12 Scary Signs That It's Time to Leave Your Company

Want to safety-proof your job? Here are 12 signs to even out your career, and discover when it's time to quit.

1. The bills aren't paid on time.

If you work with a creative agency, freelancers, outside IT, event management, or in another similar service, and your provider is telling you that their bills aren't being paid on time, your ears should perk up. Don't let the accounting department blame it on a temporary cash flow problem; ask what's really going on.

2. You don't get paid.

Even companies in trouble will do everything in their power to pay employees first and every other bill second, so if you're not getting paid or your check arrives late, know that your company's financial situation is pretty dire.

3. No raises.

Businesses need to invest in talent. Not only do stingy raises bring down morale, but it guarantees the loss of top performers as well. Happy employees are such a significant part of a sustainable business that if you hear the news that there are no salary increases for the year, run for the hills.

4. Leadership changes.

When your CEO or president is pushed out of the company, and new leadership comes in, it's time to activate your backup plan. Regardless of whether you do phenomenal work, new leadership often means a new vision and direction—one that may not include your position or even your department.

5. High turnover.

Do people keep quitting? It's often a sign of poor management, salary, and benefit practices. Constant turnover affects the entire organization too; new employees act as roadblocks until they receive the required training they need to get up to speed.

6. A hiring freeze.

Some companies will tell you about a hiring freeze, but many others simply won't fill a position when an employee quits. The explanation may be that the old position is redundant or no longer relevant to the organization's current goals, but more likely, the company needs to save cash.

7. Reorganization and restructuring.

Do you suddenly have a new boss? Did your colleague switch departments? A new organizational structure may not make sense to you, but it probably helps the spreadsheets balance. It's also a sign that the company is floundering to find its footing and focus.

8. Closed doors

If more and more meetings start to happen behind closed doors, take it as a sign that something is up. While being secretive can mean a big product launch, it can also mean that there are tough issues that need to be discussed. In general, a quiet office is a dead office.

9. Employee morale

When complaints start to outnumber celebrations, you have a problem. Look out for signs that employees start leaving early and coming in late first, then listen for the complaints. A toxic environment where all your colleagues are unhappy is not a fun or productive place to work.

10. Unclear direction, goals, or mission

If you're not sure what you should be working on from one week to the next, and asking for clarification gets you nowhere, take it as a sign that the company ship is sinking. Employees need clear, organizational leadership to execute on.

11. Delayed implementation

Got great ideas but can't push them through? When you aren't allowed to execute on even low-cost strategies, it's often a frustrating sign that you won't be able to contribute any sort of meaningful work any time soon. Watch out, your company is probably coming to a standstill.

12. Frenzied, stop-and-go pace

One week you're knee-deep into new objectives and tasks, and the next week your plate is empty. What's going on? A stop-and-go pace will make it impossible to build upon success or failure, so try to find some consistency or find a new job.

6 Things That Make You Look Amateur on Your Resume

1. Short-term jobs.

If you quit a job after a few weeks because you couldn't see your future there, don't put it on your resume. Employers look at short-term jobs as a sign that you're flighty, and you want to avoid that perception at all costs. If you have more short-term jobs (that relate to the one you want) than long-term, or many short-term consulting arrangements, you can add them into a section for one year. If you are listing many consulting assignments, make sure it's clear in your resume that it was not a full-time, permanent position.

2. Job experience that doesn't relate.

If you're trying to work as an administrative assistant, but one of your past jobs was working as a restaurant server, leave that one off the list. However, if your job history doesn't provide enough experience for the Work History section of your resume, find ways to connect the unrelated work to what you want to do. For example, when you worked as a server, were there any tasks that related to the administrative assistant position you're vying for? You might be surprised to find that some of the skills you learned will translate for the job you want. Highlight these points in your resume.

3. Every responsibility you had at a job.

Focus on a high level, and keep only what relates to the job you're applying for. A resume isn't the place to copy your job description; instead, it's meant to highlight the best of what you've done at past companies and tie it to what you will do with your next employer.

4. References

While you do need a list of people who can vouch for you as an employee and overall exemplary citizen, you don't have to include the list with your resume. And don't add the phrase "References Available Upon Request." It's a given you have and will provide references when it comes to that point in the interview process.

5. Hobbies.

Many argue that listing your hobbies on your resume gives the employer a better sense of your overall character. While that might be true, hobbies can also be used against you and employers can jump to conclusions about you before having the chance to meet you. Unless the hobby relates to the job you want and it's not covered in your job experience, keep it off.

6. Why you left a job.

Save this for the interview. Some job applications may ask for this information, but never volunteer it on your own. Explanations on your resume are required to be brief and could easily cast you in a negative light. It's much better to discuss this in person when you'll have the opportunity to explain further, if necessary.

Should You Tell Your Employer About Your Side Job?

Low wages, pay freezes, and the threat of layoffs mean that for many employees a second job is a necessity. But does your employer agree?

While a side job can mean the difference between "making it" and financial ruin, companies have become more stringent in regulating what their employees do outside of work. Some organizations prohibit side jobs altogether, while others enforce disciplinary action ranging from immediate dismissal, to a written reprimand, to a demotion.

From a company's perspective, it's for good reason. But don't allow your employer's policies and red tape to scare you away from creating financial padding and learning new skills. Whether you take on additional work as a freelancer, consultant, floor salesperson, or start selling your handcrafted goods, moonlighting can be your path toward building a better future.

If you decide to set up shop outside your current workplace, set up a meeting with your boss first. You need to request approval even if there are no explicit policies regarding side jobs in the employee handbook. (Hint: And if a second job is clearly prohibited, you can still ask.) Don't risk getting fired or losing extra income over a simple five-minute conversation. Here's how:

Know Why Your Company is Worried

Employers typically don't see any advantages to their employees working side jobs, but it can be beneficial for both employer and employee, stimulating creativity, motivation, and new ideas. The key is to keep the focus on your current position:

Put the company first. Most employers want to hear that you'll continue to put your job at their company first. Assuage your manager's concerns by letting her know you won't work at your second job during office hours and that you'll still be able to work overtime during periods of heavy work. Show your commitment to your current position as a priority.

Lay out how you'll remain effective. Your boss doesn't want you to be overwhelmed and fatigued just because you're working multiple jobs, so lay out the strategies that will allow you to remain just as effective as you are now. Don't talk about the new job; discuss how you'll continue to rock your current one.

Keep quiet about confidential information. A small number of companies will be concerned that you'll leak confidential, in-house information, particularly if your side job is utilizing the same skills that your existing job does. If you can't get permission to work in the same vertical, try a side job in a different arena all together.

Act as a good representative. What you do off-hours can seem like none of your employer's business, but it is, especially if what you're doing could be deemed offensive to your employer's customers. Make sure that whatever side job you choose won't put you in an awkward position with any of your company's clients, partners, or customers.

These tips should get you quick approval to take on the side job you've been dreaming about. If you can't get approval however, consider volunteering or taking a career development class. While many employers won't support you getting paid to expand your skill set, they will endorse broadening your horizons in general.