Work takes up a huge chunk of our lives, so it’s essential to make sure that we’re in the right place. It’s not just about advancing our careers and growing as professionals, it’s also about being respected and appreciated as human beings. For Latinos in the U.S., it can be difficult to find all that in one place. While times have certainly changed, unconscious bias and discrimination are still a part of the Latino workplace experience. The thing is, it can be difficult to decide to move on to a better place. Especially when you doubt if that uncomfortable feeling you’re experiencing is even valid. To help with that, there are 8 signs it could be time to find a new job:
There’s little to no cultural inclusivity in the workplace
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A lack of cultural inclusivity is one of the most common reasons why Latinos feel like there’s something off about their workplace. When a work environment or corporate culture doesn’t embrace diversity or inclusivity, it can quickly make you feel like an outsider. If you feel isolated and are constantly experiencing microaggressions, limited opportunities, and a lack of support no matter how hard you try, it could be time to think about an exit plan.
Growth opportunities are limited for you
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Limited growth opportunities will keep your career advancement in the toilet. If you feel like you’ve hit the ceiling in your current role and there’s nowhere else to go from there, it may be time to explore other offers. Sometimes, moving on is just what makes sense if you feel like you’ve already achieved everything there was to achieve. If you’re purposefully held back or passed over for reasons that have nothing to do with your performance, that’s also a good reason to explore new offers. If you’re not growing or aren’t allowed to grow, you need to find a place where you can. Otherwise, burnout won’t be too far behind.
You’re experiencing unequal pay and treatment
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Racial and gender pay gaps are still very much a problem and it affects all people of color, including Latinos. For example, Latinas only make 57 cents for every dollar a man makes, and that wage gap varies from state to state. If you’re experiencing that wage gap and Latino employees aren’t fairly compensated compared to their counterparts, you need to take action. Discriminatory practices are illegal and you deserve better. While tackling the wage gap requires a systematic approach, finding workplaces that value employees equally is a step in the right direction for your personal career.
There’s little to no representation in leadership
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Representation matters in the workplace, especially in leadership roles. If you don't see Latino professionals in leadership positions or if there’s a lack of diversity in decision-making roles, that’s an indicator there may be limited opportunities for advancement for you. If you’re Latino and your work environment isn’t inclusive, the odds will likely be stacked against you.
You constantly feel undervalued
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You know what you’re worth as an employee and the value you bring to the table as a dedicated, productive team player. If you don’t feel like your employers do, that’s a big issue. If your efforts constantly go unrecognized and you feel overlooked most of the time, it could be time to look for a role where your contributions do matter. Being undervalued can take a toll on your motivation, which affects performance and ultimately keeps you from reaching your goals. You should feel appreciated in the workplace and it’s not about needing external validation, it’s about what’s right.
You can’t seem to find a good work-life balance
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We all know that striking a balance between work and personal life is key for overall well-being. If your current job demands way more than the job position entails or it affects your ability to maintain good health, you will get burned out. Your workplace and employers should support employee well-being for everyone, not just you. Working excessive hours all the time and dealing with limited flexibility will eventually take its toll on you. If you’re not allowed to create and maintain that work-life balance, it could be time to look for a better fit.
Your values aren’t aligned
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If your job responsibilities or company practices conflict with your personal values or ethical beliefs, you probably feel disconnected and uncomfortable a lot of the time. We have values and a moral compass for a reason. When we’re forced to act against that, everything feels wrong. If that’s how you’re feeling in your current workplace, searching for opportunities that do align with your values will bring you peace. Your career shouldn’t make you feel like you’re acting against your beliefs. It’s just not sustainable in the long term!
You constantly feel unfulfilled
Photo by Magnet.me on UnsplashLast but not least, the most telling sign that it could be time to move on to a new job is a constant feeling of unfulfillment or dissatisfaction with your job. If you find yourself dreading work and you’re never excited about anything you have to do, this is a clear indicator you’re just not aligned with your current job. Whether you’re ready for a career shift or your workplace is just not the right fit, start thinking about what needs to change and get ready to take the plunge. Transitions can be scary, but be brave and smart, and you’ll find where you should be.
