Recognizing the Signs That It's Time to Leave Your 9-5 Job

We hear "ditch the 9-5" constantly, right? Of course, we'd all love to, but, how do we know we are exactly ready to take that kind of leap?

Have you met our founder, Jess? She knows exactly what you're feeling. Social Savvy started as a side hustle and she didn't get completely thrown into the full-time freelancing life until she was laid off from her job in 2018. Now, we are a full-scale agency with a powerhouse team, working with amazing clients, and living all the agency dreams.

Was it all a smooth journey? No! But we are here to tell you that just because that 9-5 job feels like a safe space, doesn't mean that it's something you have to be stuck in forever. You'll never be 100% ready when it comes to making a huge shift, but here's a list of warning signs to look out for when it comes to leaving your 9-5 job:

Poor Compensation

How many times HAVE you asked for that raise? If you feel you are not being compensated fairly for what you bring to the table, and attempts to negotiate your pay with your boss have been unsuccessful, it might be time to look for something more financially fulfilling.

Lack of Flexibility

The amount of flexibility that comes with being your own boss is unmatched! You aren't rooted in the same schedule every day. And, can we talk about the immediate wall we all hit at 3 pm? Finding a work schedule that can be flexible around you, your family, your routine, your mood, is exactly the vibe we all need.

Feeling Stressed

Feeling constantly stressed, overwhelmed, or experiencing burnout can many aspects of your life. If your job consistently makes you feel this way, it may not be sustainable in the long run.

No Room for Growth

Yes, the dead-end job mentioned in every book is real! As much as we all love learning and advancing, some roles strictly have limits. If you find yourself feeling unchallenged or stuck because there aren't opportunities to advance in your current 9-5, this could be another important sign.

Lack of Passion

Life is too short to not be absolutely obsessed with what you do! You spend 40 hours a week at your 9-5, if it's not something you're super passionate about, why are you sticking around?

Unaligned Values

Not everyone has the same values. However, if your own morals, ethics, or feelings are clashing with your 9-5 company, it can make it super challenging to want to be there.

The Job Market Isn't in Your Favor

We all know that the job search isn't always the most fun process sometimes, especially when the job market isn't in our favor. If you're hitting a wall when it comes to finding something in the current market, without settling is a whole challenge all in itself, a different direction might be a better fit.

Don't get stuck in the 9-5 rut. Realizing that you're having these feelings is such an important first step in working toward the life of your dreams!