How to tell if it's time to change jobs... and what to do next

When is the last time you took a moment to reflect on your career, assess where you are at and thought about goals for the future? If it’s been a while, here is a timely reminder to do just that, writes Jenni D’Orival from Gembridge.

Sometimes, reflection on your career will result in knowing that you are exactly where you should be right now. And that is great news! Other times, it may lead to a realisation that it’s time for change or progress within your current role or organisation, or perhaps time to make a complete change and look for a new job.

Changing jobs can feel risky, unnerving, and uncertain – particularly in the current environment! Often if you feel unfulfilled, bored, or stuck, it’s a good indicator to dig deeper. If you are unsure if it’s time for a change of job, here are just a few things to think through – do any of them resonate?

You’re thinking about a new job

You’ve already been thinking about what’s next… dreaming of a new role or mission to align with. And maybe you’ve already been spending time scouring the job sites just to see what’s out there.

You don’t care anymore

You’re at work and completing your tasks, but just feel a bit ‘meh’. You’re turning up each day but don’t feel any motivation or excitement about your work. You’re clocking off as soon as you can and not aiming for success, results, or growth. This isn’t a good place to be and will negatively impact both you and your employer.

There’s no room for growth or progression

If you are looking for a chance to grow, learn, develop, and continue progressing your career in your current organisation, it’s best to have that conversation with your manager first. If after that, you are yet to see a clear path for you or any meaningful opportunities for development or growth, it may be time to reconsider where you are at and what you want to do next.

You feel stressed or unhappy

Sure, it’s common for work to be stressful sometimes, but does your work leave you feeling stressed more often than not? Do you take that stress home with you, and does it have an impact on your personal life / family? Do you dread Mondays?

There may also be some physical indicators (these may be caused by a myriad of other factors unrelated to your job, of course, but good to keep in mind especially if there’s any chance they are linked to your work situation or work-related stress):

• Changes in appetite and alcohol consumption
• Changes in sleep
• You get sick more often
• You’re always tired

So… what now? 

If you think it’s time to make a move, you’re likely now in quite a good position if it’s on your terms. You can be strategic about your next career move; take the time to reflect and put some thought into this so you can be clear about what you want.

We’ve written another article here that has some tips that may help you prepare for your job search, including questions to help guide you when figuring out what you want in your next role, working on your resume and cover letters, leveraging LinkedIn and your network, and getting interview ready.

This blog post was originally posted on the Gembridge website.