10 Signs It's Time to Make Your Next Career Move

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, staying alert to the signs that it's time for a career change is more crucial than ever. Recognising these signs early can set you on a path to a more fulfilling and successful career, whether due to personal growth, market trends, or changes within your company.

Here are ten signs that suggest it might be time for your next career move.

• Lack of Passion and Motivation

It might be time to consider a switch when your job feels more like a chore than a passion. A Gallup study reveals that only 36% of U.S. employees are engaged at work. If you're finding it hard to muster enthusiasm for your daily tasks, it could signal that your current role no longer aligns with your interests or aspirations.

• No Room for Growth

Your career should be a journey of growth and development. LinkedIn's 2022 Workplace Learning Report highlights that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development. If upward mobility or professional development seems stalled, it might be time to seek opportunities with more growth potential.

• Skills Not Being Utilised

Feeling that your skills are not fully utilised is often a precursor to job dissatisfaction. Research by Korn Ferry shows that one-third of employees feel they could achieve more if their skills were better utilised. A role that doesn’t leverage your strengths indicates that you might need a more challenging position.

• Constant Stress and Burnout

High stress and burnout can significantly impact your health and productivity. The World Health Organisation has recognised burnout as an occupational phenomenon which should not be ignored. If stress has become a constant companion in your job, consider roles that offer better balance and less strain.

• Work-Life Imbalance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. FlexJobs says that over 30% of employees have left a job due to poor work-life balance. If your job is taking a toll on your personal life, looking for a position with more flexible hours or remote work options might be beneficial.

• Changes in Company Culture or Values

A shift in company culture or a misalignment with core values can make your work environment uncomfortable or unsatisfying. As Deloitte points out, 88% of employees believe that a distinct workplace culture is integral to business success. If your company’s culture no longer fits, it might be time to find a new environment that aligns with your values.

• Innovation and Learning Stagnation

An environment that does not prioritise innovation or learning can hinder your career in the long term. McKinsey reports that 84% of executives consider innovation crucial for growth. If your current role lacks these elements, transitioning to a more dynamic field or company might reignite your career.

• The Market is Evolving

With the rapid pace of change in most industries, staying current is imperative. The World Economic Forum predicts that 42% of core skills required in existing jobs will change by 2022. If your current job doesn't allow you to adapt to these changes, it may be time to switch to a role or industry that is more forward-thinking.

• Desire for a New Challenge

Sometimes, the need for change stems from a desire to tackle new challenges. The drive to engage with complex problems and innovative projects can rejuvenate your professional life. Pursuing a challenging role could be the next step if you find yourself longing for more.

• Advice from Mentors and Peers

Feedback from mentors and peers can be invaluable. Those who know your professional capabilities and see your potential can offer insights that inspire a career shift. Listening to this advice can be the nudge you need to take a bold step towards a new career path.

Career Coach Perspective

Navigating your career journey requires attentiveness to subtle and overt signals suggesting it's time for a change. Recognising these signs is about avoiding dissatisfaction and steering your professional life towards more affluent, fulfilling opportunities. Whether you're motivated by a desire for new challenges, a need to realign with your values or the imperative to adapt to a shifting market, each sign is a call to action.

Embrace these signals as invitations to grow, innovate, and redefine your career trajectory. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the reins and shape your future with confidence and courage. Remember, the right time for a change is often when you start thinking about it. Here's to your continued success and a career that meets and exceeds your aspirations.

Let's make your next move bold, strategic, and utterly transformative.

Winning CV Executive Search Team