Time for a change? Signs that you might be ready for a new job

If your weekdays are starting to feel like Groundhog Day, it might be a sign that change is in the air. In this blog, we explore the telltale signs that you're primed for a new professional adventure.

Changing jobs is a big decision and one that should be given lots of thought and consideration. We always advise candidates to determine and understand the reasons they want to leave their current job before jumping into action. Identifying why you are having these feelings is important - is the issue where you work, what you're doing, or your own motivation and appetite for the role? Unravelling these questions is step one.

Understand your desire to change jobs

This will require a phase of introspection and evaluation. Here are some practical steps you can take to understand your motivations:

• Pinpoint what specifically feels unsatisfactory about your current job. Is it the tasks, the environment, your colleagues, the company culture, or something else? Evaluate factors like job responsibilities, autonomy, recognition, and support.
• Note down moments or situations that consistently trigger negative emotions or dissatisfaction. This can help you identify patterns and common denominators.
• Make a list of your core values and compare them with your current job's alignment. If there's a significant mismatch, this could be a source of discontent.
• Evaluate whether your job offers opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and learning. Assess whether it aligns with your long-term career goals and aspirations. If you're feeling stagnant, this might contribute to your desire for change.
• Consider whether your job allows for a healthy work-life balance. If it's consistently affecting your personal life, it could be a reason for wanting to leave.
• Discuss your feelings with a mentor, coach, or trusted friend. They can provide an external perspective and offer valuable insights. Consider consulting a career counsellor or coach who can guide you through a structured assessment.
• Evaluate your relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Think about how your job impacts your personal growth and well-being. If interpersonal dynamics are causing stress, it might influence your decision.
• Create a list of pros and cons or a mind map for your current job. This visual aid can help you see the factors influencing your decision more clearly.
• Envision your ideal work situation and compare it to your current reality. Identify the gaps and consider how you might bridge them. Reflect on any external factors, such as industry changes, economic trends, or personal circumstances, that could be influencing your decision.

Try to develop a fair and reasoned assessment of your situation, so you can make an informed decision. However, you should still listen to your instincts, as sometimes a gut feeling can provide valuable insights that logic alone might overlook.

Speak with your manager about issues with your job

If the idea of changing your job still resonates after taking the time to reflect on it, we suggest that a good first step is to have a discussion with your manager. If they know that you are having concerns or issues, they can try to address these with you. You might decide to bring this up during your formal review, but that isn't obligatory and if you are very unhappy you shouldn't wait. However, addressing any misalignment between you and your job can be a natural follow-on if you're already discussing your performance, achievements, and career development plans.

Be honest with your manager, but also reasonable about how quickly a potential solution can be implemented. If you want a promotion, this may simply not be possible overnight, and you may have to wait for the opportunity to come up or accept a sideways move instead. Uplifts in salary or performance-related bonuses may be reliant on factors outside your manager's control so, again, may involve waiting.

But lots of other initiatives and solutions could be much simpler to implement depending on the organisation - for example, professional development or training courses, moving to a different team, being assigned a mentor, or opting for hybrid working. If you are looking to progress internally, ask for a timeframe so that you can set your expectations. If the date comes and goes and nothing has changed, you can move on.

Signs you could be ready for a job move

These are some common signs that it's time to change jobs. Do any of these resonate with you? If so, it could mean it’s time to consider making a career move.

1. You’re ready for the next step in your career

If you find yourself increasingly daydreaming about new challenges, different work environments, or more meaningful contributions, it might mean that your current role is no longer aligning with your aspirations. If you’re ready for the next step in your career, but your conversation with your manager hasn't helped you see how to get there, it could be that there is no further room for progression at your current employer. 

Restlessness isn't uncommon, and we will often see financial services professionals starting to think about moving on after two or three years if they aren't progressing within the company. So if you’re feeling less challenged in your role, you could just be ready for your next step.

2. You’ve plateaued in your current position

The ‘next step’ isn't always about a promotion, however. Sometimes, all we need to remain interested and engaged with a job is the ability to learn something new, develop another skill, or discover a fresh perspective. The desire to continue learning and growing is a natural part of career progression, so maybe you need to go out and identify those opportunities for yourself. If you feel like you’ve accomplished as much as you can in your current company, this could be a sign you'll need to look elsewhere to progress to the next stage of your career. 

3. You feel like the grass is always greener

Alignment with the company's values and mission plays a crucial role in job satisfaction. If you find that your personal values no longer resonate with those of your employer, it can lead to a sense of detachment and dissatisfaction. Feeling disconnected from the company's purpose might indicate that you're seeking a different work environment entirely.

Do you find yourself looking at peers or friends who are thriving in their roles and feeling a touch of envy? While a healthy level of competition can be motivating, consistently feeling envious of others might be a sign that you're ready for a positive change in your own career.

4. You want a different relationship with your job

If you spend your Sunday evenings moping about the house, dreading the impending work week, your job may have become toxic. Similarly, if you feel consistently overwhelmed and anxious, it's time to reflect on whether your job is contributing to this feeling. A reluctance to get out of bed in the morning or leave the house could be an indication that your current role is no longer fulfilling your professional needs.

As you explore your career options, have you started envisioning yourself thriving in a different role or industry? Fantasising about a job that aligns with your skills, passions, and aspirations is a strong indicator that you're yearning for change. This daydreaming might just be the catalyst to kick-start your journey toward a fulfilling new position.

Make a three-year plan for your career

It is always a good idea to create a plan for your future career. What might the next one to three years with your current employer look like? What do the career plans of your peers working in other firms look like? What steps should you take now to advance your career, whether with your current company or externally?

While change can be intimidating, it's also an opportunity to grow, learn, and take charge of your professional destiny. Whether you're just feeling restlessness, longing for a bigger challenge, or needing more alignment with your values, remember that your career path is yours to shape. Embrace the signs, trust your instincts, and embark on a new chapter filled with exciting possibilities!

Get advice and insights from a specialist recruiter

It can be quite daunting to start the process of moving on. It can really help to bounce ideas off a specialised recruiter in your area to get an overview of what is available, what could appeal to you, and what you would be a good fit for. We advise engaging with a specialist recruiter because this will avoid a lot of the leg work involved in changing jobs. Instead of falling into a research black hole on Google, get relevant and specific guidance from an expert, including factors such as job market trends or salary benchmarking. The more information you have, the more informed your decision will be. 

It's notoriously hard to find a new job when already in a job. Tailoring CVs and preparing for interviews is very time-consuming, so don't underestimate the work that will be involved. Engaging with a recruiter who specialises in your industry can save you a lot of time and make you more targeted in your applications. If you’re looking to change jobs, take a look at our open roles and get in touch with us for a completely confidential discussion.