The Career Expert with Sarah Louise: Career red flags: The scary signs it might be time to leave your job

OCTOBER is the month for ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night but sometimes the scariest thing can be realising that the job you once loved simply isn’t right for you anymore.

We all have bad days at work. A stressful week, a difficult project or feeling fed up occasionally does not mean you should immediately hand in your notice.

But when that Sunday-night dread becomes a regular feeling, it may be time to pay attention to the career red flags. The Sunday Scaries!

One of the biggest warning signs is when you’ve completely lost motivation.

If you are constantly watching the clock, no longer feel excited about your work or can’t remember the last time you felt proud of something you achieved, ask yourself what’s changed.

Another red flag is a lack of progression.

Perhaps you have been promised opportunities that never materialise, you have taken on additional responsibilities without recognition, or you simply feel you’ve gone as far as you can within the company. Sometimes your career ambitions can outgrow your current workplace.

Feeling consistently undervalued is another sign. Recognition doesn’t always mean a promotion or pay rise.

Good communication, appreciation and knowing your contribution matters can make an enormous difference to how you feel at work.

Work life balance is equally important.

Busy periods happen, but if you are permanently answering emails at night, working weekends  or putting up with things you don’t feel is right and unable to switch off, consider whether it’s temporary or has simply become the norm.

One of the biggest reasons people stay in unhappy jobs is fear.

Starting again can seem frightening, particularly when you’ve been with the same employer for years. Familiarity feels safe  even when you are unhappy.

That does not mean you need to resign tomorrow.

Update your CV, refresh your LinkedIn profile, research the market and start having conversations.

You may be surprised by the opportunities available to you.

Before making any major decision, consider whether things could improve through an honest conversation with your employer.

But if you’ve tried and nothing changes, don’t ignore what those red flags are telling you.

This October, remember sometimes the scariest career move isn’t leaving  it’s looking back in five years and wishing you had.