As Children, We All Have Our Dreams – Why Staying in the Same Job Too Long is a Problem and How to Fix It

As children, we all have big dreams. We dream of becoming doctors, lawyers, astronauts, or NBA players. The world is our oyster and we believe that anything is possible. However, as we grow older, the reality sets in that pursuing our dreams is not always feasible. The cost of education may deter us from pursuing certain careers, or we may realize that the chances of making it to the NBA are slim if we’re only 5’10.

So, we settle. We settle for jobs that pay the bills, for careers that are safe and secure, and for a life that lacks passion and purpose. But how do we know when we’ve been staying in the same job too long? Here are 17 signs that it’s time to make a change:

1. You learn absolutely nothing new at training sessions. If you could teach the trainings yourself, then it’s time to move on.

2. You think the new employees are “kids.” If the new hires who are equals – at the same level as you – are “kids,” then that’s a problem.

3. Your sick days and vacation days may have rolled over so long that you might lose them. It’s commendable to be healthy, but if you can’t afford to take a vacation, then it’s time to look for a better-paying job.

4. Your stack of loyalty awards is piling up. Commitment is good, but if you’re getting numb to the number of plaques on your wall, then it’s time to move on.

5. You surf the internet way too much. If you’re so bored at work that you spend all of your time on YouTube, then it’s time to find a job that challenges you.

6. You constantly check your clock to see if it’s 5 PM yet. If you dread going to work every day and can’t wait to leave, then it’s time to find a job that you love.

7. You daydream about anything … and everything. If your mind is trying to escape from work, then it’s time to start looking for a new challenge.

8. You don’t get invited out with the “in-crowd” for happy hour anymore. If you’ve lost your spark, then it’s time to find it again elsewhere.

9. Your resume titles sound different, but the descriptions are the same. If you’re spinning your job titles to sound cooler than they are, then it’s time to move on.

10. You no longer care about cool business lunches. If you used to enjoy these events but now dread them, then it’s time to look for a job that excites you.

11. You don’t care if you get in trouble with HR or your boss. If you’re no longer invested in the success of the company, then it’s time to move on.

12. You could sleepwalk through your job because you know it so well. Feeling knowledgeable about your job is great, but if it’s too routine, then it’s time to find something that challenges you.

13. You count the “ya knows” and “likes” that the newest 22-year-old is saying. If you’re so bothered by the new lingo that you can’t focus, then it’s time to find a job where you fit in better.

14. You don’t even need to look at your performance review because it’s the same every single time. If you’re not improving, then it’s time to find a job that provides more growth opportunities.

15. Your boss is 20 years younger than you. If you feel like you’ve hit a ceiling at your company, then it’s time to find a job that allows you to move up the ladder.

16. Your reasons for staying aren’t believable to you anymore. Excuses like health insurance or vacation time aren’t good reasons to stay if you’re not happy in your job.

17. You dream of retirement. If you’re counting down the days until you retire, then it’s time to find a job that you love.

Staying in the same job for too long can lead to stagnation, boredom, and a lack of passion and purpose. It’s important to recognize the signs of burnout and to take action before it’s too late. Don’t settle for a job that doesn’t fulfill you – take a chance, be brave, and pursue your dreams.