10 Indications That You Should Look For Another Job
And how to prepare for it
Deciding to move jobs or switch careers is a significant and often challenging decision, especially for those entrenched in demanding roles or industries. As the landscape of professional opportunities shifts and personal goals evolve, it becomes crucial to recognize the signs that it’s time for a change of scene. Whether driven by dissatisfaction, stagnation, new passions, or a desire for new challenges, understanding these indicators can help you navigate your career transition with confidence.
Identifying when the time is right to make a move can pave the way for a more fulfilling and aligned career path, which will ultimately have a positive effect on your wellbeing, health, and mental health.
The 10 signs that indicate a change in job
Deciding to make a change can be a big step, and recognizing the right time to do so is key. Here are some signs that suggest it might be time for a change:
Lack of Passion: No longer feel excited or passionate about your work? Lost that spark and energy which you had initially? If your work has already lost its intensity and even joy, then work can become mundane and unchallenging. This may come down to a variety of reasons, such as the company has changed direction, or your own goals have changed, so if the job no longer aligns with your interests or values, it might be time to consider a change.
Stagnation: Feel like you’re going nowhere, and you’ve maybe done this for too long? Feeling stuck in your current role with little opportunity for growth or advancement can have such a negative impact on any individual. That upward trajectory you saw for yourself has failed to materialise and you feel like you are doing the same thing over and over again. If you’re not learning new skills or moving forward, it might be time to explore new options.
Burnout: Burning the candle at both ends just for work? Find yourself working longer hours? Experiencing chronic stress, exhaustion, or burnout? If you feel you are working longer hours than expected, going the extra mile too many times and going above and beyond without any reward or acknowledge that it has become routine, then a change might be necessary. This is especially true if it starts affecting your well-being, health, or personal life negatively.
Sunday Jitters: Already starting to think about work on Monday? Dreading the thought of what's in your inbox? Everyone loves the weekend after a busy workweek, but being unable to relax and switch off from work before Monday before its even arrived can have a profound affect on your well-being. We all get occasional sleepless nights worrying about work, which sort themselves out eventually, but if it’s happening more often than not and you can't see it changing, then it may be time for a fresh start.
Financial Concerns/Growth: Not had a decent pay rise for a while? Had one that doesn’t match your contributions towards company growth? If you’re unhappy with your salary or compensation package, it could start affecting your financial stability, especially when the cost of everything else seems to be going up apart from your salary. Seeking opportunities that offer better financial rewards for the work you are currently doing might be a reason for change.
Work-Life Imbalance: Is your job is impacting your personal life or family time? Are you sacrificing quality time at home over work? Are you working after your normal working hours, or maybe travelling too much? A positive work-life balance is a constant feature of every workplace’s culture, but there are times when it can become forgotten, and work starts to blend into your own time without you realising it. If you are still struggling to find a good balance, finding a role with better stability could be beneficial.
Company Culture: Has your company culture changed negatively? Worse still, has the culture become toxic? There are many reasons why a company’s culture changes and becomes a bad fit for you. These range from poor communication, poor leadership, a change in management, or a lack of transparency. If a company's culture or the work environment is no longer a good fit for you, a change might be needed to find a better match. It could be that your values have pivoted completely to that of your company’s, such as sustainability policies. Either way, If your values or work style clash with the company’s culture, it’s time to find something that is more aligned that at the end of the day benefits both parties.
Feeling Undervalued: Keep getting overlooked for that new position despite all you’ve done and achieved? Seen others promoted ahead of you? If you’re starting to feel unappreciated or undervalued despite your contributions, and if you’re not receiving the recognition or respect you deserve, it might be time to look for a role where your contributions are acknowledged and appreciated.
New Interests: Developed new interests or skills that you’re passionate about? Fancy a complete change in career? There can be many reasons why you wish to try something new or something that interests you personally. It could be a professional interest related to new technology, like AI, or a new field or industry, such as the transition from oil and gas to renewables. It could even be something related to a hobby which you wish to pursue, such as opening your own business. If you’re excited about it, and it’s an itch that won’t go away, it might be worth exploring it further.
External Opportunities: Been headhunted? Being offered a role by a third party? If you’ve been offered or discovered an opportunity that is too good to pass up, that aligns better with your goals or offers better compensation and benefits, then you’ve obviously been recognised externally for your talents and achievements. Recruiters and competitor companies are always on the lookout for new talent to fill available roles based on word of mouth or social media platforms.
These are only a selection of the potential reasons why it could be time to start looking at other work alternatives. Other causes could be skills misalignment, feeling invisible, boredom, or working flexibility. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it might be a good time to evaluate your career path and consider making a change.
Preparing for the Next Step
If you are considering a change in roles, taking deliberate steps is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and successful outcome. Here’s a structured approach to guide you through the process:
1. Self-Assessment - Identify your strengths, skills, and passions. What you like and don’t like about your current role.
2. Update Your Professional Materials - update your resume and social media profiles to reflect your new interests or direction, and focus on transferable skills.
3. Network - Increase your network on social media with similar professionals and companies, even attending events to increase your associations and display your interests.
4. Identify Gaps - Determine if there are skills or qualifications you need for your desired role. This might involve additional training, certifications, or education.
5. Recruitment websites - Leverage job boards, company websites, and recruitment agencies specializing in your field of interest.
By following these steps, you can navigate the career change process with greater confidence and increase your chances of a successful transition into a new and fulfilling role.
Once you are able to start applying for new roles, then comes the process of tailoring your resume and cover letter to the role, filling out online forms, attending interviews, etc. More tips and tricks on these practices can be found here:
Orion Group specialises in matching thousands of candidates to their ideal role around the world. We can help you take the next step by specialising in connecting talented individuals like you with leading companies that value your expertise and knowledge. By registering your CV with us, you’ll gain access to a wide range of potential job opportunities, ensuring that your skills and experience are matched with the right role.
