It was review time at work, and I was ready. I had filled out my documents, lined up my wins and had everything ready. I also wanted a raise. Not a big one, but enough to bring my salary up to what the market was paying. I didn’t go into this blindly. I researched, spoke to a few colleagues and looked at as many salary comparisons as possible.

I made my case to my boss who didn’t say anything. When she came back in a week, I got a two per cent raise and the comment, “You’re lucky to have gotten this.”

I knew I wasn’t lucky to have “gotten this.” I had worked hard and knew what I was worth. I immediately started looking for work and when a job offer came my way less than a month later, I accepted, typed up my resignation letter and quit. I left a full time, permanent position for a one year contract position.

I still think it’s the one of the best things I ever did. I left a secure position for an insecure one but it taught me to recognize when it’s time to walk away.

A recent survey by Ceridian, the Pulse of Talent, found that one in three Canadians are dissatisfied with their career. While the survey suggested ways of addressing that dissatisfaction, there are signs when it’s just best to walk away.

You’re Not Valued

If your hard work is not noticed or appreciated, if you make a case for more responsibility or money, or if you suggest new opportunities and you’re disregarded, then it’s time to think about leaving.

Blatant signs include not being promoted, not getting any feedback from your manager or a subordinate being promoted over you.

The Company is Sinking

If your company has shifted priorities, that might be a sign to leave. Signs include a new management team, a redistribution of assets, and a brand new mandate. Most of these usually indicate that the company is looking for ways to survive. One of the ways companies survive is by slashing the workforce. Yahoo is an example. They’re trying to define themselves in a sea of Facebook, Pinterest and Google. Every time they get a new CEO, they save money by cutting the workforce.

(I don’t mean to keep picking on Yahoo but they often work well as an example of a poorly run company.)

Your Job Keeps Changing

You were hired to do certain things but now you’re doing other things you weren’t trained for and aren’t in your job description. If this keeps happening, it could be a sign that the company doesn’t know what to do with your role.

Dead Space

If you find yourself asking your manager or coworkers, “Is there anything I can do to help?” and the answer is “no,” then that’s a clear sign that the company is in trouble.

You’re Bored

There’s only so many hours you can kill on Facebook, Twitter and your favourite blogs. If you’re bored with your position and have asked for and been refused additional responsibilities then that’s a sign you’ve outgrown the position and need a new challenge.

The Stress is Making You Sick

Robin from Toronto got a job in her field of industrial design. She thought it would be an opportunity to use her skills, Instead, she was caught between the politics of the two owners of the company. She also found herself in unsafe work situations. These situations made her dread going to work and soon Robin was constantly sick. Knowing it wouldn’t get any better, she chose to quit her job.

Would you walk away from a job or would you stick it out? Tell us in the comments!