Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Job (Even If It Looks Good on Paper)

Sometimes in your 20s you take whatever job you can get. But other times, you land that dream job. The one that looks good on paper. The one that pays pretty well and is impressive. You may even get some good perks and benefits, too. But if that’s the case, then why do you feel like you want more? Why does it feel like you’ve outgrown your job even though everything seems fine and dandy?

You may think that your 20s is too early to outgrow a job, but that mindset is false. You can easily outgrow your job in your 20s, especially if it’s your first job out of college. Outgrowing a job isn’t a failure, it’s evolution. It’s how you grow in your career.

What Outgrowing Your Job Looks Like

What does it mean to outgrow your job? It’s not nearly as negative as it may sound. When you grow as a person, your needs change, your values change and your ambitions change. All of that is linked to your career. Even if your job once were ideal for you, it may not fit into your lifestyle any more.

Another misconception? That outgrowing your job means that you hate what you do or you hate your employer. That is not the case; the two aren’t synonymous. You could be grateful for your job, your employer, your boss, and still feel ready to move on.

Signs that Show You’ve Outgrown Your Job

So how do you know that you’ve reached this point and have outgrown your job? There are some core signs you should look out for.

You’re no Longer Learning

If there’s one piece of advice you should hear, it’s that you should always be learning. No one person knows everything.

If you feel like you’re no longer learning and that you’re just repeating things over and over again, you probably have outgrown what you do. If your work feels predictable, you can do your job on autopilot, and any growth at your company has plateaued, it’s likely time for a change.

Your Ambition has Outgrown the Role Your Job Holds

You want to do more, want visibility. You want impact, leadership or ownership. But unfortunately, none of that is there. Any promotions feel unlikely or simply cosmetic – a title change without an actual bump in salary (yes, unfortunately that is way too common).

You’ve reached the point that you’re thinking, and you want to do work, beyond the original job description you applied for. If this is the case, it’s time to start looking at new job descriptions that fits your ambition.

You Feel Underutilized

Whereas many people feel like they’re being overworked, you don’t. Instead, you feel like you’re not being utilized nearly as much as you should be. Your ideas not only aren’t being fully used, they’re not even welcomed. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or like you’re constantly busy and involved in important projects or meetings, you feel invisible.

The Work No Longer Aligns with Who You’re Becoming

As you go throughout your 20s, you’re growing. You’re becoming a different version of yourself. Your personal situation may change. All of this can – and likely will – shift your values, interests or priorities.

Unfortunately, your job is likely not shifting along with all of that. The things that once excited you now feel misaligned. You’ve grown, but your role hasn’t, and that can lead to a lot of resentment on your part. Take this as an important sign that you’ve outgrown your job.

You’re Only Staying for the “Paper benefits”

You know that you should be grateful for the “paper benefits.” Your salary, title, perks, benefits or the job’s resume value are such great reasons to stay. You love hearing people tell you that you have the coolest job, or that they wish they could work for your company. Meanwhile, you’re struggling to explain why the work you do matters to you now.

Unfortunately, no matter how great and glamorous the “paper benefits” are, that’s not a reason to stay, especially when you’re in your 20s. Your 20s are a time of taking risks and trying something new; they’re not a time where your comfort should outweigh your curiosity. Be curious, see what else is out there.

You’re Daydreaming about “What’s next” More than Focusing on Doing “What is”

You’re living in the future, not in the now, because the future seems more exciting. And, you’re frequently thinking about new roles, careers, businesses, and paths. Thinking about these possibilities energizes you more than your current work situation does. Your attention is drifting.. and you should follow where it’s going.

You Feel Guilty for Wanting More when You’ve Outgrown Your Job

You know that you should be happy and grateful that you have a job and a steady paycheck. Yet you feel guilty and selfish for wanting more, especially when others admire your job. You feel disconnected, and you shouldn’t ignore that.

In this case, that guilt you feel is masking as dissatisfaction. Don’t use it as an excuse to stay in a situation that you’ve clearly outgrown.

So, What Should You do Next?

If you have seen the signs and realize you have actually outgrown your job, you have a decision to make. The next step doesn’t have to be daunting, just keep a few key concepts in mind.

Don’t Quit Impulsively

If you’ve shaken your heard “yes” to all of the above – or most of the above – you probably are ready to hand in your two weeks notice. Don’t do that! We don’t want you acting impulsively.

Instead, take the time to really understand why you’re unhappy and what you’ve outgrown. If you don’t do that and really know the core issues, you can end up in the same situation elsewhere.

Don’t Ignore the Feeling

It’s easy to stay busy, distracted, or focus on being grateful you have a job. But you shouldn’t ignore that you’ve outgrown it. Don’t ignore the signs of growth. Pay close attention to when you feel drained and when you feel energized.

Don’t Assume a Career Overhaul is the Answer

Just because you’ve outgrown your role doesn’t mean that you’ve outgrown you field. Sometimes, the issue can be the scope of your role, leadership, lack of challenge or the environment you’re in rather than the work itself.

Instead of quitting, try smaller shifts first to see if that helps. For example, you could explore taking on new responsibilities, making some lateral moves or expanding your skills.

Final Thoughts on Outgrowing Your Job

The evidence that you have outgrown your job can show up in a variety of ways. Now you know how to recognize those signs you can move forward with more clarity. If you are moving on from something familiar and safe it can be frightening but it also presents a huge opportunity for growth.

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