Is it time to move on? The art of recognising when to switch jobs
posted 01 Jan 25
Are you feeling overwhelmed and undervalued at work? Of course, everyone gets frustrated at work, motivation can dip, and we can experience challenging periods, but how do you know when it’s time to move on and look for a new role?
Five signs it could be time to move jobs
1. The company values do not align with your own
As the world of work evolves, values become a key factor for professionals when prioritising their careers, with 90% of Gen Zs and Millennials agreeing that working for a company that shares their values and ethics is essential for workplace satisfaction and wellbeing. If you feel the way your company operates and treats its employees no longer aligns with your values and purpose, read our recent article: ‘How to identify employers who align with your values’. Â
2. You no longer feel challengedÂ
Feeling challenged keeps you engaged, helps you grow, and contributes to long-term career success. If you’re not feeling challenged enough, work can become monotonous, showing up in the quality of your work and your enthusiasm. Regularly facing and solving challenges enhances your ability to think critically and creatively and contributes to feeling fulfilled at work. Â
3. You feel undervalued
When you have been working at the same company for a while, it’s easy to feel you're taken for granted. Appreciation fosters a positive and productive workplace where employees are encouraged to give their best and contribute to the company’s success. It also enhances emotional wellbeing and reduces stress. If you cannot remember the last time you felt valued at work or thanked for your efforts, it may be time to move on.
4. You are worth more than you are paid
Money is a huge motivator. If you feel you are being underpaid, this can massively impact your overall job satisfaction. Online salary checkers can help you evaluate whether you are paid your market value. If you’re looking at leaving a role to go to another company, we would advise looking for a 10-20% increase.  Â
5. There is a lack of opportunity to progress
Are you looking to progress in your career? Without opportunities for advancement or training, your professional development and skills enhancement may stagnate. If your career goals are not being met, it may be time to find a position that better aligns with your aspirations. Ultimately, staying in a role with no growth can negatively impact your marketability and future earning potential.Â
Evaluate your current position
Changing jobs or careers is a huge decision. Before you start the hunt for a new role, be clear about the exact reasons why you want to leave your current position. If you’re unhappy about elements of your role it can sometimes be easy to make a rash decision before logically understanding whether it’s possible to make improvements at your current workplace. Â
Make a pros and cons list  Â
Why do you want to move? Is it the salary, flexibility, working conditions, lack of career progression, or something else? Maybe it’s a combination of factors?
Recruiter and career coach, Caroline Ceniza-Levine, explains in a Forbes article,
There are additional, yet often overlooked reasons for hanging onto your job even if you hate it... if your unhappiness isn’t job-related, you’ll just bring your current problems into your new job and hate that one too.
Write down the pros and cons of staying and leaving your job. You might be surprised that there are more positives on your list for remaining in your current role than you thought, or it may reaffirm your belief that it is time for something new.
Job satisfaction is crucial as it drives productivity, wellbeing, and engagement – ultimately, we spend too much time at work to not find joy in it. Remember, misaligned values, lack of challenge, limited opportunity for progression, and feeling undervalued (and underpaid!) are all valid reasons for feeling unhappy at work. When looking for a new role, ensure any decision is part of a positive plan to improve your situation, lifestyle, and job prospects.
Have you got the Sunday blues? At Search, we work with 6,000+ businesses across the UK and are here to help you take the next step. Chat with a specialist recruitment consultant today or browse our latest jobs.
