Are you feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unrecognized at work? You’re far from alone. As career experts, we’ve coached thousands of professionals through job changes… some planned, some unexpected, and some long overdue. If there’s one universal truth we’ve learned, it’s this: most people know they’re ready for a change long before they take action. They feel trapped, drained, overlooked, or simply unfulfilled but they push through because change feels risky. They convince themselves the unhappiness is temporary, the boredom is seasonal, or the lack of support will magically resolve itself.

But here’s the reality: Recognizing when you’ve outgrown a role is one of the most empowering steps you can take in your career. And acting on that awareness is how people find jobs they thrive in, not just survive in. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to move on, here are ten signs that you’re ready for a new job, why they matter, and what to do next.

1. Your Growth Has Stalled and You Can Feel It

You’re no longer challenged. Your tasks are repetitive, the learning curve is flat, and you can’t remember the last time you felt excited about mastering something new. Growth plateaus happen, but when they persist, it’s a clear signal that you may be ready for a move.

Action Tip: Identify two or three skills you want to develop next. If your current job can’t offer opportunities to grow, it’s time to explore new paths.

2. You’re Doing Great Work but Your Efforts Are Going Unnoticed

Hard work deserves acknowledgment. Recognition doesn’t mean constant praise; it means your work is valued and rewarded appropriately. If promotions, raises, or even simple appreciation rarely come your way, your long-term opportunities might not be there.

Action Tip: Document your achievements and request feedback. If the response lacks a clear path forward, start exploring new opportunities where your work will be recognized.

3. You’re Feeling Drained and Burned Out Instead of Energized

Every job has tough days. But if you wake up with dread more often than not, drag yourself through the day, or constantly feel overwhelmed, your role may no longer fit who you are. Feeling drained or chronically stressed is a sign that your current job may not be sustainable.

Action Tip: Reflect on the source of that fatigue. Is it workload? Culture? Misalignment with your strengths? Knowing the “why” helps you choose the right next step.

4. The Company Culture No Longer Feels Like a Good Fit

Culture goes beyond perks and personalities. It determines how you’re supported, recognized, and empowered. If the environment has shifted, leadership has changed, or the values no longer align with yours, it might be time to move on.

Action Tip: Revisit your personal and professional values and compare them with your current workplace. Alignment of your priorities matters much more than people realize.

5. You Spend More Time Looking for Ways to Escape than Ways to Improve

If you frequently find yourself scrolling job boards, counting down the hours until the weekend, or thinking about “what could be” more often than “what can I fix”, it’s powerful evidence that that your motivation is elsewhere and you’re ready for a change.

Action Tip: Turn your energy into intentional job search activities. Explore new roles, update your resume and LinkedIn, and begin networking strategically.

6. You’re Underpaid for What You Bring to the Table

Being underpaid compounds stress, limits opportunities, and chips away at your confidence. If you’ve researched market value or spoken with peers and discovered you’re significantly below industry salary standards, it’s a sign your employer may not be invested in long-term retention.

Action Tip: Present a data-backed case for a raise. If your company can’t meet your needs, explore roles where your experience will be rewarded and the company will match your worth.

7. You Can’t See a Future There or There’s No Room to Grow

A career without a path can feel like you’re going nowhere. If there’s no room to move up, sideways, or even into new projects, you’ll eventually stagnate. A lack of upward mobility can limit your long-term career success so staying put will slow your advancement.

Action Tip: Ask leadership about potential growth paths. If answers are vague or noncommittal, that’s your answer so start exploring roles that align with your career trajectory.

8. Stress Is Affecting Your Health or Wellbeing

Physical or emotional strain is a red flag. Work should challenge you, not harm you. If ongoing stress is affecting your work performance, mood, sleep, relationships, work-life balance, or overall well-being, that’s not sustainable.

Action Tip: Evaluate whether the stress is cyclical or constant and if a change in environment or responsibilities could reduce it. Prioritize opportunities that support both career and health.

9. You’ve Outgrown Your Role and Skills Exceed Current Responsibilities

Sometimes a job isn’t “wrong” exactly, you’ve simply just grown beyond it. It’s more that your skill set has expanded and surpassed your current duties, your confidence has grown, and you’re ready for something more complex or meaningful.

Action Tip: Lean into that growth. Explore roles that fit better with your career goals, identify positions that match your expertise, and start positioning yourself as a strong candidate.

10. Your Intuition Is Nudging You Toward a Change

That quiet inner voice rarely lies and matters more than you think. If you feel drawn toward new challenges and your gut keeps talking to you, you owe it to yourself to listen. Ignoring this instinct often leads to regret and a lack of progress.

Action Tip: Don’t ignore that inner guidance. Combine intuition with a strategic job plan. Research opportunities, network, and take action to align your career with your aspirations and ambition.

So… What Should You Do Next?

If several of these signs sound familiar, know that others have been in your shoes and there’s a clear path forward. Look at this as a turning point, not a dead end. Here’s some practical steps to take control of your next career move. 

1. Get clear on what you want next: Know the type of role, company, and environment that will help you thrive.

2. Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile: Highlight accomplishments, skills, and measurable impact.

3. Start networking (strategically): Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry peers for guidance and opportunities.

4. Show transferable skills or upskill as needed: Tackle small learning activities and projects or go full out and take courses or earn certifications to help demonstrate growth.

5. Create a timeline and apply consistently: Set a 60-day target of daily or weekly applications to maintain momentum. And stick to the plan.

Final Thoughts

A job change isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign of growth. Recognizing when it’s time to move on is a crucial step in a fulfilling career. Every time you step into a new role, you’re choosing your future, your development, and your well-being. So, if you’re feeling the pull toward something new, trust yourself. The next chapter of your career might not just be better, it could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.