There comes a time in every job when you start wondering, Is it me… or is it them? It’s like being in a long-term relationship where the spark has faded, except instead of romance, it’s your will to answer emails without sighing. If your work life is more Groundhog Day than growth opportunity, it might be time to leave.

Let’s explore the telltale signs that it’s time to send yourself packing—with a severance package, if possible.

1. You’ve Mastered the Art of the 10:01 a.m. Coffee Break

If you find yourself meticulously planning your coffee runs like a military operation just to make it to lunch, something is off. No one should be counting down the minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. like it’s a prison sentence.

Red Flag: You’ve memorized every coffee shop within a 5-mile radius, but you can’t remember the last time you cared about a meeting agenda.

2. You’ve Become Fluent in Office-Speak Nonsense

Phrases like “circle back,” “take this offline,” and “low-hanging fruit” now roll off your tongue. Worse, you mean them. The workplace jargon has become your second language, and you’re saying things like “let’s touch base” when all you want to do is base yourself in a hammock far, far away.

Pro Tip: If you catch yourself unironically using “per my last email,” it might be time to refresh your vocabulary—at a new job.

3. The Only Raise You’ve Seen Is Your Blood Pressure

It’s one thing to wait patiently for a raise; it’s another when the only increase you experience is the workload while your paycheck stays firmly stuck in 2018. If your company’s idea of a bonus is “continued employment,” it’s time to move on.

Warning Sign: When your boss gives you more responsibility but calls it a “learning opportunity,” not a promotion.

4. Your “Work-Life Balance” is 95% Work, 5% Wondering Why

If your boss thinks work-life balance means you’re allowed to sleep, but only between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., it’s a clue. Remember, your laptop doesn’t need to be your best friend.

Conclusion

Sometimes, it’s not about whether you can endure a job but whether it’s worth enduring. If you’ve hit a point where your daily joy is logging off, it’s time to evaluate if there’s something better waiting. And there probably is—just make sure your next step involves more growth and fewer coffee countdowns.