15 Best Reasons to Look for a New Job- Signs you should know

Have you been asking the universe for reasons to look for a new job? Are you tired of your current job? If so, you’re not alone.

During your career, it is normal to think about quitting your job on occasion and finding a new position or a career change. In today’s work environment, you never want to become stagnant or complacent. Life is all about continuous growth.

It is important to recognize reasons to look for a new job. At the end of a year (and the beginning of a new one) it’s common to begin thinking about the future and whether or not you’re on track to reaching your personal and professional career goals. If you’re looking for tips on creating smart work goals, check out, How to Set SMART Work Goals.

It’s normal to wonder “Is it time to quit my job?” or “Should I quit my job?” or even “Is this a good reason to look for a new job?” Quitting is a decision that takes time, reflection, prayer, and intentional planning. To come to a final decision on whether or not it’s time for a new job, you need to ask yourself if you’re ready to embark on a new journey. Finding a new job doesn’t happen overnight and takes work.

Beginning a job search to find a new role requires dedication and focus. You should start by updating your resume (when is the last time you did that?), sprucing up your LinkedIn profile, networking, practicing your interview skills, and looking for the right fit!

You are more than capable of doing this, you just need to be honest with yourself and find the time to devote to your new journey.

If you are still on the fence about whether or not you have the right reasons to look for a new job, you should look at the 15 reasons to look for a new job below to determine if you’re ready.

15 Reasons to Look for a New Job

Reason #1- You’ve thought about it… many times

If you’re looking for reasons to quit your current position regularly, you might be on to something. The thoughts that linger in the back of your mind are usually your subconscious telling you there’s something wrong. When you’re happy and fulfilled, you don’t think about looking for a new job. On the other hand, if you are feeling bored, tired, or like something is missing from your current employer and current role, it may be time to look for something else.

Pay attention to your intuition and inner thoughts. This will lead you to make the right decision. It will also help you easily notice the signs it’s time to quit your job.

Reason #2- You feel bored and complacent

If your job no longer excites you or gives you new tasks or goals to learn, you may begin to feel bored. Feeling bored and complacent is a good reason to look for a new job. When you stay in a position that bores you, you do a disservice to yourself and others. You stunt your professional growth and potentially hold your team back by “doing things the way they’ve always been done.”

In the unpredictable job market today, it is important that your skills remain up-to-date and your passion alive for your profession. If you’re bored, it’s time for a change.

Reason #3- There’s no more room for growth

As I mentioned in the previous reason, building a meaningful career is all about growth. If you crave new knowledge and learning additional skills, but your employer doesn’t offer professional development opportunities, that’s a major sign. If your boss and employer cannot invest in your professional goals to help you get a promotion or have a larger impact in your organization, it’s time to find an employer that will.

It is ok to outgrow people, situations, and things. The key is knowing when it is time to move on and taking action to do so. Also, if your employer isn’t investing in your growth, you can take matters into your own hands by finding online training in topics that interest you and increases your skill set. A great resource is LinkedIn Learning. As a LinkedIn Learning Instructor, I want to offer you a free 30-day trial. You can access your trial by clicking here. There are so many courses in the library that will help you find a better opportunity so that you can excel at your next job.

Reason #4 to look for a new job- You need a higher salary and better benefits

As you get older you begin to discover that your financial needs and lifestyle change. Often this means needing additional funds and benefits. Entry-level roles and companies with smaller budgets often cannot fund the lifestyle we desire. You can try asking for a raise or better perks, but if your company isn’t in a position to provide you with what you need, it may be time to move on.

For tips on how to ask for a raise, check out this article, How to ask for a raise. Needing a higher salary to support your lifestyle is a valid reason to look for a new job.

Reason #5- The workplace is toxic

Toxic workplaces can take a heavy toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health. You should not feel guilty or obligated to stay in a role that damages your self-esteem. Many of the clients that I’ve coached have told me that working in a toxic environment took a negative toll on their confidence and belief in themselves. Staying in a toxic workplace too long can affect your ability to have enough energy and strength to find something better. Do yourself a favor and leave once you notice toxic traits. If you wonder if your environment is toxic, check out my article Toxic Workplace Checklist and Is my Workplace Toxic?

Reason #6- You are relocating

This is one of the easier reasons to look for a new job. Why is it easy? If you’re one of those people who feel guilty about quitting, this reason usually requires less thought and is a quicker decision to make and justify. Relocating to a new city or state often requires looking for a new job because you need to make a salary that matches that environment’s economy.

If you want tips on how to find prospective employers and a good fit out of state, check out, Tips on How to find a job out of state.

Reason #7- You want to take time to travel

As most people get older, they begin to realize that life is too short to miss out on amazing experiences. I’ve met and coached a lot of professionals who decided to take a year off to travel the world. If you decide to do this, think about all of your options. Have you saved up enough money to pay bills while you’re traveling? Are there part-time jobs that you can do virtually? Make sure to explore all of the opportunities you can. If you ask me, I’d say this is a pretty good reason to look for a new job.

Reason #8- You need to become a caregiver

Becoming a caregiver is a full-time job. When looking for a new job, you may need to prioritize remote or hybrid roles. If you like your company and prefer to stay there, ask for options. Explore a remote work agreement, hybrid schedule, or a temporary leave of absence. If your company refuses to provide you with these options, they are giving you a reason to look for a new job.

Bonus: do not forget that while you are in a caregiving role, there are many transferable skills that you will be able to utilize for your next potential employer.

Reason #9- Your company is going through layoffs

Layoffs create uncertainty. With the economy being unstable, you never want to be in a position to be suddenly laid off. If you see this coming, you have time to prepare and begin your job search. Don’t forget to ask for letters of recommendation and references as you’re navigating this process.

Reason #10 to look for a new job- Your company is going through a merger

Change isn’t easy and mergers can cause a lot of change. Mergers can also create downsizing depending on the new company’s current goals and established roles. If you don’t want to take your chances and wait it out, it may be time to look for a new job.

Reason #11- You no longer care about the company or your current role

If you notice that your attitude is “blah” or “indifferent” when you think about work, this is usually a sign that it’s time to look for a new job. Your work should excite you, bring you peace, and a sense of excitement, most days. If these feelings are gone, this is a good reason to quit your job.

Reason #12- You want to change careers

As professionals, we grow and change every day. Sometimes that change means learning a new skill or trying out new job duties. If you have the desire to use your transferable background and try something new, do it!

Reason #13- The work drains you (physically and emotionally)

Work takes up the majority of our lives. Physical and emotional stress can cause sickness, depression, and anxiety. There is no job or career worth sacrificing your mental and emotional health. This is without a doubt reason to look for another job.

Reason #14- Freedom and flexibility have become a priority

After the pandemic, many professionals changed their priorities. Many swapped late nights, working weekends, and frequent travel for more family time and work/life balance. If you fall into this category and your employer is not offering the balance or schedule that you desire, it is time to move on.

Reason #15- The workload is unrealistic

Unfortunately, many companies compile roles and responsibilities. This often results in employee burnout and stress. If your workload has become too much and your employer refuses to offer adjustments or support, it may be time to look for something new.

Now that you’ve read the most common reasons to look for a new job, I’m guessing you have a question about interviewing. After professionals decide they want to look for a new job, they often ask what to say when looking for a new job. 

Interview tips when looking for a new job

How to answer, “Why are you looking for a new job?”

Be honest, straightforward, and positive. You shouldn’t feel nervous or guilty when answering this question. Share your experience, what you plan to contribute, and what inspired your decision. Do not forget to add why you’re excited to work for the new employer. Need a sample answer to, why are you looking for a new job? Well good news, I have one below.

Hiring Manager: Tell me, why are you looking for a new job?

You (Candidate): Great question! For the past (# of years) I’ve increased my expertise and skills in (name your relevant skills). I’ve had a blast in that role, but I’m looking for a new challenge and place where I can increase my skills and make a bigger impact. Something that I love about your company is (list what you love) and I believe that I can help you (name a project/initiative) while growing personally and professionally.

See! It doesn’t have to be hard. Just walk in with confidence and share your genuine desire. You got this!

Things to remember when looking for a new job

Figuring out the right reasons to look for a new job is more common than you think. At the end of the day, it’s important to go with your gut and what feels right for you. You do not need validation from anyone when it comes to making decisions regarding YOUR career. Regret is a feeling that you don’t want to live with long term and having regrets usually come from following others’ opinions instead of our own.

If you’ve made it to the end of this article, congrats! I highly suggest that you begin mapping out some of your long-term goals to determine if it is the right time to dive into a job search. A job change takes time, energy, and intention. Remember to keep a positive attitude and not be afraid to say “yes” and apply to opportunities that match your personality, goals, and dreams.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to connect with me on social media for daily doses of inspiration and tips to get ahead in your career.

Your dream job is waiting for you to apply. Your job offer is on the way.

Cheers to your success and finding new opportunities!