Four Sure-Fire Signs It's Time to Quit Your Job

The biggest fear of many Americans is losing a sense of stability. Many factors can contribute to this, including divorce, moving, and the loss of a loved one. But one of the biggest life changing moments comes when you reassess, in a way, your identity.

Changing careers is a huge step, and one often overlooked for other modes of tweaking one's lifestyle. You might try to change your wardrobe, take a fancy vacation, or head down to the salon for a new 'do. While all of these are effective ways to reinvigorate yourself, they are all temporary, and should not be relied upon for any lasting sense of gratification.

If you feel like you're in a rut where a drastic move needs to be taken, perhaps you're burned out on your career. These are some of the red flags to watch out for:

Irritability at the Office

Does every little thing annoy you at work? Like when Sally, the receptionist, steals your stapler and neglects to tell you she's designated her desk as the Lost and Found pile for your precious metal friend. Or when Bob in Logistics forgot to buy his own lunch, and opts to chow down on your wife's home made lasagna - simply because your name wasn't plastered all over it.

While some antics in the office are bound to get to you, if you start to notice that it's not just the small things, but all things that get to you - it's time to reevaluate your position. Maybe you feel you're undervalued by your boss, or your paycheck does not reflect the increase you made in your company profit.

This might just be a warning sign that it's time to move on.

Waking Up Wary

Do you wake up in the morning already tired of the day ahead of you? If stepping into that suit makes your blood boil, or the thought of sitting at your desk doing the same thing you always do makes you want to get back into bed, you're in trouble.

Perhaps you've hit the wall, and it's time for a promotion. Or maybe you're just sick of your company's policies and ethics. Either way, you need to sit down and think about your next move.

You Can't Stand Your Coworkers

It's never fun working with people that just don't jive with your personality. Sometimes it's inevitable, but if you find that avoiding those who really choke your chicken is impossible, maybe it's time to transfer.

Perhaps you've never really gotten along with that certain someone, and now you are teamed up with them. Consider taking this matter up with your boss, or even have a sit down with the three of you. If you find that you can't work out an arrangement that pleases all parties, it might be time to toast to your going away for good.

Distraction at the Desk

Can't get anything done? Daydreaming of better days in college when the world was your oyster, only to find that Jill, the new acquisitions manager has been hollering at you to 'wake up' for five minutes?

If you can't focus at work, you can't possibly be productive. Sure, there are times when we all get struck with the La-La Land Bug, but if you find that most of your day consists of ways to torture your boss or burn down the building, it's a sure fire sign to get out.

Have you ever felt like this, or any of these symptoms creeping up? If so, it's time to take a step back and evaluate your situation. If you still find a kernel of hope for your current career, it's best to sit down with your boss and talk about your issues. Be sure not to be whiney, but if you're up front, you just might get that bonus check or promotion you really needed to get out of this rut.

If not, it's time to jump ship. Finding a new career can be daunting, but it's worth the temporary insanity of insecurity rather than the long-lasting ill effects of staying in a place that is sure to drive you mad for good.