When a Job Goes Toxic

It seems that some jobs turn toxic. It is often actually the case that they were toxic from the start, but the glossy 'newness' of it all can take a while to wear off. Equally, everyone has some bad days at work, but this doesn't mean that a couple of tear-your-hair- out days in a row mean you should throw in the towel.

But what's the tipping point between a bad run, that will come to an end, and a bad job, which will continue to get worse?

Here are five things which, in combination, can be signs that the end is nigh, and it might be time for a change of direction:

If you wake up every morning feeling as if you are heading to the gallows, there must be something fundamentally wrong. Everyone has days when they'd rather stay in bed, but when every single day is an immense struggle, something must be amiss.

If you've been stuck in the same job, doing the same work, for a long time, it's time to ask where you're going and what you're doing. You might be happy to stick with what you're comfortable with, but if you're ambitious, it can be frustrating not to have a chance to progress. Some companies promise you promotions and training, but it never materialises - you can't hang on forever.

Companies where there is constant backbiting and secret plotting don't provide a healthy working environment for anyone. I've worked in offices where senior staff actively promoted infighting, in some sort of bizarre office political version of cock fighting. Step away, my friend.

If you're not comfortable that your job is safe, it seems like a good plan to start looking for alternatives. Especially in today's economic climate. Fixed term contracts CAN lead to something permanent, but if you come across a suitable permanent opportunity, don't put your employer before your own need for stability.

If all of your friends and family can't understand why you're still working somewhere, there's probably some sense in their question. They have to put up with you when you're miserable at the end of the day, so if they're moved to tell you that you need to get a new job - it's probably because your unhappiness is blatantly obvious!