• 2-minute read •
Maybe you’re one of those people who wakes up one morning, decides that you’re not happy with your life, quits your job, sells your possessions and moves into a yurt outside Sedona, Arizona. For the rest of us, the revelation that we’re burning out is not quite so dramatic. Over time, work stress, financial worries, family struggles and/or health issues accumulate, dragging us down and fraying our edges bit by bit until we’re eventually just spent. Realizing when you’re approaching the red zone, however, can mean the difference between course correcting now or sobbing in the office stairwell later. In order to manage and avoid impending burnout, you need to recognize its tell-tale signs. Here are four of them to look out for.
Showing posts with label Signs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Signs. Show all posts
4 Signs That You Are Ready to Quit Your Job
• 2-minute read •
Feeling overworked, stressed out or bored may be hints that it's time to find a new job.
Everyone has discouraging days in the office. Whether you're feeling overworked, stressed out, fearful or bored, the bottom line is that most opportunities weren't meant to last forever. No matter what stage you're at in your career, each position comes with a life span that varies depending on the individual and the circumstances surrounding the work. Once you've reached the end of that ride, it's time to start looking for your next career step if you want to avoid stagnating.
Feeling overworked, stressed out or bored may be hints that it's time to find a new job.
Everyone has discouraging days in the office. Whether you're feeling overworked, stressed out, fearful or bored, the bottom line is that most opportunities weren't meant to last forever. No matter what stage you're at in your career, each position comes with a life span that varies depending on the individual and the circumstances surrounding the work. Once you've reached the end of that ride, it's time to start looking for your next career step if you want to avoid stagnating.
Six Signs That You Should Run -- Not Walk -- from Your New Job
So you've finally landed a new job and you're thrilled. Hopefully, your new position will be one that provides you with support, great opportunities and plenty of recognition for your successes. Unfortunately, a company that seems like Cinderella during the interview process can end up looking more like an ugly stepsister once you actually join the team. Here are six real-life, obvious signs that it's time to run away and never look back!
1. You ask your new boss for supplies and she hands you a pencil and a small notepad -- and nothing else. While not all companies can afford to outfit employees with state-of-the-art laptops, mobile phones, palmtops and company credit cards, it is important that you are given the tools that you need in order to do your job. If you aren't, or if the company questions you every time you ask for a new pen, it could be an indication of financial stress.
2. You were shown to your desk on your first day at work, given a company manual and haven't been spoken to since. Even if you have years of experience, you should always be given some kind of orientation or training during your first days on a new job. The companies that are known as the best places to work all have substantial training programs and processes in place to make sure new employees feel comfortable and supported right from the start. Be wary if you feel like you have been left to go it alone.
3. Every time you tell someone about your new job with the company they raise their eyebrows and say 'Really? Wow... good luck with that.' A company's reputation isn't always completely accurate, but it does usually stem from legitimate information. Good companies to work for are typically well-known and well-respected in their communities. In fact, you should ask others in your industry and the local business community what their thoughts are about the company when you are doing your initial research. If everyone you ask has a negative tale about your new employer, the chances are that their impressions have some validity.
4. After two weeks on the job, you are already halfway to becoming the employee with the most seniority. One of the biggest issues for human resources professionals today is employee retention. You will notice that most of the country's top companies have employees who have been around for years. Lengthy employee tenure is often a sign that the company is doing something right. 'I joined a firm and learned that the company had seven other employees come and go in the past year,' says Sarah, a public relations executive. 'What's worse is that it was only a five-person operation. That should have been the first sign that the company was not a great place to work.'
5. You answer the phone while the company's secretary is away from her desk and find that the voice at the other end is a debt collection agency calling for the third time that week. While this sounds unbelievable, this actually happened to one worker, who said other employees at the company were eventually instructed to not answer the phones. 'It became a joke with all of us,' she commented. 'We used to run out and cash our pay cheques as soon as we got paid and were always afraid that they were going to bounce!' If you see any signs that your company is in real financial or legal trouble, get your C.V. back out on the market.
6. You notice that every day for the last five days, at least one person has run crying from your boss's office. While not everyone's boss is a bundle of joy, you should expect to be treated with respect in the workplace. If you see signs that the executives running your company make all of the other employees shake with fear, burst into tears or work on edge all the time, look for a greener pasture. There are companies out there that find success without putting employees through the ringer.
You will not know everything about your new company until you put in your time, but if you get a bad feeling right away, there is probably a good reason for it. Trust your instincts when you start a new job, and know what qualities you want to see when you walk into the office. Doing so can keep you from being stuck in a dead-end situation that leaves you frustrated and unfulfilled.
1. You ask your new boss for supplies and she hands you a pencil and a small notepad -- and nothing else. While not all companies can afford to outfit employees with state-of-the-art laptops, mobile phones, palmtops and company credit cards, it is important that you are given the tools that you need in order to do your job. If you aren't, or if the company questions you every time you ask for a new pen, it could be an indication of financial stress.
2. You were shown to your desk on your first day at work, given a company manual and haven't been spoken to since. Even if you have years of experience, you should always be given some kind of orientation or training during your first days on a new job. The companies that are known as the best places to work all have substantial training programs and processes in place to make sure new employees feel comfortable and supported right from the start. Be wary if you feel like you have been left to go it alone.
3. Every time you tell someone about your new job with the company they raise their eyebrows and say 'Really? Wow... good luck with that.' A company's reputation isn't always completely accurate, but it does usually stem from legitimate information. Good companies to work for are typically well-known and well-respected in their communities. In fact, you should ask others in your industry and the local business community what their thoughts are about the company when you are doing your initial research. If everyone you ask has a negative tale about your new employer, the chances are that their impressions have some validity.
4. After two weeks on the job, you are already halfway to becoming the employee with the most seniority. One of the biggest issues for human resources professionals today is employee retention. You will notice that most of the country's top companies have employees who have been around for years. Lengthy employee tenure is often a sign that the company is doing something right. 'I joined a firm and learned that the company had seven other employees come and go in the past year,' says Sarah, a public relations executive. 'What's worse is that it was only a five-person operation. That should have been the first sign that the company was not a great place to work.'
5. You answer the phone while the company's secretary is away from her desk and find that the voice at the other end is a debt collection agency calling for the third time that week. While this sounds unbelievable, this actually happened to one worker, who said other employees at the company were eventually instructed to not answer the phones. 'It became a joke with all of us,' she commented. 'We used to run out and cash our pay cheques as soon as we got paid and were always afraid that they were going to bounce!' If you see any signs that your company is in real financial or legal trouble, get your C.V. back out on the market.
6. You notice that every day for the last five days, at least one person has run crying from your boss's office. While not everyone's boss is a bundle of joy, you should expect to be treated with respect in the workplace. If you see signs that the executives running your company make all of the other employees shake with fear, burst into tears or work on edge all the time, look for a greener pasture. There are companies out there that find success without putting employees through the ringer.
You will not know everything about your new company until you put in your time, but if you get a bad feeling right away, there is probably a good reason for it. Trust your instincts when you start a new job, and know what qualities you want to see when you walk into the office. Doing so can keep you from being stuck in a dead-end situation that leaves you frustrated and unfulfilled.
Eight Signs Your Job is Doomed
Have you been feeling uneasy at work lately? Is your sixth sense telling you that there is some impending doom related to your job? Are colleagues avoiding you or whispering when you walk by? Follow your instincts and watch for these eight signs to find out if your days at work are numbered.
1. You're not being kept informed.
Have you seen your whole team walking out of the conference room after a meeting you were not informed of? Have you become the last to know anything and everything that is going on in your office? In the workplace, knowledge is power. Your company’s act of keeping information from you and keeping you in the dark might be one way of preparing for life without you.
2. You are losing responsibilities.
Has your workload become a lot lighter in recent weeks while your colleagues seem to be taking on more? Is your input suddenly not needed in planning sessions for next year’s budget? If your projects and past responsibilities have been passed on to others, it is another good sign that the team is making sure your work gets done once you are out the door.
3. Your job title has been changed, and it’s not an upward move.
If you have received a new job title or new job description, pay attention to the differences. Is the new job a lateral move? Have you been demoted? The way you want to be moving in an organisation is up – not sideways or down.
4. Times are tough at your company.
Have you noticed several closed-door meetings full of executives with concerned faces? Are the HR managers and the Head of Payroll and working all night some nights? Is your company experiencing mounting losses or declining profits? Has recruitment been suspended? Many companies’ first money-saving measure in difficult times is a personnel cut. If your job function is not essential, you might be one of the first for the chop.
5. You are suddenly being supervised very closely.
If you have always had a great deal of autonomy in the past and are now being scrutinised at every turn, there might be a serious reason behind this new form of management. Whether you feel you need your hand held or not, new scrutiny in the workplace can sometimes mean less confidence in your abilities.
6. You have received one or more negative reviews.
Good companies try to help employees recognise and understand ways in which they need to improve. Most have some kind of review system in place to help employees track their progress. If you have received a performance review that is negative, you need to take it to heart and make some changes. If you have multiple bad reviews under your belt and still haven't learned from them, your days probably are numbered. Just as bad, if you've had stellar reviews in the past and suddenly you are no longer regarded as a star performer, watch out!
7. The company is “reorganising.”
Mergers, acquisitions and restructuring can all be good for business, but bad for employees. Are there rumours about another company buying your business? Is your company merging with another that has employees who do the same job as you? Pay attention to what you hear in the grapevine regarding the future of the business – it can also have a dramatic effect on your future.
8. You just haven't been performing.
When it comes down to brass tacks, you know your performance better than anyone. You know that you've been surfing the Internet when you should be finishing your reports; that you have spent hours making personal calls; and that your once hour-long lunches have grown increasingly longer. If your heart just has not been in your job lately, your superiors probably have taken notice. Think about it – if you were the boss, would you fire you? If so, you might want to start making plans for your exit strategy.
1. You're not being kept informed.
Have you seen your whole team walking out of the conference room after a meeting you were not informed of? Have you become the last to know anything and everything that is going on in your office? In the workplace, knowledge is power. Your company’s act of keeping information from you and keeping you in the dark might be one way of preparing for life without you.
2. You are losing responsibilities.
Has your workload become a lot lighter in recent weeks while your colleagues seem to be taking on more? Is your input suddenly not needed in planning sessions for next year’s budget? If your projects and past responsibilities have been passed on to others, it is another good sign that the team is making sure your work gets done once you are out the door.
3. Your job title has been changed, and it’s not an upward move.
If you have received a new job title or new job description, pay attention to the differences. Is the new job a lateral move? Have you been demoted? The way you want to be moving in an organisation is up – not sideways or down.
4. Times are tough at your company.
Have you noticed several closed-door meetings full of executives with concerned faces? Are the HR managers and the Head of Payroll and working all night some nights? Is your company experiencing mounting losses or declining profits? Has recruitment been suspended? Many companies’ first money-saving measure in difficult times is a personnel cut. If your job function is not essential, you might be one of the first for the chop.
5. You are suddenly being supervised very closely.
If you have always had a great deal of autonomy in the past and are now being scrutinised at every turn, there might be a serious reason behind this new form of management. Whether you feel you need your hand held or not, new scrutiny in the workplace can sometimes mean less confidence in your abilities.
6. You have received one or more negative reviews.
Good companies try to help employees recognise and understand ways in which they need to improve. Most have some kind of review system in place to help employees track their progress. If you have received a performance review that is negative, you need to take it to heart and make some changes. If you have multiple bad reviews under your belt and still haven't learned from them, your days probably are numbered. Just as bad, if you've had stellar reviews in the past and suddenly you are no longer regarded as a star performer, watch out!
7. The company is “reorganising.”
Mergers, acquisitions and restructuring can all be good for business, but bad for employees. Are there rumours about another company buying your business? Is your company merging with another that has employees who do the same job as you? Pay attention to what you hear in the grapevine regarding the future of the business – it can also have a dramatic effect on your future.
8. You just haven't been performing.
When it comes down to brass tacks, you know your performance better than anyone. You know that you've been surfing the Internet when you should be finishing your reports; that you have spent hours making personal calls; and that your once hour-long lunches have grown increasingly longer. If your heart just has not been in your job lately, your superiors probably have taken notice. Think about it – if you were the boss, would you fire you? If so, you might want to start making plans for your exit strategy.
Are You Sabotaging Your Career? Six Signs
Stealing office supplies and not going to staff meetings will undoubtedly diminish your chances of securing the biggest and best office. But besides these faux pas, there are other, less-obvious activities that can hamper your career prospects. Perpetually missing deadlines – even by only a day or two – for example, also can spell disaster. Here are six additional no-nos that you should avoid on the job:
1. Failing to follow through.
You may be the hardest worker in the company, but if your boss and colleagues cannot rely on you to deliver results as promised, you may be passed over for plum assignments. Build their confidence by arriving at meetings on time and keeping them informed if you're unable to meet project deadlines. More importantly, execute your tasks with enthusiasm and attention to detail. In order to garner greater responsibilities or a more coveted role in the organisation, you must produce quality work in addition to sticking to the schedule.
2. Refusing to admit your mistakes.
Creating an excuse to justify poor performance is dishonest and unprofessional. Plus, chances are your ploy won't stand the test of time. If you make a mistake, own up to it, then devise a plan for both correcting and avoiding similar incidents in the future. Employees who accept responsibility demonstrate professional maturity and confidence.
3. Becoming complacent.
Enthusiastic employees who are not afraid to take calculated risks and assume new responsibilities find themselves in a prime position for a promotion or raise. Conversely, those who simply serve their time often get lost in the organisation. If you are serious about moving ahead, always go the extra mile. In addition, take steps to keep your skills up to date. The more talents you put to work for the company, the more valuable you are to it.
4. Running on empty.
Working on overdrive can be just as dangerous to your career as simply getting by. While taking on new projects and responsibilities is a great way to expand your skill set, too much of a good thing can lead to burnout. If you're spending excessive hours on the job, you may want to speak to your manager about delegating less important tasks to colleagues or adjusting your workload. It's also a good idea to take breaks throughout the day. Just a few minutes spent on a break each hour can help you recharge your batteries and work more productively.
5. Being too modest.
While no one enjoys working with someone who has an overly inflated ego, it's alright to blow your own trumpet in the office once in a while. Not receiving the credit you rightfully deserve – either through oversight or confusion about who actually performed the work – may not only cause hurt feelings but also can hinder your career growth. If you've successfully completed a major project or received great feedback from a client, don't be afraid to bring it to your manager's attention. One way is to track your accomplishments in a weekly activity report to help keep your boss informed of your performance.
6. Damaging team spirit.
Despite your best efforts, you won't always get along with everyone on your team. But that doesn't mean you should be a killjoy or take every opportunity to vent your frustrations. You'll likely work with members of the group again and need their assistance, so keep relationships friendly. Positive attitudes are contagious, as are negative ones.
A major mistake isn't the only thing that can damage a promising career. Sometimes more subtle mistakes can compromise your professional standing. Avoiding these six career killers will keep your professional reputation out of harm's way and may even put you on the fast track to promotion.
1. Failing to follow through.
You may be the hardest worker in the company, but if your boss and colleagues cannot rely on you to deliver results as promised, you may be passed over for plum assignments. Build their confidence by arriving at meetings on time and keeping them informed if you're unable to meet project deadlines. More importantly, execute your tasks with enthusiasm and attention to detail. In order to garner greater responsibilities or a more coveted role in the organisation, you must produce quality work in addition to sticking to the schedule.
2. Refusing to admit your mistakes.
Creating an excuse to justify poor performance is dishonest and unprofessional. Plus, chances are your ploy won't stand the test of time. If you make a mistake, own up to it, then devise a plan for both correcting and avoiding similar incidents in the future. Employees who accept responsibility demonstrate professional maturity and confidence.
3. Becoming complacent.
Enthusiastic employees who are not afraid to take calculated risks and assume new responsibilities find themselves in a prime position for a promotion or raise. Conversely, those who simply serve their time often get lost in the organisation. If you are serious about moving ahead, always go the extra mile. In addition, take steps to keep your skills up to date. The more talents you put to work for the company, the more valuable you are to it.
4. Running on empty.
Working on overdrive can be just as dangerous to your career as simply getting by. While taking on new projects and responsibilities is a great way to expand your skill set, too much of a good thing can lead to burnout. If you're spending excessive hours on the job, you may want to speak to your manager about delegating less important tasks to colleagues or adjusting your workload. It's also a good idea to take breaks throughout the day. Just a few minutes spent on a break each hour can help you recharge your batteries and work more productively.
5. Being too modest.
While no one enjoys working with someone who has an overly inflated ego, it's alright to blow your own trumpet in the office once in a while. Not receiving the credit you rightfully deserve – either through oversight or confusion about who actually performed the work – may not only cause hurt feelings but also can hinder your career growth. If you've successfully completed a major project or received great feedback from a client, don't be afraid to bring it to your manager's attention. One way is to track your accomplishments in a weekly activity report to help keep your boss informed of your performance.
6. Damaging team spirit.
Despite your best efforts, you won't always get along with everyone on your team. But that doesn't mean you should be a killjoy or take every opportunity to vent your frustrations. You'll likely work with members of the group again and need their assistance, so keep relationships friendly. Positive attitudes are contagious, as are negative ones.
A major mistake isn't the only thing that can damage a promising career. Sometimes more subtle mistakes can compromise your professional standing. Avoiding these six career killers will keep your professional reputation out of harm's way and may even put you on the fast track to promotion.
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