Wananchi Opinion: It’s great to have a job, but is it the right one for you?

Getting stuck in a “wrong” job can take a massive toll on your life.

If you feel you don’t really align with your current job, it could be time to sit yourself down and figure out things.

It’s important to be able to detect signs that your current job isn’t really working for you.

If you feel embarrassed by your job. When you gather with friends over a drink, and you hear them share positive things about their jobs and workplaces, but you struggle to say one good thing about yours.

Or maybe you find what you do somewhat humiliating. That's a terrible position to be in. It's a sign that you need to do something about it.

Unutilised and underutilised strengths. If your current job does not allow you to leverage your most-prized skills and strengths, or you feel like you are wasting away the experience you gained over the years.

Trying really hard to get by at work. It’s important to strive to master new skills. However, if everything about your job comes with unnecessary struggle, you might be in the wrong line of work.

If your job is making you feel sad and miserable. Everyone has bad days at work — even people who enjoy their jobs! It's unhealthy and unrealistic to want to be happy all the time in your job.

However, if you feel like your job is adversely affecting your mood in general, it's time to switch things up.

Are you in a job where you are doing your best but your manager constantly disagrees, but barrages you with negative reviews? Moreover, if you feel like your boss is gunning for you get out quick and avoid suffering in a toxic work environment.

You're in a collapsing industry. Things might be going well at work. But if the industry is collapsing due to change in government policy or technological advancement, then it’s time to move to an industry that will stand the test of time.

If your work-life balance is terrible. Obviously, some jobs are more stressful and time intensive than others. In most cases, overworking yourself will only harm your personal and professional lives in the long run. Don't burn yourself out. Look for other opportunities that will allow you to live a well-rounded life.

Your job feels okay, but you want to advance further in your career and there are not many opportunities to move forward in the company. If that's the case, you need to start looking somewhere else for advancement.

You are not paid what you are worth. You did your research to understand your market value and established that you are underpaid.

It is advisable to disapprove underpayment and being undervalued by a company, no matter the promises they make about future raises and promotions. Go out and find value for your skills and experience.

You may be enjoying what you do, but if your values and interests do not align with the company’s mission and services, achieving job satisfaction might be difficult.

If it makes you question your role in the company and lower your productivity level, get yourself a job in a company that subscribes to your values.

If your coworkers are complacent, and it annoys you then, no doubt, you are in the wrong job. There are companies where you can work with like-minded people who inspire, empower and support you. If that does not sound like your current company, then it’s time to look elsewhere.

Overwhelming workload could also be a sign that you are in a wrong job. If you feel like you are being overworked, it means you are in a position where you are not making use of your skills because you are trying to juggle too many things at the same time.

If you're only doing it for the money. Money is essential. No one's saying that you need to give up a steady salary to pursue your un-lucrative passion full-time.

However, with the right attitude and proper networking skills, it's possible to make a decent earning doing something you love.

If nothing can be done to fix your current situation or if you notice that your current company no longer fits you, then it’s time to take control of your career and start searching for a new job that better aligns with your interests, values and expertise.

Mr. Abol Kings is a former banker, career coach and a teacher in Kenya.

Email: abolkings1@gmail.com