4 signs it’s time to move on from your current role

We’ve all had bad days at work that prompt us to think about moving on, but of course, there is so much more to think about when deciding if an opportunity is worth considering.

I’ve been approached by many job seekers not just because they’ve sadly lost their job or face redundancy, but because they have been able to take the time to assess what is truly important to them and decided now is the right time to make the move into a new role. But for many of you, deciding if the timing is right is a difficult and nerve-wracking decision.

Starting a new role during a pandemic poses its own list of questions, but that aside, how do you know when it is really time to move on? Perhaps you have been approached by a recruiter or head-hunted by an organization at a time when you were not really actively looking but has got you thinking about it. I have put together 4 tell-tale signs to help you decide.

1. You’re not learning new skills and you don’t feel challenged

Do you feel bored daily? We all have tasks that do not challenge us, but if your role is more boring than challenging and there is no scope to earn more responsibility or develop your skills, this could be a sign it’s time to move on.

Does your organization give you the opportunity to develop new skills through training, courses, shared learning, extra responsibilities? If not, it could be time to consider an organization that encourages and supports new learning.

If you feel like you have more to offer, you probably do!

2. Your job is no longer making you happy

This sounds like an obvious one, but sometimes we get so engrossed in our work that we forget to take the time to step back and ask ourselves if our job is contributing to our overall happiness in life.

We all get a case of that dreaded Sunday night feeling from time to time, but if you are constantly feeling like you don’t want to face another week of work, it’s time to question if you’re in the right role. There could be several reasons why this is the case, so take the time to find out what it is. Perhaps you feel that the work you are doing is not as meaningful as you’d like or maybe you don’t think your responsibilities are a good match for what you actually enjoy doing.

Full-time workers in the UK spend an average of 37 hours working, so if most of that time is not enjoyable, take this as a sign to consider new opportunities.

3. You can’t reach your career goals

Have you reached the final promotion marker that was set for you when you first started in your role? After about a year, it is a good time to reflect on your career goals and if your organization is supporting you in getting there. Staying too long in a role with no progression, this could have a negative impact on your career development in the long run.

If you feel like there are either no opportunities for you to progress or no support on how you can reach your goals, it may be time to look at other organizations that can help you reach this.

4. You’re in a constant state of feeling exhausted, stressed and drained of energy

Do you constantly feel in a state of stress and drained of your energy? There could be many reasons why you’re feeling this way, so take the time to figure out what’s causing it.

Is it that you are not getting enough work-life balance?

Do you feel like you cannot get everything done during your working hours?

Are you getting enough support from your colleagues, team, management?

A good employer should support you in overcoming any work-related stress that is taking a toll on your health. However, if it doesn’t improve, this could be a reason to consider moving on.

It’s always a good idea to check in with your thoughts and feelings that could be signs that it’s time to move on, so next time you’re contacted by a recruiter or you see a vacancy that sparks your interest, take some time to consider the points above. We often consider leaving a role as a negative, but starting something new can be extremely exciting and rewarding in the long run.

For a further discussion on the above or advice on job searching or specific vacancies, please contact me at danielle.tramontin@tpp.co.uk or 02071986090.