When you consider the fact you spend most of your waking hours in work, it’s not unreasonable to want to strike a work-life balance.

Whether you’re starting out in your career, or stumbling through your first set of promotions and establishing yourself, chances are you’re going to feel frustrated or confused by your professional path at least once or twice along the way. But when it comes to affecting your overall happiness – what should be your push to try something new or make an office move? Despite what you might think, or what your bank balance might scream, your pay packet shouldn’t be one of the main drivers in climbing the career ladder. According to psychologist Aaron Hurst, with feelings of acceptance, integrity and encouragement, employees are more likely to be able to negotiate a salary they’re more comfortable with... There are three times that you should reconsider your position in an organisation though. As Hurst explains: “Before making the leap to new job and potentially regretting your decision, take time to reflect on the state of your relationships, the impact your current role has, and your opportunities for personal growth.” Here are three situations that should make you consider polishing off that CV:

Management:

While it’s important to be able to work under authority, having a manager who knows how to motivate and encourage their team is vital to a happy workspace. If your manager is in a permanent, locked-down position, and you can’t find yourself working with a different team in the organisation, it might be time to look elsewhere. If it’s a clash of personalities, Hurst recommends broaching the subject gently to hammer out any differences. But if you’re feeling undermined or undervalued on a constant basis, it’s time to know your own worth and consider applying your skills elsewhere.

The Organisation Itself:

If your morals don’t match up with the company you’re working for, chances are this is a deep-rooted problem you’ll struggle to overcome. As Hurst explains: “It becomes an issue of integrity. Working for an organization that provides services or produces goods that go against your values overwhelms any purpose that could be gained from your role.”

The Actual Work:

If you’re feeling bored, or hold no interest in your line of work, it might be time to not only switch your job, but your profession too. For recent graduates working in a professional environment for the first time, talk to an older member of the team for advice or seek out a mentor to work through any queries. While there’s always a settling in period, if you’re dreading heading into your job, or carrying out your daily tasks, it’s time to take the plunge and make a change. H/T Psychology Today