3 major signs that may mean that now is the right time for a change

As we come to the end of a very difficult and challenging year, many legal professionals will be taking stock of their career over the holiday season and considering their future at their current firms. You may well be asking yourself similar questions to these; is my current role still right for me and am I happy? Am I valued, learning, progressing, reaping rewards both professionally and personally? Do I really want to change jobs?

So, we thought we’d help. Here are the 3 major signs that may mean that now is the right time for a change:

1. Is it home time yet?

I’ve lost all of the enthusiasm that I used to have – I remember springing out of bed in the morning excited about the working day ahead. Now, I’m counting down the hours until I can escape from the office or log off at home, and I’m taking more breaks than ever before. My motivation levels are non-existent.

We all deserve to work in a job that we feel passionate about. Maybe the job doesn’t challenge you anymore, or the company is not offering any development opportunities. Whatever it is, now could be the time to start enjoying work-life again.

2. So much has changed, I no longer believe in my current employer

I had such a positive feeling when I joined the company and there were so many exciting projects and initiatives in place, but now it feels like the company is going backwards, not forward. I have noticed a change in atmosphere, there is no desire to implement new ideas and all of the belief that I had in the company has completely evaporated.

Common values and goals are very often the key to a healthy relationship between employee and employer, so if the goal posts have moved, it might be time to start looking around for a new company that you can really believe in.

3. Hello! I am working hard too - I feel like I am invisible

I genuinely believe that I have some great ideas and so much to give, but I get shut down and I’m always overlooked. I work so hard, but I’m always unacknowledged when it comes to getting a promotion. I contributed so much towards a really important company project, but everyone else in my team gets the credit. My line manager and team members never take me seriously.

Over 95% of employees work as part of a team, so it’s vital that you feel like a valued team member and that the culture is encouraging, productive and rewarding. If you feel that you are at the end of your tether and you can’t see the dynamic changing, then it may be time to seek a new challenge elsewhere, where your hard work will be recognised and development opportunities are aplenty.