8 Signs That You Are Unhappy with Your Job

If you think you may be ready to make a career change because your job is bringing you down, you’re not alone. According to the 2012 Employee Job Satisfaction and Engagement report by the Society for Human Resource Management, only 38 percent of employees were “very satisfied” with their jobs.

For some, it is obvious when it is time to shift gears; for others, it only becomes clear when someone points it out to them. If any of the following apply to you, it may be time to make some changes in your professional life.

Here are eight signs that you are unhappy with your job.

1. Your presence and work is no longer valued.

If you are no longer getting the recognition you deserve, a reevaluation is in order. Being passed over for a promotion without feedback or the offer of opportunities for growth may be a signal that you are not a priority. A denied merit raise also is telling if the company is profitable. If you’re frustrated by the lack of opportunity, it’s time to brush up your resume.

2. You’re consistently stressed and have a negative outlook on anything work related.

If you are waking up each morning dreading the day and stressed about work-related issues even when you’re not in the office, these are clear signs it is time to implement a change. Job-related stress can take a toll on your health and your relationships with family and friends, which will lead to more unhappiness.

3. You dislike the people you work with and/or your boss.

Sometimes you can work out issues with coworkers and managers. Sometimes you can’t. Chances are you spend more time with your coworkers than your family, they should be people you enjoy being around. You don’t have to be best friends, but it can be difficult to stay positive if you dislike your coworkers. If you feel that you’re being held back by a negative work environment, look for a company that hires people more in line with your personality and values.

4. You’re not learning anything.

If you’re not growing, you’re not going anywhere. As demands for skill sets change, opportunities to evolve and take on new challenges is essential, lest you risk becoming obsolete. Look for ways to build new skills at your current job; ask for more responsibilities or register for courses in your field. Think about your weaknesses and concentrate on those to build a well-rounded resume.

5. Your work performance is suffering.

If you’re capable of performing your job but find that you are no longer productive, tedium may have set in, and there’s a chance you have outgrown the position. Figure out what you’re interested in doing, and look for opportunities to grow in that direction.

6. Your work-life balance is diminishing.

If you find yourself consistently unable to spend time with your family because of work, or cancelling commitments that bring you joy because of your work schedule, it is time to move on. A lack of work-life balance can have detrimental effects on your health and your relationships. Work is important, but everything else is too.

7. Your voice is lost in the crowd.

Despite offering to take on more responsibility, if you are no longer being tapped for projects, your talents are not being properly utilized. If you are being left out of meetings or not get acknowledged for work well done, this is a sign that it is time to find an employer that places more value on what you have to offer.

8. You are not putting your skills to use.

Do you have the skill set to perform at higher levels and in different roles, but you aren’t getting the opportunities? Have you become stagnant in your position due to the disinterest of management? If you have made efforts to expand your role but have hit a wall, it may be time to look for new opportunities.

What to do if you are unhappy with your job:

Life isn’t meant to be miserable, and neither is work. If you find that you are unhappy, there are steps you can take to make changes for the better.

1.Change your outlook on your situation. If a bad experience has left you jaded, try to let it go. Keep a positive attitude and focus on the aspects of your work that you find pleasure in.

2.Look for other opportunities within the organization that you’d enjoy. Volunteer to join a committee, find a mentor or engage in initiatives that interest you. This could lead to new opportunities, as well.

3.Go back to school. Though a degree can’t guarantee success, higher education is linked to many professional benefits, including more opportunities and better pay. Look for a program at an accredited university that provides coursework that both interests you, builds on your strengths and boosts your weaknesses.

U.S News University Directory is a leading resource for locating accredited colleges, degree programs, distance learning resources and career information. For more information please visit http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com or follow us @USNewsUD