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When to Know It’s Time to Move On from Your Current Job Role

Writer's picture: Jonathan LewisJonathan Lewis

The word change
Time for a change of role?

In the ever-evolving professional landscape, staying in a job too long can hinder your growth, while moving on prematurely can lead to instability. The question of when to leave a job is as much about introspection as it is about external circumstances. This comprehensive guide delves into the signs that it might be time to transition, balancing emotional and rational factors, and how to prepare for the next phase in your career.


The Signs That It’s Time to Move On


  1. Lack of Growth Opportunities

Growth is a cornerstone of a fulfilling career. If you’ve hit a ceiling in your role with no visible path for advancement, it may be a sign to consider other opportunities. Indicators include:


  • Lack of new challenges: If your daily tasks have become repetitive and uninspiring, it’s a sign you’re no longer growing.


  • No available promotions or leadership opportunities: When organisational structures leave no room for upward mobility, your long-term career development can stagnate.


  • Stagnant skill development: If you’re not learning new skills or technologies relevant to your field, you risk falling behind in the job market.


Example: A project manager in a small organisation may find that, after successfully implementing several major projects, there are no larger or more complex projects to tackle. Without a path for further growth, their career could plateau, making it challenging to stay engaged or build their skillset.


  1. Misalignment with Company Values or Culture

Over time, your personal values or the company culture may shift, leading to a misalignment. Warning signs include:


  • Feeling disconnected from the company’s mission: If you no longer resonate with the organisation’s goals or feel that they lack meaningful impact, your motivation may wane.


  • Ethical conflicts or dissatisfaction with leadership decisions: Working in an environment that compromises your principles can cause significant stress and dissatisfaction.


  • Workplace behaviours that clash with your principles: Toxic work environments, poor management practices, or lack of inclusivity can be strong signals to move on.


  1. Consistent Lack of Motivation

Passion and engagement are critical for job satisfaction. If you dread going to work daily or feel indifferent about your tasks, it might be time to reassess. Look for:


  • A persistent sense of boredom or dissatisfaction: If your enthusiasm has been replaced by apathy, your role may no longer inspire you.


  • Lack of excitement for new projects or initiatives: When once-thrilling challenges now feel like mundane obligations, it’s a red flag.


  • Decreased productivity and creativity: A drop in your performance may stem from a deeper sense of disengagement.


  1. Stress and Burnout

While all jobs come with stress, prolonged burnout can harm your health and performance. Consider moving on if you experience:


  • Chronic fatigue or mental exhaustion: Consistently feeling drained can signal a work environment that demands too much without adequate support.


  • Difficulty maintaining work-life balance: If your job consumes your personal time and leaves no room for rest or hobbies, it’s unsustainable.


  • Frequent health issues due to job stress: Physical symptoms like headaches, insomnia, or a weakened immune system may indicate job-induced strain.


  1. Lack of Recognition or Compensation

Feeling undervalued or underpaid can erode your job satisfaction. Indicators include:


  • No recognition for your contributions: If your hard work goes unnoticed or unappreciated, it’s hard to stay motivated.


  • Infrequent or insufficient salary increases: When your compensation doesn’t align with your experience or market value, it’s worth reconsidering your options.


  • A benefits package that no longer meets your needs: Outdated or insufficient benefits can impact your financial and personal well-being.


  1. Industry Decline or Instability

External factors can also dictate the right time to leave. If your industry is shrinking or your company’s financial stability is uncertain, it’s wise to explore other options proactively. Signs include:


  • Reduced job security: Frequent layoffs, budget cuts, or organisational restructuring can signal trouble.


  • Declining industry trends: A diminishing demand for services or products in your field can limit long-term career prospects.


Assessing Your Readiness to Leave


  1. Conduct a Self-Assessment

Before making any decisions, reflect on your career goals, values, and priorities. Consider:


What do you want to achieve in your career? Define your long-term aspirations and evaluate whether your current role aligns with them.


Are your skills being utilised and developed? If your talents are underutilised, you’re likely not reaching your full potential.


Is your current role aligned with your long-term aspirations? A mismatch between your ambitions and your job responsibilities can lead to frustration.


  1. Seek Feedback

Engage trusted colleagues, mentors, or career coaches for honest feedback. They can offer valuable perspectives on whether staying or leaving aligns with your potential. Questions to ask include:


  • What are my strengths and areas for improvement?

  • Do you see growth opportunities for me within this organisation?

  • What advice would you give for achieving my career goals?


  1. Evaluate the Job Market

Research current opportunities in your field. Consider the demand for your skills, the salary range, and potential employers. This step will give you confidence and clarity about transitioning. Tools and strategies include:


  • Online job boards and career websites.

  • Networking events and professional associations.

  • Market research reports specific to your industry.


  1. Financial Preparedness

Assess your financial stability. A robust emergency fund can ease the transition period and give you the flexibility to explore roles that align with your goals. Steps to take:


  • Calculate your monthly expenses and savings.

  • Develop a budget for the transition period.

  • Explore additional income sources, such as freelancing or consulting.


Emotional and Psychological Considerations


  1. Managing Fear of Change

Fear of the unknown often prevents people from leaving unsatisfying roles. Strategies to overcome this include:


  • Breaking down your transition into manageable steps: Focus on updating your CV, applying for one role at a time, or attending networking events.


  • Reframing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth: Embrace the potential for learning, new experiences, and unexpected opportunities.


  • Building a support network of friends, family, or mentors: Share your concerns and aspirations with trusted individuals who can offer encouragement.


  1. Avoiding the Grass-Is-Greener Syndrome

Changing jobs won’t solve all problems. Reflect on whether issues stem from the job itself or internal factors like mindset or expectations. To avoid regret:


  • List your grievances and evaluate their root causes.

  • Compare the pros and cons of your current role with potential opportunities.

  • Set realistic expectations for your next role.


  1. The Cost of Staying

Remaining in an unfulfilling role can have hidden costs, such as:


  • Loss of professional momentum: A stagnant role may limit your opportunities to stay competitive in your field.


  • Diminished self-confidence: Prolonged dissatisfaction can impact your self-esteem and ambition.


  • Strained personal relationships due to unhappiness or stress: Negative emotions from work can spill over into your personal life.


Preparing to Transition


  1. Develop a Clear Exit Strategy

An organised approach can make the transition smoother. Consider:


  • Updating your CV and LinkedIn profile: Highlight your achievements, skills, and experience relevant to your desired roles.


  • Identifying transferable skills and achievements: Frame your experience to appeal to potential employers across industries.


  • Networking with industry contacts: Leverage professional relationships to uncover opportunities and gain insights.


  1. Upskilling

Invest in professional development to increase your marketability. Popular options include:


  • Online courses and certifications: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer industry-relevant training.

  • Attending industry conferences or workshops: Stay updated on trends and best practices while building your professional network.

  • Learning new technologies or methodologies relevant to your field: Demonstrating proficiency in emerging tools can set you apart.


  1. Building Relationships

Networking is vital for a successful transition. Engage with:


  • Former colleagues and managers: Reconnect with individuals who can provide recommendations or introductions.


  • Industry groups and associations: Join professional organisations to access resources and events.


  • Online professional communities: Participate in LinkedIn groups or forums to expand your connections.


  1. Time Your Departure

Choose a departure date that aligns with:


  • Completion of key projects or commitments: Leave on a high note to maintain your professional reputation.


  • Minimising disruptions for your employer: Plan your exit to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.


  • Personal or family considerations: Factor in life events or financial obligations.


Making the Leap


  1. Crafting Your Resignation

Maintain professionalism when resigning. Steps include:


  • Writing a formal resignation letter: Clearly state your intent to leave, your final working day, and gratitude for the opportunity.


  • Giving adequate notice as per your contract: Adhere to your organisation’s policies to ensure a positive transition.


  • Offering to assist with the transition: Help train your replacement or document critical processes.


  1. Navigating Counteroffers

Be prepared for a counteroffer but approach it cautiously. Questions to consider:


  • Does the counteroffer address the root cause of your dissatisfaction?

  • Will staying limit your long-term career prospects?

  • Is the counteroffer driven by genuine recognition or short-term convenience


  1. Managing Exit Interviews

Be constructive but honest during exit interviews. Use this opportunity to provide feedback that could benefit the organisation. Focus on:


  • Highlighting areas for improvement: Suggest actionable changes without being overly critical.


  • Expressing gratitude for positive experiences: End on a professional and respectful note.


Embracing Your New Chapter


  1. Settling into a New Role

Make the most of your fresh start by:


  • Building relationships with your new team: Prioritise collaboration and open communication.


  • Setting clear goals for your first 90 days: Focus on achieving quick wins to establish credibility.


  • Seeking feedback to ensure alignment with expectations: Regular check-ins with your manager can help you adapt.


  1. Reflecting on Lessons Learned

Reflect on your previous role to:


  • Identify what worked and what didn’t: Use these insights to make better career decisions.


  • Apply those insights to your new role: Leverage past experiences to avoid repeating mistakes and maximise success.


  1. Prioritising Work-Life Balance

Ensure your new role supports your well-being by:


  • Setting boundaries: Define clear limits for work hours and personal time.


  • Maintaining hobbies and relationships outside work: Foster a fulfilling life beyond your career.


  • Regularly assessing your satisfaction and growth: Periodic self-check-ins can help you stay aligned with your goals.


Ultimately, knowing when to move on from your current role is a complex but essential skill for navigating a successful career. By recognising the signs, assessing your readiness, and preparing thoughtfully, you can transition confidently into a role that aligns with your aspirations and values. Remember, every change is an opportunity to redefine your professional path and achieve greater fulfilment.


For this and other career focused articles, visit https://www.jlcareerservices.com/blog Don't forget to like, comment or share if you know of someone that could benefit from some industry insights!



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