5 SIGNS IT'S TIME TO FIND A NEW JOB
NEW YEAR, NEW ROLE?
A few weeks into 2025, that nagging feeling about work still hasn't disappeared. Maybe it wasn't burnout, maybe your role just isn't working for you anymore and you're looking for something different. If you find yourself going tick, tick, tick to these signs, it might be time to dust off that CV and start looking…
01 Sunday Everyday Scaries
THAT FEELING OF DREAD AS THE WEEKEND DRAWS TO A CLOSE BUT HAPPENS EVERY EVENING.
To some extent, we all get it. After all, who wouldn't want the weekend to last forever? But when those feelings have an underlying anxious feeling, it's a sign to start reviewing things. It could be that pit-of-the-feeling nervousness that almost makes you feel sick. It could cause panic. It could be tears. It can manifest in various ways, but your gut knows when something isn't right, and no job should make you feel like you need an emotional support snack to log on.
02 The future looks foggy
IF YOU HAVE NO CLEAR PATH TO PROGRESS UPWARD, IT COULD BE A SIGN THAT MANAGEMENT DOESN’T HAVE A LONG-TERM VISION.
Or, perhaps there is a long-term vision, but they haven't considered how you fit into it. Either way, a lack of insight into your future trajectory at an organisation suggests that this workplace isn't right for you and that it is time to find somewhere that actually sees you in their big picture.
03 The team is dropping like flies
IF YOUR WORKPLACE IS STARTING TO FEEL LIKE AN EPISODE OF THE TRAITORS WITH COLLEAGUES DISAPPEARING LEFT, RIGHT AND CENTRE…SOMETHING’S UP.
High staff turnover is rarely just a coincidence and might signal deeper issues with management. It could mean poor management, unclear expectations or job descriptions, or zero room for growth. And unless you're seeing significant change at a senior level that could change this, you'll unlikely avoid those same difficulties your colleagues faced. It might be time to follow their lead…
04 Misaligned values
BELONGING ISN’T OPTIONAL.
Nowadays, it's about more than just a paycheck. It's about working for a company that aligns with your values. In a turbulent political climate, with rising challenges for marginalised communities, feeling unsupported at work can hit even harder. Work should be where you feel seen and supported, not a constant source of stress.
If you're stuck in a cycle of micromanagement, office politics, or even microaggressions and discrimination, and genuine allyship is missing, ask yourself: Is staying worth my well-being? No job should come at the cost of your mental health. And if your leaders aren't backing you, how can you truly thrive?
05 Feeling undervalued
KNOW YOUR WORTH (AND THEN ADD TAX).
If your hard work is met with silence, your ideas get brushed aside, or your pay doesn't match industry standards, it's a sign that your workplace isn't recognising your worth.
Everyone deserves to feel valued for their skills, time, and effort. If that's not happening, it might be time to seek a role where you're truly appreciated.
WHAT NEXT?
If any of these signs hit home, take it as your cue to reflect on what you really want from your career. At Other Box, we believe you should → Make Work Work For You. Maybe it's time to update your CV, start networking, or explore other opportunities that align with your values. Next month, we'll be restarting our jobs board–one that prioritises salary transparency–no sign-up to our newsletter (bit.ly/otherbox-news) for new roles, grants, upskilling workshops,and other events and opportunities.
NOTE TO BUSINESSES
And if you're a workplace looking to attract diverse, talented candidates and build an inclusive, equitable culture, we can help. Whether it's reviewing your policies and processes from recruitment to retention, offering guidance on equitable hiring, or supporting your team with DEI education and strategy, Other Box is here to make work, work better—for everyone. Get in touch to learn more!
