How Many Signs Does It Take?

Before you REALLY REALLY know it’s time to change jobs? Perhaps it’s Sunday night, and you develop cold sweats or have dread fear about going to work on Monday? Could it be some type of astrology sign that you believe is giving you a signal? Or maybe a good friend is giving you the business about how you should be somewhere else? What can give you the assurance that you should make a move?

Hmmm, so it could be time for some research to see what some experts say. In fact, I recently saw a headline that read, “8 Signs It’s Time To Change Jobs,” and the advice was helpful and practical. So then I googled that title, and guess what, I found 10 other articles titled the same or similar.

And then I wondered…what’s so magical about “8” signs?  

What about “7” signs?  So I googled that and BINGO, I found another 9 articles.   

How about “6”?  Another 8 articles!  

Then “5” signs?  Yep, you got it, another 7 articles.  

Same with “4.”   

What is with all the numbers? Ha! On one level, I get it. We want things simple and straightforward. I mean, even here at Crossroads Career, we have the “7 Steps” to getting the job of your dreams for Career Explorers. And yet through many years of working to support people who are unemployed or unfulfilled, I’ve learned that there is no set number of steps, number of signs, number of anything! Going through a job or career transition is a messy, confusing, and at times, overwhelming process. And while I’m a firm believer in a sequential process to give guidance, direction, and support, the process can be up and down and all around!  

So, How Many Signs Does it REALLY Take?

Ok, so where am I going with all of this? Well, I’d like to go back to the subject line of this blog. How many signs does it take…to REALLY REALLY know it is time to change jobs? My answer is either “I don’t know” or “It depends” because everyone is uniquely created. What might trigger or weigh one person down may not have the same effect on another.  Also, each person has some unique circumstances and situations to deal with, like a family to support, a specific goal to achieve, or the determination to outlast that person at work who’s driving him or her crazy! (Yep, personal experience on that last one!)  

Bottom line, I’ve found that you’ll know in your heart when it’s time to move on, and your gut won’t change on that when you’ve arrived at an answer. I don’t think it’s when a certain number of signs cross your path. In fact, it could be just ONE…like the first one I shared at the start of this blog. When you dread going to work the next day, that in itself is a pretty telling signal you’re probably needing to do something else.

What are some other signs to consider? Here’s a quick list from some of the articles I googled and my own experience. And no, they’re not numbered!  🙂 Remember, it’s not all of them that have to hit you, but just that one or more of them hit you enough to arrive at a conclusion:

• The company culture has shifted – – You no longer “feel” like you fit like you used to.
• You’ve been passed over for promotions – – Not just once, but multiple times.
• You’re adding value but don’t feel valued – – Read that one again and sit on that one a bit!
• Compensation – – While it could always be more, you factually know you’re underpaid.
• Growth is limited – – Sure, someone might leave, but you’ve been feeling stuck a looooong time.
• You’re changing – – Into someone you don’t really like. 🙁
• Your health – – Literally is suffering. Stress is an insidious danger to yourself and others.
• Work-life balance – – You’ve even lost where the balance beam is. And “blend’ isn’t an answer either.
• Your boss – – Almost “nuff said.” Remember, people leave people, not organizations. 
• The future isn’t bright – – Whether it’s the company’s profitability and potential or how you view senior management, you just don’t aspire to be there.
• You feel called to something else – – You aren’t running from something, but toward something else!
• You feel peace – – Whether you conclude to stay or go, you feel peace with a due process for now.

Ok, be truthful – – how many of you counted up the bullet points? 🙂

Not Where, but How

Finally, what might Scripture have to say about where you work and what you do? Fortunately, in my humble opinion, the Scriptures don’t tell us where we are to work, but how we are to work.

Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Now, don’t get me wrong. There have been MANY times in my life where I wish I could get a CLEAR sign from God about where I should work or what I should do. Particularly when I found myself lining up to leave Southern California to go to Minnesota 20 years ago (Brrrrr). But in the end, God gives us free will and choice, along with a unique design, that enables our brains and experiences to figure that out.  

What I believe God cares most about is “how” we work, along with “why” we work. For me, I believe I am to work and be productive for His glory and other’s good. Whether that was with my work in accounting, human resources, corporate culture, land investments, or outdoor industry products. My work needs to be WITH, in, and through Him and not for me.

How many signs does it take? It could be just one. Might be more. But what I believe is most important, as you reflect and sort this out for yourself, is to take stock of where God fits into this picture for you. Through prayer, His Word, godly counsel (please, get a free consultation with one of our Guides HERE), and self-reflection, seek out His calling for your career! Blessings!

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Dave Sparkman currently serves as the volunteer Crossroads Career board chair and local ministry leader. He is also the founder and managing director of Spark Your Culture, a corporate culture consulting firm. Prior to that he worked at UnitedHealth Group, a Fortune #5 public company, serving in the role of Chief Culture Officer. His unemployment experience came from the implosion of Arthur Andersen, where he served as the West Region Managing Partner, People.