Let’s face it. Everybody experiences the occasional rough day at work, even in their dream job. However, there comes a point when restlessness turns into an unwavering certainty that it’s time to move on.

Here are ten signs that you may be in a dead-end job and should contemplate a change.

Lack of recognition: Your boss rarely acknowledges your presence or expresses any thanks or appreciation for your work.

Stagnant compensation: Your pay is consistently lower than industry standards and there’s no indication of an imminent raise.

Limited work-life balance: Your time with family and friends is limited because of your heavy workload and there is no end in sight.

Underutilized skills: Your skills are underused, and you’re not given opportunities to develop new ones.

Neglected performance: Your performance is never evaluated, and, in fact, may be suffering because you’re so unmotivated.

Isolation: You find it hard to connect with your colleagues, who often exclude you from their social activities.

Health implications: Your health is being affected by the stress of your workplace.

Toxicity: Your workplace is rife with negativity, harassment, bullying, or abuse.

Ethical dilemmas: Your values and ethics are challenged constantly. 

Lack of opportunity: The company tends to hire externally rather than promote from within, leaving your career prospects stagnant.

A final word

Even if you are experiencing all ten of these signs, it doesn’t mean you have to dash out immediately and find a new job. Remember the old adage: “Never run from something … always run toward something.”

Changing jobs disrupt your career, personal life, and relationships. It can also affect your resume if you make an ill-informed career move.

But, if you find yourself repeatedly having bad days, weeks, or months, you should sit back and ask yourself: is this merely a temporary rough patch or solid evidence of an enduring mismatch?

An honest answer to that question will help you decide your next career move.