Putting you first: how to know when it’s time to leave your job

Despite this, making the decision to move on from your current role can be a difficult and sometimes stressful process. Whether it's due to a lack of career growth, a toxic work environment, or simply feeling unchallenged, knowing when it's time to for a change can be tough. 

If you're wondering whether now’s the time for a new role, this article is for you. Here, we'll explore key signs that it's time to move on, how to know for sure, and practical advice for making the transition.

10 signs it’s time to move

It's important to recognise the signs that it's time to move on from your current role. Here are some key indicators to pay attention to:

(1) You're no longer growing in your role.

Are you one of the 76% of employees looking for opportunities to expand their career? If you're feeling stagnant in your progression, have been passed over for promotions, or there’s simply no developmental plan in place, it’s a reason to explore pastures new. 40% of departing employees cite a lack of future career development a reason for leaving.

(2) Your work’s no longer fulfilling. 

If you're not enjoying your day to day, feeling bored or like you’re not getting satisfaction from your work, it’s probably time for a change.

(3) Your role lacks autonomy

Nearly half of employees would give up a 20% raise for greater control over how they work. If you’re feeling dissatisfied because you lack autonomy at work, it may be time to look at other options.

(4) Your salary’s below market averages. 

If you’ve asked your employer for a rise and aren’t getting it, sometimes the only way to earn more is by moving companies. Stats show that salaries for new hires are on average 7% higher than the median pay for people who already work in similar roles.

(5) You have no flexibility.

Since the pandemic proved flexible working practices can work (and make life easier), more than 76% of employees now want remote/flexible options in their role. Those working in technology (and telecoms) favour flexible working more than any other sector, according to research carried out by HR News.

(6) Your work environment is toxic.

Experiencing harassment, bullying, or discrimination in the workplace, are all serious reasons for a move. A lack of inclusivity is also a big red flag. Or maybe your work environment isn’t toxic, but you don’t have any friends at work. As Jon Clifton says about friends in the workplace in Harvard Business Review: “For your employees who don’t have friends they can count on, work can be miserable.”

(7) You have a poor leadership team.

Bad management is a red flag when it comes to your career. 50% of employees cite poor leadership as their main reason for leaving a job. Leaders with a ‘say as I do’ attitude, who are hyper-critical, don’t engage to motivate others, or who simply aren’t present, will have detrimental effects on their business and employees.

(8) You don’t feel appreciated.

Feeling undervalued at work is demotivating and is the reason a massive 79% of people report leaving their job. On the flip side, feeling appreciated at work will benefit both you and your organisation as employees that thrive in their careers are more likely to contribute to a business’ long-term success.

(9) You're feeling burned out or exhausted. 

Expected to do the work of multiple people, or just feeling too much pressure? If you're feeling drained, overwhelmed, or burned out by your work, it may be time to reassess your priorities and consider working elsewhere. One in four employees have quit their job for mental health reasons.

(10) You feel your role’s at risk. 

Instability is massively unsettling and off-putting for employees. If the company you work for is facing a downturn, or there are whispers of redundancies, you may feel it’s time to start looking for another role.

How to be sure you’re ready for a new job

Can you relate to some of the signs above? It’s probably time to take the leap and start the search for a new role. But moving jobs is a major part of your life and wellbeing. How can you be certain you’re doing the right thing? Here’s some food for thought.

• Assess your current situation. Take some time to reflect on your current role and ask yourself whether it aligns with your personal and professional goals.
• Figure out what you want. Not always easy and this one can take some time. But it’s important to determine what you want out of your next role. What are your career goals? What are your hopes and aspirations? Are you on the path to achieve what you want? And perhaps most importantly, what do you enjoy doing?
• Research potential opportunities. Start looking for potential opportunities that align with your personal and professional goals.
• Talk to a recruiter. An experienced recruitment consultant can offer guidance and insight into the job market and help you identify potential opportunities. Here at Apollo, we’re helping candidates like you to find the next step in their career every day!

Practical advice for making the transition

Ready to make the change? Your first step should be talking with your manager to ensure there are no other internal opportunities or avenues to explore first. But, once you've decided it's time to move on to a new role, there are some practical steps you can take to make the transition go smoothly:

• Update your CV and online profile. Make sure your CV and any online profiles (such as LinkedIn) are up to date and accurately reflect your skills, experience, and key achievements. Our consultants at Apollo can advise on this.
• Network with professionals in your industry. Attend networking events, make connections on LinkedIn and other tech forums or corporate governance forums and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support.
• Be prepared for the interview process. Practice your interviewing skills and be prepared to answer questions about your experience, skills, and work history. Our consultants can help.
• Have a clear idea of what you want. Go into the job search process with a clear idea of what you're looking for in a new role. This will help you stay focused and avoid wasting time on opportunities that aren't a good fit.

We get it! Making the decision to move on from your current role is a big one! But when the time’s right, moving roles and starting a new chapter in your career and life is hugely rewarding. If you’re a Technology or Corporate Governance professional keen to reach your full potential, we can help you to get where you want to be. We’re here to provide all the guidance and support you need – contact us today or have a look at our latest vacancies.