How Do You Know When It’s Time to Find a New Job?

I was talking to a friend recently, and she shared her experience of being in the same workplace for seven years – five of those in the same role. Her story got me thinking about the signs that it might be time to move on to find a new job.

She worked in a small, tightly knit team where everyone wore multiple hats. The workload was immense, and every day felt like an “all-hands-on-deck” situation. On the plus side, she was never bored. The constant flow of work kept her engaged, and before she knew it, another year had flown by. As she put it, “I’d plan for the year in January, dive into my spreadsheets, and then suddenly it was December. Where did the time go?”

But things changed when a new manager joined the department. During a review of her work, she received feedback that some of her processes needed improvement and retraining was required. While the feedback was constructive, it came as a shock. She had always prided herself on her work ethic and dedication, so hearing this felt like a setback.

The new manager also discovered inefficiencies in the department’s processes, highlighting that the team had been stretched too thin for too long. This realisation left her questioning the value of her contributions. Had all those late nights and missed weekends been for nothing? She felt like her years of effort were diminished, and despite her willingness to improve, she started to wonder if staying in her role was the right choice.

After reflecting on her situation, here are the key signs she considered before deciding whether to look for a new job.

1. Stagnation in Growth

After five years in the same position, she felt she had outgrown her role. While she appreciated the variety of tasks she had been exposed to, the lack of structured mentorship and guidance early on had limited her potential to grow. Completing the retraining process confirmed that she had the capacity to learn and improve, but the company couldn’t offer her further opportunities for advancement.

2. Feeling Undervalued

When the company brought in an external candidate for the new manager role, she couldn’t help but feel overlooked. She had given so much of herself to the company – long hours, missed family moments – but it seemed her efforts went unrecognised. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you realise the company may not value you as much as you value it.

3. Unclear Path Forward

Although she understood why she hadn’t been considered for the manager position, it still stung. The lack of proper training earlier in her career had stunted her growth and cost her opportunities to progress. A good employer invests in their employees’ development, pairing feedback with actionable support. Without a clear plan for her future at the company, she began to question whether she was a priority or simply a cog in the wheel.

4. Misalignment with Values and Vision

The arrival of the new manager brought a shift in team culture and structure. While these changes benefited the department overall, they left her feeling bored and disconnected. Tasks were redistributed, and her role became narrower, making her feel less valued. When your values and vision no longer align with those of your workplace, it might be time to move on.

5. Emotional Drain

Years of hard work, combined with the realisation that much of it had been misguided, began to take a toll on her mental health. She no longer felt fulfilled or motivated, and the emotional weight of staying started to outweigh the benefits. When your job affects your well-being, it’s worth considering whether it’s still the right fit.

What to Consider Before Finding a New Job

While these signs pointed to a change, she also weighed her options carefully before making a decision:

• Skill Assessment: The feedback she received, while hard to hear, was an opportunity to refine her skills and grow under new leadership. She asked herself: Can I use this as a chance to rebuild, or has the environment made it too hard to stay motivated?
• Career Goals: This was a moment to reevaluate her career path. Did she want to stay in the same field, aim for a promotion, or pivot to something entirely new? Identifying her goals helped clarify her next steps.
• Network: Since her job was stable, she didn’t feel the need to rush. She began exploring opportunities and building her network on LinkedIn to see what else was out there. Sometimes, just knowing your options can make the decision clearer.
• Exit Plan: If she decided to leave, she wanted to do so on her terms. Updating her resume, strengthening her skills, and preparing for interviews ensured she was ready to move forward confidently.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, her decision wasn’t about whether she had failed or succeeded in her role. It was about what was best for her future. Change is hard, especially when you’ve invested so much time and effort into a job. But growth often requires letting go of things that no longer serve you.

So, what do you think she should do? Have you ever faced a similar situation? What helped you decide whether to stay or move on?