Signs you’re stuck in a dead end job
We always start a new job with hopes, aspirations and dreams of learning and progressing further. Unfortunately, sometimes things just don’t go as planned along the way. Everyone has a different definition of a ‘dead end job’. Some view a job as a dead end when the learning stops and when there are no new challenges anymore. Others might view a job as a dead end when there are no visible possibilities of a promotion in the near term. Here are some signs that you might be stuck in a dead end job:
Company growth has plateaued or even shrinking
Depending on the role you play in the company, you might not have access to company financials or projects. However, to gauge if the company growth is plateauing or even shrinking, just observed your surroundings to see if the overall activity level is still strong. You will notice that you might be receiving fewer instructions and colleagues might have more idle time than usual. Also, if you are involved in manufacturing, you will realise that incoming orders are shrinking or if there are fewer overtime claims.
Your role cannot evolve further
Every job is bound to evolve every couple of years due to customer requirements, technology changes and even changing business environment. But if you find that your job role is fixed and there is no possibility of it changing anytime soon, then perhaps you might want to change jobs. Staying too long in a job that doesn’t evolve will drain you mentally as you’re stuck in a mundane cycle of tasks that never change.
You are not challenged
If your role cannot evolve then you will no longer be challenged. It is akin to saying that you can do the job with your hands tied behind your back and with your eyes closed. Ideally, when you wake up every day and walk into the office, you expect to be challenged with new projects, new roles and things that are outside your comfort zone. When you are not challenged, there is no need to expand your skill sets and there is no need to do things differently. This is where creativity and innovation dies.
Goals and targets are no longer clear or irrelevant
If one day you find that your work is not properly evaluated and not taken seriously, then it’s time to leave. When the goals and targets previously set for your role is no longer important and no longer being monitored, then the overall existence of your job becomes questionable. There should be constant check and balance happening between you and your supervisor to make sure that your job is relevant and in-line with the wider objectives of the company.
You’re dragging your feet to work
One of the most telling signs that you’re in a dead end job is if you find yourself dragging your feet to work every day. Regardless if the company is good or the job is great, it is a dead end job for you if you are no longer motivated to go to work. You will find that you no longer have the drive to pursue success and you no longer place importance and emphasis on the quality of work you are producing.
