According to many plastics recruiters, staying with a company too long without growth can actually hurt your professional reputation because it suggests that you have a less diverse and evolved skill set than other candidates. At the same time, you don’t want to become known as a job hopper that quits multiple positions too often, either. In order to excel in the plastics industry, you want to build a steady, yet balanced, employment history that shows your ability to learn and grow. Here are 3 ways to tell if you need a change.
1. You’re not passionate about what you’re doing. Although you were probably excited about the job when you were hired, it’s important to remember that every job has a honeymoon phase where you feel motivated to accomplish your goals. For some, this may be followed by reality setting in and things becoming a boring routine. If you can’t remember why you entered the field to begin with, then you’re probably already burned out, and it’s time to reevaluate your role. Some other warning signs include underperforming, missing important deadlines, and feeling an overall lack of enthusiasm. It’s time for a change when you find yourself on autopilot. Don’t resort to extreme measures like quitting in haste. Rather, take a step back to narrow down the issues with your position. For instance, if a long commute is draining you, then ask if there are remote work opportunities available.
2. You’re daydreaming about better opportunities. Everybody dreads going to work from time to time. But it’s time for a change when you find yourself so dissatisfied that you’re only doing it for the money and browsing job listings for new sales careers in the plastics industry instead of answering important work emails. Feelings of jealousy over colleagues and their work is often a clear sign that you need a fresh start somewhere else. Find out what is causing the jealousy and use it to advance your career. Take some time to weigh the financial rewards against the external ones like work-life balance, ongoing professional development and whether you still feel challenged in the role to determine if it’s truly worth staying.
3. You’re not getting along with management anymore. Remember that most people quit their bosses, not their jobs. Before you decide to quit, determine whether it’s your job or boss that you dislike. Then, instead of searching for the ideal job, the better strategy is to look for organizations that are renowned for strong leadership.
Although it can be difficult to remove the emotional aspects, it’s important to base any potential career changes on rational factors. Then, you can watch for these signs to help determine if you need to make a change.
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