In life, the only constant is change – and that certainly applies to our career paths/job. Unexpected and even planned events, as well as things we learn along the way, can all influence our careers. Here are 9 signs that it may be time to quit your job, change careers, or take a break.

1. You’re overqualified

After graduation, it’s often not a bad idea to accept an entry-level position in a company, even if you have the knowledge for a job with more responsibilities. However, if you find yourself in this situation for too long, it might be a good idea to seek a different job so that your degree does not lose its value. “On the other hand, make sure to check internally for another position that suits you,” says Claire Savoie, CHRP, Career Management Consultant.

2. No opportunity for growth

Even if you succeed in getting a job that matches your skills, that job should also provide opportunities for advancement. Obviously, you can’t expect to move up after only six months, but if no opportunities for growth emerge in the medium to long term, it might be time to question that job.

3. Better opportunities elsewhere

Sticking with the topic of career progression, if a job offer comes along that provides an opportunity for advancement and includes most of the features for which you are looking, it may be time to consider leaving your current position. Of course, before making a big decision like this you’ll need to think carefully about whether it’s really a good idea to leave a job you love, even if advancement is slower. Note that 57% of Canadians surveyed gave this as a reason for changing jobs.

4. Change in management

When a company is bought by a larger competitor, internal restructuring often takes place to eliminate duplicate roles. If you notice that your position is in danger, applying elsewhere may be a good idea.

5. Business Troubles

Similarly, if it looks as though your employer may be going out of business and even if bankruptcy isn’t necessarily on the horizon, it may well be wise to take steps to find another job. Be aware that the Government of Canada’s Wage Earner Protection Program ensures that compensation will be paid in the event of bankruptcy, but not in the event of a simple closure.

6. Questionable Ethics

While there may be nothing toxic about your work environment, if the tasks you perform go against your ethics, quitting may be a good idea. Some professions are governed by codes of ethics, and failure to respect these codes may result in suspension or even prosecution. Moreover, any employer who demands that their employees carry out unethical work is liable for prosecution, as is the employee.

7. Underpayment

Money should not be the only criterion to consider when thinking about your job. However, it is an important aspect “that you should take the time to discuss with your boss, while making sure you know the current market,” says Ms. Savoie. If, despite your efforts, nothing changes after a salary review, there’s no harm in looking elsewhere to find a more lucrative position.

8. Unsuitable work environment

We all have bills to pay, meaning most of us have to work. However, if your response when asked about your job is mostly negative or, worse still, you would strongly advise a friend against accepting a position at your company, it’s time to consider a change of job.

Sometimes cliques have formed in your office. Internal micro battles are occurring on a regular basis, sabotaging the collective effort and making the workplace climate nothing less than toxic. “If you are in a toxic environment and your organization is not doing anything about it, then maybe it is indeed appropriate to look elsewhere,” says Carignan.

9. Bad Boss

Managers can sometimes be unapproachable, lack leadership skills, or on the flip side, have a tendency to micromanage their employees. Whatever the case, if this behavior continues once you’ve clearly and respectfully articulated the issue to your boss, it may be time to leave. This scenario is much more common than you might think. According to a Robert Half survey, two out of five workers in Canada have quit because of a bad boss.

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