Knowing When It’s Time for Your Next Career Move

It’s not always clear-cut when you are deciding whether to make a career move. You may not feel the need to actively search for a job but instead feel a shift—a sense that you’re ready for a new opportunity, even if you aren’t exactly sure what that looks like. Sometimes it’s a single factor that prompts a change, or other times, it’s a combination of subtle signs that build over time.

Here are a few signs worth paying attention to if you’ve been deliberating whether it’s time to make a change.

You are feeling stagnant

Your work, which used to feel engaging, now has become routine and stagnant. Growth-minded professionals thrive on new challenges so if you’ve mastered your responsibilities and no longer feel stretched or stimulated, it could be a sign you’ve outgrown your role and are ready for something new.

Your ongoing professional development is not moving forward

Acquiring new skills, exposure to new projects, and/or mentorship can help a professional feel like they are moving forward and elevate their career trajectory. If those opportunities are no longer available or have slowed, it may be time to consider a new opportunity that will facilitate your ongoing development and keep your career on a path moving forward.

You do not feel aligned with the company’s direction

If you no longer feel connected with the direction in which your company is heading, or if leadership and/or culture shifts have altered the environment, it may be harder to stay motivated and engaged. 

Your contributions aren’t being recognized

If you’ve hit a ceiling despite strong performance, feel as though your ideas aren’t being heard or your accomplishments are going unnoticed, it could be a sign that your growth potential may be limited at your current company and may be better supported elsewhere.

You are no longer enthusiastic about the work

Even if you’re doing well professionally, if you feel like day-to-day you lack fulfillment and are just going through the motions, it may be time to reignite your excitement in a new setting.

You are curious about other opportunities

Often, the first subtle sign is curiosity—seeing what else is out there. Browsing roles online, reconnecting with contacts, updating your resume is sometimes your intuition prompting you to explore what else might be out there. You may sense that there could be something else better aligned with your goals.

Your career goals have changed

What made sense a few years ago may no longer align with where you are today and the future you envision. If this is the case, exploring new opportunities can help you move in the right direction.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to wait until you’re unhappy to make a change. It is sometimes better to make a change when you want to rather than when you need to. If any of these signs resonate with you, take it as an opportunity to reflect on what you want next in your career—what kind of challenge, role or culture excites you and will help you grow.

At VentureNext, we partner with professionals who are ready to take the next step—not just for another job, but for the right opportunity that aligns with their goals and potential.