Key Questions to Ask Yourself - Is it Time for a Career Change?

One significant challenge people face is knowing how to approach the more vulnerable conversations with their managers – expressing their value and making their requests, whatever those may be.

I’ve noticed a growing trend on social media encouraging people to leave their jobs when times get tough. While I agree that enduring a painful situation indefinitely is not healthy, I do believe there is important internal work we can do to navigate our career journeys intentionally.

I fully believe that if you are feeling frustrated in your current situation, it’s important to look inward and get clearer on what is bothering you.

Ask yourself: What am I feeling and why am I feeling this? And what control do I have over this situation?

From there, make the appropriate request(s) and/or take the action to influence the frustrating situation. 🏋️

Okay, so you’ve made the appropriate request and you’re still feeling stuck or unfulfilled at work. Knowing when it’s time to consider a change in your career can feel uncomfortable. Here are some essential questions to help you assess your current situation and decide if it’s time to explore new opportunities:

💠 Am I Enjoying Myself?

If you wake up dreading the day ahead or frequently find yourself complaining about work, it’s a strong indicator that a change might be necessary. I’ve learned this firsthand - persistent negativity can affect your performance, relationships, and overall reputation, both at work and in your personal life. 

💠 Am I Adding Value?

Reflect on whether your contributions are making a meaningful impact. And “meaningful impact” will mean something different to different people. If you’re unsure of the impact you and your work is having, it might be time to reassess your role.

💠 Am I Being Recognized?

But first, how do you like to be recognized? From there, consider if your efforts and achievements are being acknowledged and appreciated by your peers and superiors. 🦄  Perhaps there’s an ask to your manager here, if you feel like there’s a different way you’d like to be recognized.

💠 Is There Opportunity for Me to Learn and Grow?

Evaluate whether your current job offers opportunities for professional development and personal growth that feel meaningful to you. For example, if there’s a training event that you know would really help you level up, have you asked if your employer would financially support you in attending?

💠 How Is My Work-Life Balance? 

Assess whether your job is affecting your mental or physical health. We spend a good amount of time “at” work, so having a healthy work-life balance is crucial for your overall well-being ⚖️.

💠 Are There Signs for My Advancement?

If career advancement is important to you, consider whether your current role offers clear pathways for growth. You heard it here folks… I highly recommend keeping your resume up to date and practicing interviewing, because you never know when new opportunities might arise…especially in today’s corporate environment.

💠 Is My Work Environment Negative?

If you’re dealing with an uncomfortable or negative work environment, especially from leadership, it’s a strong signal that it may be time to move on. This is especially true if you've brought your concerns forward and have continuously not seen improvement or change. 

💠 Do I Feel Fulfilled?

Understand what fulfillment means to you and evaluate if your current job aligns with that vision. When you know your core values and you are doing work in an environment that is aligned with your values, the work will feel more fulfilling. 💖

If any of these questions resonate with you, I would love to connect and discuss your current situation. I will be your biggest cheerleader 📣 for you seeing and knowing your worth and asking for what you want so that you can continue moving towards happiness and fulfillment.