We’ve all had rough days at work. Every now and then, everybody hits a difficult patch, and when we’re stuck in one of these professional sand traps, we know it. We feel out of our element. We feel less talented and motivated than the people around us. We can’t seem to get anything right. And we certainly don’t love what we do. Or at least that love isn’t beaming out of us at this particular moment.

For most of us, no matter how unpleasant this feeling may be, it passes eventually. Life goes on, and before long we’re back on our feet. Sometimes we even spring back better adapted than ever, with new lessons learned and new experience gained.

But if you’re among those who don’t spring back very quickly, if at all, it may be time for an honest reassessment of your circumstances. Maybe it isn’t you. Maybe you’re just in the wrong job. And if you are, it’s time for a change. Here are a few things to think about as you evaluate your situation and decide whether or not it’s time to move on.

Five Reasons You May Be In the Wrong Job

1. You Stink at This

If you feel like you’re vastly underperforming at this job, you’re probably wrong. Our assessment of our own competence can often be distorted by the lenses of ambition and insecurity. But at the same time, if you honestly seem to be striking out again and again, your reviews are consistently poor, and you’re always hounded by the threat of being fired, this is no way to live. You are an amazing person with talent, passion, and extraordinary skill. Just not at this. It’s time to find your real calling and leave this mismatched job behind.

2. You Don’t Love this Business Model, These Outcomes, Or This Culture

If your company is dedicated to the glorious mission of selling toasters, you should believe in that goal, and you should care about toasters and their place in the world. If you don’t, you might be able to fake it for a few years. But eventually the truth will out. If you just can’t get on board with your company’s mission, accept it, get moving, and find a job that makes you proud.

3. These People are Hard to Understand

Some workplaces just aren’t a match for our personalities. If you’re a competitive loner who works till midnight, and you’re surrounded by collaborative goofballs who love to socialize and leave at five sharp, there’s nothing wrong with you. You just aren’t a match for this workplace. Find one where your drive will be appreciated. The same applies if the situation is reversed and you’re the collaborative goofball.

4. You Aren’t Making Enough Money

If you deserve more and you aren’t getting it, then it’s time to move on. If you’re ready to advance and there’s no room for growth here, head for the hills.

5. You’re Making Too Much Money

Don’t let money control your life. If you want to leave but you feel trapped by a high salary, break free. Otherwise the money is making your life worse, not better. And money shouldn’t do that.

Leaving a job is an important life decision, and it may be the best one you ever make. For guidance and perspective, contact the job search pros at Expert Staffing. We can help you get moving, leave your mismatched job behind, and get your career back on track.