Is It Time to Change Roles?

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Career decisions are some of the most important choices we make. Among them, deciding when it’s time to change roles can be daunting. How do you know when to stay and grow versus when to seek new opportunities? The answer lies in self-awareness and intentionality.

Several years ago, I found myself sitting in my office, staring at my calendar for the upcoming week. The thought of another endless cycle of meetings, routine tasks, and unfulfilling projects felt heavy. I loved the people I worked with and had achieved many of my professional goals, but something was missing.

I started to ask myself questions: Is this all there is for me in this role? Am I growing, or am I just going through the motions? What do I really want my career to look like in five years?

The answers weren’t immediate, but that moment sparked a period of self-reflection and exploration. I realized that while my role was comfortable and stable, it no longer aligned with my passions or long-term goals. It was time for a change—not because the role was bad, but because I had grown beyond it.

That decision to step into something new was one of the most transformative experiences of my career. It wasn’t easy, but by focusing on my values, seeking mentorship, and taking intentional steps forward, I found myself more energized and fulfilled than ever before.?

Now, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you recognize when it might be time for your next big career move and how to navigate the transition with confidence and clarity.

Here’s a guide to recognizing the signs and taking purposeful steps toward your next career move.

Signs It Might Be Time to Move On

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are common signals that may indicate it’s time to consider a new role:

• Diminished Motivation: If the work you once loved now feels draining or uninspiring, it’s worth reflecting on why. Are you no longer challenged, or has the organization shifted in ways that don’t align with your values?
• Stagnant Learning: Growth is essential for fulfillment. If you’ve stopped learning new skills or taking on meaningful challenges, it may be time for a change.
• Misalignment with Culture or Leadership: A lack of support or a disconnect with company culture can make it hard to thrive, even in a role that fits your skill set.
• Impact on Well-Being: When a role starts to negatively affect your energy, personal life, or mental health, it’s a clear signal to reassess.

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Getting Ahead of Career Dread

One of the best ways to avoid burnout or dissatisfaction is to proactively manage your career. A practical exercise is to envision where you want to be in five years. Break that vision into three categories:

1. Advancement Within Your Current Company: Could you see yourself in a more senior role?
2. Exploration of Other Opportunities: What would moving to a different team, function, or industry look like?
3. Big Dreams: What would it take to pursue something entirely different or unexpected, like starting your own business?

These reflections provide clarity on your aspirations and can help you identify the steps needed to move forward.

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Tools for Career Planning

A useful framework for long-term career planning is the reverse resume. Start by writing a hypothetical resume for your dream role in five to ten years, then work backward to outline the roles and experiences required to get there.

This approach helps you:

• Define your goals.
• Recognize gaps in your current skills or experiences.
• Prioritize opportunities that move you closer to your aspirations.

Coupling this with a clear development plan ensures you’re both dreaming big and taking actionable steps to make those dreams a reality.

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Making the Right Decision

When evaluating a potential role change, ask yourself four critical questions:

1. Will this role offer better pay?
2. Will I gain new skills or experiences?
3. Will it provide a title or position that advances my career goals?
4. Will it improve my work-life balance?

?Answering “yes” to any of these can be a good indicator that it’s time to consider a move.

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The Power of Mentorship

No career journey should be navigated alone. Mentorship is an invaluable tool for growth, offering guidance, perspective, and support. Seek out two types of mentors:

1. General Mentors: Trusted advisors who provide broad career guidance and help you explore diverse possibilities.
2. Targeted Mentors: People who have experience in the specific role or industry you’re aiming for.

?Mentors can also help you refine your narrative—how you present your unique value and experiences in a way that aligns with your goals.

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Growth Isn’t Always Up

It’s important to recognize that career growth isn’t always about climbing the ladder. Lateral moves, temporary downshifts for better work-life balance, or pivoting to a new field are all valid paths forward. Progress happens when you learn, develop, and align your work with your values and aspirations.

The decision to change roles is deeply personal, but it’s always about growth—whether that’s professional, personal, or both. Pay attention to the signals, plan your path with intention, and seek out the support and mentorship that will help you thrive.

Your career is a journey, and every step, no matter the direction, is a chance to grow.

What steps are you taking to align your work with your goals?

Want more? Listen in as Doris Dunn, CPCU, CIC, ChFC, CPBC and I chat with Jessica Noon , Culture and Change Consultant?on our Podcast, Leaderish: Leadership lessons straight up (Podcast) , available wherever you get your podcasts. This episode will be released on Friday 12/6.

If we are meeting for the first time, welcome! I am a certified leadership coach, Hogan and MBTI practitioner, and Talent Management Partner to organizations who need help with wildly practical solutions.?

Reach out to chat! I'm always up for a conversation to trade insights on Talent Management and provide resources that will help your organization thrive.

As a certified coach, I am passionate about enabling leaders to grow in their role and develop the skills required for the next level of their leadership career. Book a free, confidential coaching session today!

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