10 Signs You're at a Dead-End Job
Are you at a dead-end job? Read on to find out!
Where Is Your Job Taking You?
If you are like most people, you would like to think that your job is taking you someplace. Hopefully, that place you're headed will bring you closer to your goals and aspirations. Unfortunately, for many people, their job is nothing more than a paycheck and holds no long-term promise. Scarier yet is the fact that many people are unable to recognize when they are stuck in a dead-end job, so I've put together a list of warning signs indicating that your job is headed nowhere.
What follows below are some of the warning signs that your job may not hold a very bright future. If any of these situations describe your current job, I wouldn't make any long-term plans and consider it might be time to begin looking for a new employer.
Is Your Job Going Nowhere?
Christopher J. Wood
1. Haven't Received a Raise In Over 5 Years
Sure, it is possible that your employer is going through difficult times, and once they get things straightened out you will be handsomely rewarded for your loyalty. However, if your employer boasts about how much profit they are bringing in and shows no desire to provide even a minimal increase in pay, then you can rest assured you are not part of their long-term plans. Unless, that is, you are satisfied with being underpaid and likely overworked, in which case you may be just what they are looking for.
2. Your Paycheck Is Often Late
Most people go to work every day confident in the knowledge that their paycheck will be there on payday, whether it's in the form of an actual check, or a direct deposit to the bank. If this is not always the case at your job, it could mean the company is having a difficult time paying the bills. This could be a warning sign that the company might be ready to go under, so be prepared.
3. Equipment Is Always Broken
Sure, when equipment is used constantly it is bound to break or malfunction. However, if your employer refuses to properly repair and maintain their equipment, this should be seen as a huge warning sign. Whether it is due to lack of funds or some other reason, failure to maintain their equipment suggests the company's future is not so bright.
4. You Call-In Sick and Nobody Notices
Even the most dedicated employee will miss work eventually and when they return, they are often bombarded with questions. However, if nobody noticed that you were gone, there is a pretty good chance that you are not considered a valuable member of the team.
5. You Are Asked to Train Your Replacement
Sure, it's possible that you are being promoted. However, if you are unaware of a potential advancement on the corporate ladder, then training your replacement is not a good sign.
6. Your Supervisors Quit Without Notice
Surely supervisors and other higher management personnel leave jobs for better offers just as the rest of us do. However, when they seem to do so without notice, it could be a bad sign, especially if they held the position for years.
7. Your Promotion Does Not Come With An Increase In Pay
There is nothing like getting a promotion that does not include an increase in pay. Essentially, you are getting more work and more responsibility with no incentive. Sure, they will say the money will come once you have proven yourself, but you already accomplished this in earning the promotion. Even more concerning if you are replacing a higher-paid employee who has left the organization.
8. Your Coworkers Never Stick Around
Does your company have a high turnover rate? Do new employees tend to quit before you've even learned their names? This could be a bad sign that you're not working for the best company in town.
9. Your Coworkers Never Seem to Advance
If you never receive promotions or pay raises it is possible that you are the problem. However, if your coworkers suffer the same fate, its possible that your employer does not value their staff and you will likely never advance beyond where you began..
10. You're Not Sure What Your Job Is
Have you been on the job for over a year and still have no idea what your job actually is? Do you spend a significant portion of your day walking around in confusion? This could indicate a completely ineffective training program, or possibly you are a bit slow at picking up on new things. Either way, you are probably at the wrong organization.
© 2019 Christopher J Wood
