This fall could be peak season for the "Great Resignation." Because of the pandemic, Americans are seriously reconsidering what "work" means to them. Many have decided to make a change – in companies, in careers, in any of those little variables that motivate us as productive, wage-earning adults.

There are dozens of reasons to begin looking for a new position, but most fit into four main buckets: career advancement, financial improvement, lifestyle changes, physical and mental health concerns.

Career Change

A career is "stalled" when there's nothing else you can learn and no higher position to achieve at your company. If your career is going nowhere, consider a change.

Maybe there is room for advancement, but the thought of stepping into your boss's shoes makes you cringe. "If your boss's job sounds like a soul-crushing express ticket to Sellout-ville, then you may be at the wrong company – or even in the wrong industry," says U.S. News. "It's time to reexamine what you want out of your career and consider moving to a new job."

Other career-related reasons:

• You're bored
• Your achievements go unrecognized
• Your skills are underused
• You don't like what you do

Staying in a job you hate could affect your mental and physical health, your work ethic and even your personal relationships.

On the other hand, if you're so good at what you do that other companies have started recruiting you, that's a definite signal to consider a career leap.

Financial Goals

PayScale found 25% of people change jobs for financial reasons, but this motivator can have several underlying factors.

Certain life milestones, including marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a spouse's career move, can prompt a desire for a bigger paycheck.

Other financial reasons to jump ship:

• You are grossly underpaid
• The company's finances are floundering
• Your job is in jeopardy

Lifestyle Considerations

When people talk about achieving a work/life balance, they really mean reprioritizing their lives to suit their family situations, lifestyles and personal well-being. This could mean reducing your work hours or commute, or it might mean finding a career you're passionate about.

Wanting something else is "the most obvious sign you need to quit your job, but it's also the most often ignored," says The Muse.

If your job is unfulfilling or you just don't believe in what you're doing, start thinking about what kind of work you would find interesting.

For Your Health

Finally, consider how work is affecting your health. How does your work make you feel?

Watch for these warning signs:

• Continual stress
• Fear/anxiety
• Anger
• Dread
• Exhaustion
• Depression
• Increase in video gaming or alcohol consumption

Says Business Insider, "Take a look at yourself in the mirror. If your job has taken a massive toll on you and it doesn't look good, it's time to reconsider some things."

Try to Work it Out

Leaving isn't always the best solution. After all, changing jobs is big investment in time and effort. First, try approaching management. Your boss may be able to help ease the stress of a big project. And, of course, always make your human resources department aware of in-office harassment or bullying.

If the parties involved can't or won't address the situation, do what you need to do to protect your health.

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