Begun to feel that work is nothing but a daily grind ? No teamwork and support from management? Perhaps it is time to update that resume and pound the pavements in search of a new working environment. Considering that you spend the majority of our time at work and if you are under-appreciated, over-worked and underpaid, it may be the time to other explore avenues. To help you decide if the writing is on the wall, here are 14 signs to identify whether your employer cares about you :
1. Lack of constructive feedback :
Daily tasks intended for output yet management does not offer any constructive feedback. Hit a professional plateau and boredom and routine sets in and no chance of improvement or advancement is in sight? No praise, appreciation (a simple “thank you”) and feedback received only when you have erred, then the end is definitely in sight.
2. Lack of financial appreciation :
Asked for a raise and been declined? The usual excuses, no income, poor economy etc, Worse still, when your colleagues are earning more than you, and you know it, not due to a confidentiality breach but maybe at a social event when the drinks are flowing…Check with Payscale, know your worth. Lack of company perks is worrying…and we are not talking about the coffee or the brown sugar allotments. If an employer is constantly pleading poverty, yet make targets and profits, and you are still paid way below market value, then that is a sure sign that you are not valued. Basically, you are a replaceable cog in the wheel.
3. Passed over for that deserving promotion :
Told that you are within sight of a promotion? Anticipated it and brushed up and even studied skills at your own expense and you are passed over for someone less deserving or less skillful. Management obviously does not see you as an asset worth investing in.

Source : pinterest
4. Lack of trust :
Left five minutes early as compared to the daily longer hours? Management tracking your whereabouts via your company mobile? Lack of trust is what it is. Feel like a sniper is out to get you? Intimidation tactics clearly indicate that you are irrelevant, and just a means to an end.
5. No Project related closure :
Nothing worse than working diligently and putting in longer hours, met the deadlines and not informed of the outcome?
6. Employer : Too much honesty
Sadly some managers are not skilled with tact. Telling an employee that they are dispensable or a “cancer” is a direct attack on your well-being. Management has the mentality that “you’re lucky to have this job.”

Source : stephenliddel.co.uk_bad-bosses
7. Employee : Too much honesty
Honest trees are always cut first. Your feedback may be sourced but found wanting. That telltale purple expression on your employer’s face is a definite giveaway!
8. Another job offer?
Found another job? Offer may or may not be exactly what you want. Take it to the boardroom table and your company will not endeavour to reach a mutually beneficial situation? Consider that offer, a change is as good as a feast.
9. Overwork synonymous with the extra mile?
Starting work earlier, working through lunch times and after the normal working hours could mean that you are overworked and lack the necessary resources to able to effectively execute our responsibilities. Feel like your job has consumed you and you are closer to burn out? No sooner did you complete a deadline or are almost complete, something more important, more pressing surfaces. Enter late hours and disruption of family time. Yes, teamwork is important but if it becomes a pattern, without recognition, it could mean that your employer does not respect you.
10. Bullying, humiliation and undermining
If management or a management representative does not respect you, offer you common courtesy, uses bullying tactics and undermines your efforts or worse uses your ideas to promote themselves, this will seriously affect you. This abuse creeps into other aspects of life. If management turns a deaf ear and asks you to “deal with it” and that “open door policy” is just window dressing, get out, if you can.
11. Ambience
The office ambience reveals much about the company culture. Toxicity, chilling atmosphere, employees being pitted against each other, sadness, low morale, a constant “watching over your shoulder”, tense atmosphere makes for an unhealthy corporate framework. Remember that happy people are productive people. If a company cares, they will make the effort to retain and maintain productive staff members.
12. Men receive far more advantages than women?
A red flag, if they care for you and your output, gender bias should be out of the question.
13. Lack of mentorship :
Any manager worth his salt will ensure that employees are mentored, this way, you are assured of advice, resources and assistance.,
14. The dreaded performance review :
That angst ridden review that was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, moved again and again with the dangling carrot mentality is finally here, again. Airconditioning turned to almost freezing, memorised conversation is repeated and horrors of horrors, you are asked to rate yourself?! Paper is more of records or as a means to an end, meaningful conversation if absent. You’ve already been advised not to exceed the allotted review time, feedback is missing. Your valiant efforts have fallen on deaf ears. Worse when those pesky forms you completed may be used against you or held against you.

Source : pexels.com
Let’s face it, work is important and not just for monetary value. However, should you be in an unsatisfactory environment, reconsider, choose well and you could be living the life of your dreams, healthier, happier, financially blessed that commensurate with not just your experience but with your skills and worth.

Source : pinterest
That downward spiral you are in now, use it as a step ladder to action and improvement. Yes, seeking green pastures may seem more intimidating, more of a “greener manure growth” out there but honed personal radar and experience will stand you in greater stead. No point in settling for “the devil you know than the devil you don’t”. If you have settled, then make sure it is for reasons that suit you. It is important to know where you stand workwise, make it work for you or seriously consider working elsewhere.
For inspiration, look to Ramit Seti. Another great lady is Ruth Soukop who talks about progress and “doing it scared”, but doing it anyway and successfully too.
So true.. that happens in every company.. lack of constructive feedback..
And the gender biased because its vice versa also true..
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Ive had some destructive feedback over the years… there is just no call for it. After all, work is actually another family, I am sure, you will agree.
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Of course when we spend more than 8 hours that’s more than that of home.. It’s a family and it needs healthy environment..
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Agreed. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Forty Something Life As We Know It.
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Thank you for doing this. Can’t believe how many of us are so sad in a place where we spend most of our life. Today a colleague, one of the last few gentlemen, retired. No speech, no thank you, no cake, nothing. ☹️
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That’s terrible!! 😭
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Yes. He loves Samoosas and savouries so I slipped out and bought him some to take home for tea with his wife. He was so touched. I’m really going to miss him.
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Shame man!!! That’s very nice of you!!
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A small gesture for a good guy.🌺
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💖
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Reminds me why I recently turned my life upside down and left my company after 14 years… Sometimes seniority just isn’t worth the abuse anymore…
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I’m almost there… Just made it work for me for the time being. 😌
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Ya. I said that for the last 8 years with that company…. Ha ha ha!!!
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It is like you started with a top gear , excellent post .. 1st point – No constructive feedback . It is so true .. more than 70 percent of the employees not being recognised for any good job they have done.
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Sad that this is so true. Heart and soul efforts for zilch. 💔😩💐
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If anyone is experiencing any 1 of the 14 stated above then it’s time to go.
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😌🤐😎Yep, I agree my friend. Hurrying up and waiting🤗
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Excellent post…thank you! One time at one job I saw something like this: We have been doing so much with so little for so long that we can now almost everything without almost anything! 😎😎😎😎
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Val, I have missed you. Hope you had fun with your friends and enjoyed the reprieve.
Yep, work can be draining… Experience here. 😌🤗💕
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Had great fun with girls! I remember being in the public work arena! If you do your job well, it is always draining! ❤ ❤ ❤
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My work ethics, my excellence is my autograph… Now you see why I blog?!!!
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Very well written Kavita 🙂
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Thank you my friend. 🤗💕
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A well-written and thoughtful article. I also think that middle management mirrors the culture of the hierarchy. They are individuals under stress and not coping well themselves with the pressure, which is then applied to those working beneath them. I also have known decent human beings as bosses but being told “business as usual” is one of my pet hates!
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Hi Lynn, you are absolutely right about middle management… Breeds the wrong culture… Worse if Human Resources is there to fill the position without the training. 🤗
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Kavita, that is such a great post. OMG. Every single point is so well written and well said. Indeed it all over the world. I always say mostly it’s our own fault as we don’t say something. I see a lot of people are so afraid of speaking up for their rights. You nailed it. Stay blessed.
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Thanks my friend. So sad that this is so true and with the dearth of jobs out there, one has to just hang on albeit precariously.
Hope you are feeling better, you are sounding good.😘
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I know, I am planning to rebloge it for tomorrow or today on my blog! Well, last night my husband didn’t let me sit on the computer at all and I am feeling a bit better today.
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He is right. You look after yourself, we are here. 😘
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hahahha, I know you would support him. He said, that damn blog is making you sick…hahah
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We have your best interests at heart. 😊😘
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Working to earn a paycheck by the hour will always be a bad way to earn money.
The best way is to build a life time residual income so you can retire at a young age a not have to work anymore.
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Yes Mark… I learned late but fortunately now have a good broker. 😊
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The residual income I am referring to is not earned with an investment with a broker. The residual income I am referring to comes by working for a company that pays it’s workers with a share of the profits and revenue for their whole life. The residual income I prefer can be passed on to your family for generations and continue to grow for ever. If you work for a company for a share of the profits and revenue instead of a low hourly wage it can be a lot better than trying to invest money for a small return on your investment. I am glad you have found a good broker but here in America the brokers make more money from our money than the people who invest the money with them. You most have a lot better brokers there because here they end up losing more of peoples money then they will ever make for the investors.
Have a super wonderful day.
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I smile…
We don’t have those employers here in SA.
Which is why we go the broker route.
I send warm regards from a rather drizzly SA.
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What I am referring to is becoming your own employer and working as a brand representative for a company as a freelancer. Money is a confusing subject for most people here in America and I’m sure everywhere. Working for a wage is the normal way for most people here in America and that is why we have so many people living in poverty that hate the work they do. Working for a share of the profits and revenue is becoming more popular and can be done anywhere in the world these days. The internet is global so working on the internet is global. There are no borders here on the internet. It does take an open mind to grasp how the world is now all connected by the internet, including the ability to build a life time income here on the internet. Have a great day and thanks for the conversation.
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Yes Mark, the internet has taken over and is really advantageous. I see your point and appreciate the thinking. 🤗
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Superb post.
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Thank you meghna… Don’t want to look at yr posts now…. Your Food is so yummy, it’s so cold today and I forgot my lunch… Could do with garam rotis and Chai. 😉🤗
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Thank you so much. And yes Garam roti and chai is the best convenient food. Even I like bhakhri and chai. Infact it is one of my favorite food and can eat anytime.
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Us too at home… Kids love it.
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Yes, very definite warning signs. Generally, I’ve been lucky with my bosses and I can recognise these signs are all situations I did not come across!
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Lucky you!
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Great compilation. Even though you cannot and should not please everyone, certain basics are essential.
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Ankur, I know it’s impossible to please all of the people all of the time but true, basic decent working conditions and a harmonious atmosphere should be necessary.
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The reasons listed are signs that perhaps one needs to move on to grow in an organization that will value your productivity and no stalking with absolutely no room for toxic manipulation or humiliation. I’ve seen it quite closely on what didn’t work! Yes. organizations should always make effort to give a loyal employee a raise. It does matter!
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Toxic manipulation and humiliation… Well said.
Agreed, a harmonious atmosphere is important.
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The toxicity is detrimental to efficiency at a job I remember we were not paid on time and hiring the wrong people as well, clueless on how a job done because they accept peanut. Lessons learned!
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Tough here in SA, jobs are hard to come by so people are forced to hold onto what they have… And get exploited in the process.
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Yes and that the worse thing with the downturn and been through that hell! Wish you luck and sure u will get something beyond the ordinary!
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An extraordinaire like me deserves it. 😊🤗
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“The first important customer you have is your employee”. Zig Ziegler. As an employee, I felt that is was my job was to make sure that I fulfilled my boss’ desire. Looking deep seemed to be the most difficult part of the job. No need to look for a reason, just become a part of the mission. Good thoughts and perceptions.
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Passion and initiative fuels the mission. Agreed, every act especially as a Frontliner represents the company. So good to have you back… You feeling stronger?
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This is a wonderful post. No wonder people want to get set into doing something by themselves and be their own boss. It’s just hopeless working for someone else… but then again-that’s really not every one’s cup of tea.
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….going the extra mile here does not seem to apply 🙂
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..no, it certainly doesnt
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Very interesting article
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The 9 to 5 grind.
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You are indeed good for it Kavitha
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Oh my gosh….this post has echoed my sentiments and it came to a point in my life where I had to set limits…enough was enough – I tried to make it work but for too long at the expense of my wellbeing and that of my family’s as well. Was it worth it? No, in the end, we are nothing but another number. I valued myself more and for my sanity resigned. I don’t miss the environment and I’m in a happy place. Excellent how you’ve communicated these signs and when we begin feeling them, we should not ignore them…sooner than later.
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Its definitely a tough place to be in. Am going to email you today. 😊🤗
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The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.
Don’t stay in bed, unless you can make money in bed.
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Agreed.
So many people are jobless.
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Yes. Copy That. The irony is majority of those who want to actually work and achieve are jobless and those who take their work for granted have jobs. Flattering is given more priority than efficiency… 😂
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Sadly, poor qualifications and nepotism seems to be the order of the day!
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With due respect to you, it’s actually the other way round. Those who have jobs tend to take it for granted and those who don’t, are definitely excited about work. Generalizing is giving control away to the larger group. And it doesn’t work that way because each one of us is responsible for the choices we make and the situations we are in. That’s what is laudable in Kavitha’s article. She puts it so correctly by placing onus on the reader to choose their work situation.
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Thank you Avyukta, the decision is ours. We make either make it out there or allow our spirits to be broken…. And who needs that?!
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Maybe you are right maybe I’m right as it’s the vicious circle we are talking about. We cannot deny the “formula” of taken for granted… There are groups per say…
Group A and Group B, both interchange their place in the above mentioned situation as per their moods and needs… but anyways,
The only fact of life lies here:
As you sow, so shall you reap.😊
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Amazing article. I will be joining my first job as an intern from 26 November… will take care of all the details 🙂
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Good luck in your new position. Something exciting to look forward to. 🤗
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The more I read you, Kavitha, the more I am impressed. Yet another well crafted article from you..
1. Hits the bullseye without beating around the bush
2. Is direct and honest, with all the right priorities in the right places
3. Lists out perfect reasons for calling it quits without calling it demeaning quitting failing routine.
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Thank you Avyukta,
Unfortunately most people do not like direct/honest or feedback (employers included). Which is why the workplace can be demoralizing and stressful. So if the writing is on the wall, the paths should be obvious… Unfortunately due to the drought of work prospects, it may be necessary to develop a thicker skin (or hide :)) or just find ways to make it work for you. Until something better comes along.
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Yes, Kavitha – but thick skin cannot include loss of self respect. I believe one can earn a living with the very basic of things as well – like cooking a pot of food and/or in the service industry. The problem with unemployment comes when people associate good/bad with the nature of work and try to limit themselves of options. And then, the corporate world has trapped everyone in this ‘myth’ that there can be no gap in one’s resume, etc., and the list like this goes endlessly on and on. Same goes with every other industry.
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I agree that talents and hobbies can a accomplish financial feats. However, i believe in Eleanor Roosevelt’s words that “no one can make you feel inferior without your consent”. It all reflects poorly on the abuser.
There is the matter of Karma too.
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An enlightening post. Sadly there are too many bosses who drive otherwise good workers away. Thank you for swinging by the “Ranch.” We 💖 visitors.
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Thank you for having me. Glad you enjoyed your holiday. 💖
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A Very interesting article, you have written it very well. Thank you for sharing it with us. Much Love and Light from me from Aussie to you in SA 🙂
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