Signs it’s time to change jobs: How to know when to move on

Is your job leaving you feeling stressed or unappreciated? Or perhaps you feel it is no longer providing opportunities to grow and develop your skills? If so, it may be time to start thinking about your next move.

Deciding to leave a role is never easy, and it’s important to take the time to reflect on whether a change is the right step for you. While every job has its challenges, there are certain signs that may indicate it’s time to move on.
So, what are some signs it’s time to change jobs?

Signs it’s time to change jobs

You have limited work life balance

Do you feel as though you spend every waking minute thinking about work?

It’s important for everyone to have time to do things they enjoy outside of work and spend time with friends and family.
Try putting in place boundaries like not answering work calls or emails after hours.

If this doesn’t work or if stress at work is impacting your personal life, it might be a sign that it’s time to consider a new role.

You dread going to work

Most people have days where they don’t feel like going to work. However, if the thought of going to work the next day makes you feel anxious every Sunday evening maybe it’s a sign it’s time for change.

You don’t feel appreciated

Maybe you feel that your work is being taken for granted.

If you work hard and are committed to your role, it’s important you feel valued for the work you do.

You don’t feel challenged

If you have been in the same role for a long time, you might feel you are doing the same thing over and over. Not feeling challenged at work can be a sign of a lack of career progression.

If you aren’t feeling challenged it’s a good idea to ask your manager if there are any new projects you can take on. However, if this is not possible it might be the time to start looking for a role elsewhere.

What to do if you are considering changing jobs

It’s important to do your research before making a big jump. Take your time to read up on alternative roles or industries that may interest you.

You should also make a list of short and long term career goals. For example, you may want to work less overtime or further develop your skills. You should consider whether your current role is assisting you to achieve these goals. You should also keep these goals in mind when searching for new roles.

Deciding whether to change roles can be highly daunting. If you are unsure of the next steps to take, it might be worth consulting a professional career coach.

Deciding to change jobs is only the first step — the next challenge is putting yourself forward as a strong candidate. Whether you’re moving roles for better work-life balance, career growth or a more supportive environment, it’s important to clearly demonstrate your skills, experience and suitability for the position. A well-prepared application can make all the difference in helping you secure a role that better aligns with your goals.

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Article References

Indeed (16 December 2025) ‘How To Decide Whether To Change Jobs’, Indeed, accessed 17 April 2026.

Seek (6 January 2026) ‘7 signs it’s time to change jobs’, Seek, accessed 17 April 2026.