Should I Stay or Should I Go? How to Tell If It’s Time to Leave Your Job

If you've ever felt unhappy at work, you're not alone. Many people become frustrated with projects, coworkers or company policies from time to time. But how can you tell if it's just a temporary annoyance or time to start looking for a new job?

The answer requires a little analysis and a lot of self-searching. Ask yourself these three questions to help you decide:

Do I enjoy what I'm doing?

People who enjoy what they do can live their lives to their fullest potential. Imagine waking up every morning full of energy and excited to start your day. When you love what you do, you'll approach each day feeling confident, positive and mentally alert.

So, if you've fallen into a rut at work or if you dread the thought of going into the office each day, then it may be time to seek out new projects or even consider a new job role. But if your current company can't provide the rewarding work that you want to do, then you should definitely start looking for new opportunities that fit you better.

Does my current job allow me to be my best?

Are you good at your job, or are you great at it? Don't fall into the trap of becoming complacent with your skills or your work. If you're a software developer, you should be keeping up with cutting edge technologies and emerging trends. If you're a project manager, you should be pursuing new certifications and looking for ways to collaborate with industry peers. Look for conferences, training, new projects and other opportunities that will help you keep your edge. And if your current job can't provide these opportunities, then it's time to look for a new job or maybe even a more rewarding line of work.

Do I dread my job because of one person?

Everyone runs across that one disagreeable coworker at some point. It may be a fellow team member, a person in another department, or even your own boss. If you're forced to work with this person frequently, you can try to alleviate the stress by keeping your interactions to a minimum, or speaking with a manager about the situation. But if you have a fundamental difference of opinion with your own boss or manager, it's a little trickier. Your own mental health and emotional happiness are more important than trying to keep your boss happy, so take the plunge and look for a new position where you can respect the people you work with.