Most people don't like change because it entails moving out of their comfort zone, where they have a good idea of what's going to happen and what's expected. Change is unsettling because it's atypical and new and demands adaptation, even flexibility. And for this reason, many people become stuck in their jobs. They can't see the big picture; they're too close to the problem, which is their job.
Over at Forbes, Louis Efron explained the problem of change like this: "But many of us are unwilling to say it out loud - especially if spitting out the truth might force us to spend time and effort changing big parts of our lives."
Now don't misunderstand. There's probably no such thing as the perfect job. But there may be something much better than where you are. Let's face it. You spend most of your waking hours at your job. Therefore, your job should provide you with a certain amount of satisfaction.
To help you decide whether you're in the wrong job, run through the following indicators designed to aid you in assessing your current job situation. It might be time for a change. According to Fast Company, "If you think you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, don't just shove those feelings aside -- assess them."
1. You're in it for the money. Working only for money is a form of self-imposed slavery. In reality, you're miserable, but you need the paycheck. The truth is that everyone needs money; that's the way the world works. But there are people who love what they do and simultaneously make a great living. You could too. Ask yourself this: What do you want to do?
2. You're embarrassed when people ask you what you do. More than likely, this means you're dissatisfied. You know you could be using your talents more productively, doing a job you're
proud of.
3. You feel unappreciated, overworked and underpaid. Frankly, lots of employees feel overworked and underpaid. It's the unappreciated that galls because it indicates you're being taken for granted. Being taken for granted is followed by drudgery, which is followed by a bad attitude. It's probably time for a change.
4. You recognize there's little room for advancement. The company is not growing, lacks dynamism, or perhaps it's family-owned and you're not family. In effect, you're going nowhere.
5. You're not excited to work for the company. In other words, you don't believe in the company's products or services. If you're devoid of passion for what you do, you're disinterested. And that means it's just a job.
6. Your talents are going to waste. You have a gift for spotting aptitude and should be in human resources, but you're in sales, which frustrates you.
7. You're not learning anything. You do the same thing day in and day out. The opportunity to
learn a new skill or perform a challenging task is non-existent.
8. You have no admiration for those over you. In short, you believe your boss has reached his level of incompetence. It's difficult to work for someone you don't respect.
9. You're apathetic when company goals are surpassed. The company is growing, sales are
increasing, but you're indifferent or bored by the company's success.
10. You feel like an outsider, like you don't fit in. You're looking into the fishbowl and everyone else in the office is inside looking out. If this is your situation, unfortunately the simple truth is that you probably don't fit in. Your interests lie elsewhere. The old adage says if the shoe fits, wear it. If you find yourself wearing a job that doesn't fit properly, the best course of action is to view your present ill-fitting job as a source of strength, a springboard to something better. Use it to pay the bills while you search for a new job, one you're passionate about and that leaves you feeling satisfied.