Signs you need a new job…like, now

I’m an expert at being in the wrong job.

I’ve had abusive jobs that made me cry in the bathroom. Literally. I’d excuse myself, shut door, and let ‘er rip before wiping my face, pasting on a smile, and heading back to work like nothing happened.

I’ve had jobs where I fantasized about working at Starbucks or becoming a realtor, not because I actually wanted to, but because I was tired of being overworked and underpaid.

And I’ve had jobs where, on the surface, nothing was “wrong,” but I still felt completely checked out, resentful, or just… meh.

Sure, I was KILLING IT in all those jobs, but here’s the thing: 

Sometimes the signs you need a new job are blatantly obvious. You’re overworked, underpaid, micromanaged, or downright miserable and crying in the bathroom. 

Other times, they’re subtle. You’re just not challenged anymore, you’re phoning it in, or you spend more time complaining about work than actually doing it.

So how do you know when it’s time to make a move? Let’s break it down.

 1. You’re Coasting (or Completely Checked Out)

I’ve seen people sprint from super stressful jobs into others that will be “way easier” only to end up really unhappy.  

At first, it feels kind of nice. You can do your job with your eyes closed. No stress, no drama, no last-minute fire drills. You show up, check the boxes, collect the paycheck. Easy, right?

Except, after awhile… you’re bored out of your mind.

And yeah, sometimes jobs ebb and flow. Not every day needs to be a thrill ride. But if you’ve been coasting for months (or years), it’s a sign you’ve outgrown your role. Your brain craves challenge, impact, growth. And when it doesn’t get that? It slowly powers down.

Warning signs you’re in coast mode:

• You’re doing the bare minimum—not because you’re lazy, but because you just don’t care anymore

• You have zero excitement about your work. Even the stuff you used to enjoy feels “meh”

• You spend more time daydreaming about new opportunities than engaging in the job you have

The truth? Coasting is just a slow way of quitting. You’re already disengaged—the only thing left is making it official.

So, the question is: Do you really want to spend another six months (or longer) half-assing your way through your career? Or is it time to find something that actually excites you again?

2. You Feel Constantly Feel Exhausted (Even on Good Days)

Your job isn’t that bad. There’s no major crisis, no looming disaster. But somehow, you’re tired ALL THE TIME. 

Even when you get a full night’s sleep, you wake up tired. Your energy is gone before lunch. By the time you get home, you have nothing left—no motivation for hobbies, workouts, or even fun plans. You’re running on fumes, but you’re not even working that hard.

Make it make sense.

Dude, your job is draining all your mojo. ‘Cause burnout doesn’t just come from pushing yourself too hard, for too long. It can also come from being in a wrong-fit job.

Signs Your Job Is Draining You:

• You start feeling burned out by Monday morning

• You feel tired even when you’re well-rested

• You rely on caffeine, sugar, or sheer willpower to push through the day

This kind of exhaustion isn’t normal. It’s a sign your job is taking more than it’s giving. Work should challenge you, not leave you completely depleted.

The real question: If you feel this drained now, where will you be in six months? A year? If your job is sucking the life out of you, it might be time to move on before you burn out completely.

3. You Daydream About Doing Something Else (All the Time)

So we know I used to fantasize about quitting my therapist job to go work at Starbucks. And a little fantasizing about quitting is normal. 

But when you’re spending more time picturing your dramatic two-week notice than actually doing your job? The signs are signing.

Lately, every task feels like a chore. You scroll job listings “just to see what’s out there.” You catch yourself thinking, What if I just walked out right now? 

Maybe you don’t even know what you’d do next. You just know it has to be something different.

Signs You’re Already Halfway Out the Door:

• You zone out in meetings, wondering if other jobs would be better

• You fantasize about quitting more than you focus on the job you have

• When someone quits, you have to stop yourself from whispering, “Take me with you.”

Look, nobody loves their job 24/7, but if you’re mentally checked out and constantly wishing for an escape, that’s your brain telling you something.

So, are you going to keep daydreaming about leaving? Or are you finally going to take action and figure out what’s next? 

4. Your Work Environment is Toxic 

Does going into work immediately trigger your fight-or-flight response? Listen, work shouldn’t feel like going into battle.

But if every day is filled with office drama, micromanagement, or unrealistic expectations, it’s no wonder you’re dreading it.

Maybe your boss plays favorites. Maybe your work is constantly changing without explanation. Maybe you don’t have the resources to get the job done well. Or maybe you’re just surrounded by negativity, and it’s starting to wear you down.

Signs Your Work Is The Bad Place:

• You feel anxious before meetings, especially with your boss 

• You don’t feel valued or appreciated, no matter how hard you work

• You spend more time venting about work than actually doing it

Toxic jobs don’t just waste your time. They drain your confidence, motivation, and energy. And no paycheck is worth constantly feeling like garbage.

So ask yourself: If nothing changes, how long are you willing to stick this out?

5. Your Growth is Stagnant (and no one seems to care)

You’re great at your job. Too great, actually. So great that your boss is perfectly happy leaving you right where you are — with no promotions, no challenges, and no real opportunities to grow.

At first, it was fine. But now? You feel stuck with nowhere to go.

Signs You’ve Hit a Dead End:

• You’ve been in the same role for years with zero career development

• You’re not learning anything new and you don’t see a path forward

• You’re the go-to person for “extra” work, but never the one getting promoted

The truth? If you’re not growing, you’re falling behind. Sticking it out in a stagnant role won’t magically lead to new opportunities. 

If leadership isn’t investing in your growth, you have two choices: Advocate for yourself, or find a company that will.

Ask yourself: Am I staying here because it’s the best place for me—or just because it’s comfortable? If comfort is the only thing keeping you, it might be time for something new.

6. You’re Overworked and Underpaid

You’re doing two people’s jobs for the price of one. Your workload keeps growing, but your paycheck? Not so much.

At first, you told yourself it was temporary. That your hard work would be rewarded. But months (or years) later, you’re still waiting for that recognition, raise, or promotion that never comes. 

Meanwhile, the company keeps finding new ways to squeeze more out of you without giving anything back.

Signs You’re Being Taken Advantage Of:

• Your job responsibilities have increased, but your salary hasn’t

• You feel guilty taking time off—because who else will do your work?

• You keep telling yourself, It’ll get better soon… but it never does

Let’s be real: If they can get away with underpaying and overloading you, they will. Companies don’t hand out raises or promotions just because you work hard. 

They do it because they have to. Because you ask, because you negotiate, or because they’re afraid of losing you.

Ask yourself: If my company had to rehire me today, would they offer me a higher salary? Am I staying because I love this job—or just because it’s easier than finding one that actually values me?

7. Your Gut is Screaming at You to Leave

Deep down, you already know.

You’ve had that nagging feeling for months — maybe even years. You keep trying to rationalize it: I have it pretty good! Maybe I just need a vacation. Maybe it will get better. Maybe I need to look at the positives and start a gratitude journal.

But no amount of “waiting it out” has made you feel any happier. And that nagging feeling hasn’t gone away. 

At some point, you have to trust yourself.

Signs Your Gut is Trying to Tell You Something:

• You’ve read this entire post nodding along

• You have a countdown timer to retirement

• You keep asking, Is it really that bad? (Spoiler: Yes)

The truth? If you’re looking for a sign, this is it. You don’t need to justify leaving a job that leaves you unfulfilled, bored, or even miserable. You don’t need to wait for it to get even worse.

You don’t need permission to want more.

Ask yourself: Am I holding onto this job because I want to, or just because I’m scared to start over? If I got an offer for the exact same job today, would I take it? What would happen if I finally trusted my gut and made a change?

Your gut isn’t confused. It’s been telling you the truth this whole time—you just have to decide if you’re ready to listen.

What to Do If These Signs Sound Familiar

If you’re realizing oh crap, I need a new job, don’t panic. You don’t have to quit tomorrow (unless, I mean, you really want to. I won’t stop you). But you do need a plan.

It’s easy to gaslight yourself into staying. 

You tell yourself it’s not that bad. That you should be grateful. That maybe you just need to push through a little longer. 

But if that were true, wouldn’t things feel better by now?

At some point, you have to trust yourself. If you’re fantasizing about quitting, zoning out in meetings, or crying in the bathroom between emails (been there), you already have your answer. 

The question isn’t if you should leave—it’s when and how.

Here’s where to start:

1. Get clear on what’s not working. What’s draining you the most?

2. Figure out what you actually want. More flexibility? A better boss? A higher salary?

3. Start making moves. Explore job listings, reach out to your network, or just admit to yourself that you’re ready for a change.

Did I mention this is exactly what I help people do? If you’re stuck, second-guessing, or unsure what’s next, let’s talk.

Book a consultation call, and let’s figure out your next move—so you can stop feeling stuck and start making bold career moves with confidence.

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Hi! I’m Erica

Licensed psychotherapist. Corporate dropout. Wife to Brendan. Mom to twins + one. ADHDer. Slow runner. Coffee drinker. Swear words enthusiast.

I know exactly what it’s like to have a life that looks successful on the outside but feel chronically exhausted, frustrated, and completely lost on the inside.

I help underachieving high-achievers create lives and careers they love, without burning out.

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