We’ve all been there—sitting at our desks, staring at the screen, and asking ourselves the big question: “Is it time for me to move on?”
Whether it's a nagging feeling that won’t go away or a sudden realisation after a tough week, deciding whether to stay in your current role or make the leap to something new can feel overwhelming. The truth is, career moves are about figuring out what’s right for you.
If you've found yourself second-guessing your job, it might be time to take a step back and look for the telltale symptoms of a leaver. Are you experiencing any of these? Let's see if we can help.
Symptom 1: The Sunday Night Dread Is Real
Remember when you used to wake up on Monday feeling (mostly) excited to tackle the week? If that’s been replaced by a heavy sense of dread—even after a good weekend—it’s a red flag.
Sure, everyone has off days, but if the thought of work consistently fills you with anxiety or exhaustion, it could be a sign that something’s not quite right. Pay attention to how often you’re feeling this way and whether it's tied to something fixable or a deeper dissatisfaction.
What to ask yourself: Is this a temporary rough patch, or have I been feeling this way for months?
Symptom 2: You're on Autopilot (and It’s Getting Boring)
Do you find yourself going through the motions, counting down the hours, or finishing tasks without any real engagement? If the excitement and challenge that once energised you have faded, it might be a signal that you've outgrown your role.
When growth stalls, frustration builds. And if there are no opportunities for development or new challenges, it’s natural to start wondering if your potential could be better used elsewhere.
What to ask yourself: Am I still learning and growing here, or am I just coasting?
Symptom 3: You've Become the Office Cynic
You used to be full of ideas, motivated to contribute, and invested in your team's success. But lately? Every meeting feels pointless, you roll your eyes more than you'd like to admit, and you’re mentally checked out.
Disengagement often comes when you no longer feel aligned with the company’s direction, leadership, or culture. When once you were an enthusiastic problem-solver, you now find yourself thinking, “What’s the point?” more often than not.
What to ask yourself: Do I still believe in what this company is doing, or am I just here for the paycheck?
Symptom 4: The Grass Looks Greener—Everywhere
A little curiosity about new job opportunities is healthy, but if you’re constantly browsing job boards, LinkedIn alerts, and asking friends about openings, it might be your gut telling you something’s off.
Daydreaming about new opportunities doesn’t always mean you should leap immediately, but it does mean it’s worth considering whether your current role still aligns with your career goals and values.
What to ask yourself: Am I seriously considering other roles, or am I just looking for an escape?
Symptom 5: Your Values and the Company’s Don’t Match Anymore
People change, and so do companies. Maybe when you first started, you were aligned with the mission, culture, and ways of working. But over time, priorities shift. If you find yourself feeling disconnected from the company’s goals, leadership style, or ethics, it’s a clear sign that it might not be the right fit anymore.
When your personal values clash with your work environment, job satisfaction takes a nosedive. And no amount of perks or salary increases can fix that fundamental disconnect.
What to ask yourself: Do I still feel aligned with the company’s mission and culture?
Symptom 6: You’ve Hit a Pay Ceiling (and It’s Frustrating)
Let’s be honest—money isn’t everything, but it matters. If you’ve consistently delivered results and taken on more responsibility but aren’t seeing that reflected in your paycheck, it can be demotivating.
Feeling undervalued financially can lead to resentment, especially if you know your market worth. Sometimes, organisations have budget constraints, but if growth and reward feel permanently off the table, it might be time to look elsewhere.
What to ask yourself: Am I fairly compensated for my contributions and market value?
Symptom 7: Work-Life Balance? What Balance?
If work is taking over your personal life, causing burnout, or making you feel like you're constantly “on,” it’s time to take a serious look at your well-being.
A job that demands too much with little flexibility can wear you down over time. And if your attempts to set boundaries are consistently ignored, you may need to reconsider whether this environment is sustainable.
What to ask yourself: Am I sacrificing too much of my personal time and health for this role?
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re nodding along to a few (or most) of these symptoms, it’s time to assess your next move. But that doesn’t necessarily mean handing in your resignation tomorrow. Here’s what to do instead:
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Talk to Your Manager: Before jumping ship, have an honest conversation with your manager. There may be opportunities for growth, adjustments, or improvements you haven’t considered.
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Define What You Want: Take some time to reflect on what you actually want in your next role. Is it better work-life balance? A bigger challenge? More money? Be clear on what you're looking for before making a move.
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Explore Internal Opportunities: Sometimes, a new challenge within the same company can reignite your motivation without the need to leave entirely.
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Start Networking: If you're leaning toward leaving, discreetly explore new opportunities by connecting with peers in your industry. You never know what doors might open.
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Take Your Time: Rushed decisions can lead to regret. Weigh your options carefully and ensure you’re moving for the right reasons, not just out of frustration.
Final Thought: Choose Growth Over Comfort
Deciding whether to stay or go is a deeply personal choice, and there’s no one-sise-fits-all answer. The key is to stay honest with yourself—if you’re feeling unchallenged, undervalued, or simply unhappy, it’s okay to explore new possibilities.
Remember, careers aren’t static. They evolve, and so should you. Whether you choose to stay and reshape your role or embark on a new journey, the most important thing is to prioritise your growth and well-being.
You’ve got this!
