwilling to match their salary, you know you’re in the wrong job.

8. Dream job

Matrix Recruitment MD Kieran McKeown advised that while not everyone will land in their dream job, you should still feel "happy and motivated and satisfied that you are achieving career or lifestyle goals" where you work. He added:

“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side but if you are experiencing some of the tell-tale signs that we have identified, it could be time to take a look at what else might be out there for you. Who knows, perhaps it could be your dream job.”