How to read the writing on the wall

Part two of our informal series on making the new year equal a new job.

The first step in any search is discerning whether your desire to leave your current company is motivated by general grumpiness on a bad day, or a legitimate response to a deteriorating environment.

If you suspect the latter, it's time to read the writing on the cubicle wall. Situations vary from workplace to workplace, of course, but here are a few consistent signs it might be time to go. (See ComputerWorld's list and Fortune's slideshow for longer rundowns.)

1. You're not as important as you: a) used to be, or b) want to be. Do a gut-check on your roles and responsibilities. Are you performing at the height of your abilities? Are you consistently challenged? Does the company entrust you with high-level, strategic work? Or have they moved you over to making copies? Remember, a successful position should build and add value, not lose it. Go where that value is appreciated and encouraged.
2. You notice people across the organization are ignoring you. To paraphrase John Donne, no person should be an island in a functional office. So coworkers and supervisors giving you increasingly wide berths means you need either new deodorant or a new job. After all, a strong workplace is based on open communication and collaboration. If both are eroding, start looking for them in another company.
3. Putting on a 'happy face' is now part of your morning routine. Work constitutes a good third of your time on this planet. And who wants to be miserable for a third of their life? Your career should be a genuine source of joy, pride and fulfillment, not an acting exercise. Make sure your smiles and jokes are a natural extension of your job satisfaction. Otherwise, seek true happiness elsewhere.

Posted by Christy H.