Wait, Don’t Quit — You May Already Have a Dream Job

• There is a sense of urgency to quit your job these days.
• But it may be wise to stop and think about whether you already have a dream job.
• Consider these signs to find out if you should stay put.

There's more pressure than ever to quit these days — even if that might not be the best move.

Over 38 million workers quit their jobs in 2021. Why? Many did it to feel more satisfied at work, earn a higher salary, or leave a toxic work environment.

You might be thinking: Do all of those people know something I don't? Could the pasture really be greener on the other side?

We all want a dream job. But few people actually stop to think about whether they already have one. Hastily quitting your job without considering this possibility might be a move you regret someday.

We asked career experts to identify a handful of signs of a dream job. They pointed out five perks you should look for before deciding to quit.

1  You Have a Supportive Manager

There's a saying that people don't leave bad jobs; they leave bad bosses. The opposite is true, too.

Career coach Biron Clark said having a supportive manager is a strong reason why you shouldn't quit in the hopes of finding something better.

"Don't rush to leave a job if you're lucky enough to have a wonderful manager who is aiding your career growth," Clark said. "If you have a fantastic manager who supports you, encourages learning and growth, and provides a positive environment to help you grow, that can be one of the greatest long-term assets in your career."

2  The "Sunday Scaries" Aren't an Issue for You

The "Sunday scaries" are the feelings of impending doom before starting a new week. While it's a common sensation for most workers — research shows 3 in 4 people experience it every weekend — the intensity varies by person.

Career coach Eliana Goldstein said the Sunday scaries aren't as much of an issue for people with a good job. So, it's a good sign if you don't get a strong pit in your stomach thinking about going to work Monday.

"When you get to a place where that anxiety starts to dissipate and you actually feel excited about the work you're doing, you know you're in a great job," Goldstein said.

3  It's Easy to Get In the Flow

Being in the flow can be one of the most enjoyable experiences at work. It's a good sign when doing your job for hours only feels like a few minutes went by.

Mindset coach Nicole Rose Stillings said if it's easy to get in the flow at work — even just a few times a day — you've likely found a great role.

"If you can pinpoint one or two activities that you do regularly in your work day that make you feel like you lose track of time and are using your zone of genius, then it's likely that you're in or on the trail of your dream job," Stillings said.

4  You're Content With Your Paycheck

It's perfectly normal to want to leave a job for a higher salary. But you don't always have to chase that if you're happy with what you already earn.

Anjela Mangrum, a certified personnel consultant, said dream jobs don't always have to come with unreal, glowing paychecks. If life is good with your current salary, that may be enough.

"As long as you're happy with the lifestyle you can afford with your salary, you might have already hit your career jackpot without knowing it," Mangrum said.

5  You Clock Out Without Any Worries

Clocking out can be one of the best feelings of the day — even for people who love their jobs. It's all the more enjoyable knowing that you won't be getting any after-hour Slack messages.

Hiring manager David Walter said having a clear set of boundaries between your work and personal life may be one of the most important signs that you've already landed a dream job.

"When you have a job that respects your free time, it is in fact a dream job," Walter said.

Feature Image: FreshSplash / E+ / Getty Images