By Karen Smith
4 August 2012

Recent college graduates and young people in general typically take the first full-time jobs they can get, especially in this economy. Sometimes those first full-time jobs end up being great experiences, but oftentimes they don’t. If you’re a young person who’s unhappy in your current position at a company, it may be time to start exploring your other options. Or it may simply be time for you to change your outlook and embrace the good and the bad that comes with your job. Figuring out whether you should stick it out or get the heck out can be difficult. Here are a few signs it might be time to start looking for other work:

You’re not challenged at all

As a general rule, it’s a good idea for most young people to try to work at each of their jobs for at least a year. You don’t want potential employers to think you’re a job hopper. If you’re highly overqualified for your current job, and you’ve had it for over a year, it may be time to start applying to other positions. For instance, if you have a business degree, and your job for the last year has consisted of filing papers and pretending to be busy, it’s probably time to move on.

You’re not treated well

There’s no shortage of terrible bosses in the world, and you may be unlucky enough to work under one. If your boss yells at you, belittles you, or is passive aggressive in a way that makes you feel defeated, realize that you deserve better. You’re a valuable worker and person. Just smile, be cooperative, and put up with your horrible boss until you find something better. Trust me. You will find something better.

Going to work depresses you

If getting out of bed to go to work every morning is a struggle and being at work makes you feel unhappy, you might benefit from trying out another job. Just make sure you do some self-reflection and figure out whether your job is the main cause of your depressed feelings. Sometimes being depressed in general can spill over into your work life and make you think your job is the problem, when other personal matters are actually the issue.

You can’t pay the bills

It’s nearly impossible to pay off mountains of student debt and your rent when you’re making minimum wage. You may actually like your job but not like how much you get paid. If this is the case, you could look for a part-time job to help supplement your income, or you could look for another job altogether. If you know other people with the same skills as you are being paid a lot more than you are, it’s not a bad idea to shop around for a new gig.

If your job is affecting your mental health, boring you to tears, or doesn’t provide you with enough money to cover your expenses, start sending your résumé out. You don’t have to stay at your first full-time job forever, and something better is out there waiting for you.

Karen Smith is a freelance writer and business blogger whose primary goal is to inform her readers about pursuing a business degree online. She also enjoys writing about small business trends, Internet marketing, personal development, and sustainable living. Karen welcomes your comments below!