Here's how you can recognize when it's time for a career change.

If you don't wake up excited, you are done. Yes, a lot of work is mundane on most days and you might hate the pressure it creates but deep down you will know if you are enjoying it or not. This has always worked for me and I have left two organisations in the past when I felt that tomorrow's work is not adding something better to my resume.

From my perspective, recognizing when it’s time for a career change involves assessing your current job satisfaction, career goals, and personal fulfillment. Signs may include persistent dissatisfaction, lack of growth opportunities, or a mismatch between your values and job demands. Reflecting on your long-term goals and seeking feedback from mentors or career coaches can also provide clarity on whether it’s time to explore new opportunities.

One mindshift I had when I started to dread going to work was to see my employer as my investor. I knew I wanted to start something on my own but I couldn't just quit my job. I loved what I did, just not the environment. Once I created a bigger vision for myself, I started to view my paychecks as deposits into my next move. I detached myself from the identity of the job, did the work to good enough and saved the remaining mental energy for my next step. The job became temporary in my mind instead of an end result. This allowed me to find new joy while still working until it was time to leave.

You know when it's time. The dread of Monday mornings speaks volumes. Passion fades, and routine suffocates growth. Face the fear of change. Face the fear of others' opinions. Listen to your inner voice. Meaning isn't found in others' expectations. Trust your instincts. Align to your vision and jump. Your true potential is on the other side. You know you know.

The book Necessary Endings helped me when I decided to sell my gym a few years ago. Just as the seasons change, endings are a natural part of life. Not everything is meant to last forever, and that's okay. Being a gym owner ran it's course for me. I still love fitness and am still connected to it, but found business and marketing strategy my next "move" after being a gym owner.

I've experienced this myself. I pursued additional certifications within my industry to set myself apart, but even then, I felt stagnant. The certifications didn't lead to the fulfillment or advancement I was seeking. What I learned is that sometimes, growth requires more than additional qualifications—it requires a complete industry pivot. Shifting to a more fulfilling career allowed me to provide greater value, make a real impact, and finally be compensated for what I deserve.

if you’re no longer learning new skills, taking on challenges, or advancing in your career, it can leave you feeling stagnant. When your role no longer offers opportunities for development, or you feel you’re simply going through the motions, it’s a strong indicator that a shift might be necessary. If you’re not expanding your expertise or finding ways to grow, it might be time to explore new avenues that can reignite your passion.

In this day and age, there is no such thing as "no opportunities for advancement". A person can learn anything at anytime through online education. While you may not be able to advance in your current location, this could be an opportunity to learn or enhance a skill and position yourself to seek a company/position change or start something on the side. We are responsible for challenging ourselves and making sure that we're operating at our highest level. Stop thinking that it's the company or employer's responsibility to push you out of your comfort zone. You have to keep setting new benchmarks at every level until your time is up on this planet.

A clear sign that a career change might be necessary is a lack of growth opportunities. If you’ve hit a plateau and find no room for advancement or skill development, it’s worth considering a change. For example, if your current role offers no new challenges, training, or promotional prospects, your career progression may be stalling. Stagnation can lead to boredom and frustration, impacting overall job satisfaction. Evaluating whether your current position supports your long-term career goals is crucial. If growth opportunities are absent, seeking a new role that offers better prospects could reinvigorate your professional life. Not growing in your job is like being on a treadmill—lots of effort with no forward movement!

When you notice or realize that there's a struggle with an imbalance between your personal life and professional life, then it's a sign for a change.

if your work consistently takes over your personal life, leaving you with little time for family, self-care, or relaxation, it’s a sign something’s off. When work demands are so high that you feel drained or disconnected from the things that matter outside of work, it may be time to reconsider your role or environment. A career should support your overall well-being, not overwhelm it. When balance becomes impossible, a change could be necessary.

In my experience, work-life balance is essential for performing well at work. If a career penalizes you for prioritizing your time, it is time to make a career change. I noticed that in my career to date, I always felt that I needed to be strategic with my time.

I learned firsthand that overworking doesn’t always lead to growth. I once took on double shifts and learned every aspect of a department, thinking it would result in promotions. After doing five double shifts in one week, I was disappointed to be told I had only 'met expectations.' It was even more frustrating when a team member I had trained was promoted over me after the qualifications were changed to make them eligible. In hindsight, I’m grateful I didn’t get that position. Leaving allowed me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have if I’d stayed.

A few more... - Feeling under-Utilized - Yearly Monotonous Routine - Misalignment with Values - Constant Stress/Burnout - Need to Upskill All of these can also be looked as Career Crisis

Passion is misconstrued word as it could be interpreted as interest or hobby. Well some may argue that if you pursue it work becomes play. Sure this would have been true if there were milestones attached like winning Grand Slam or Grammy. Instead of Passion, pursue a Purpose, something that either solves a problem that would benefit others as well or create something of value. This invites people to participate as co-creators, suppliers, consumers & financiers &that runs the monetary stream as well as gives some meaning to them. Let’s say you choose farming as your purpose, you gain monetarily by trading farm produce, but you also contribute through sustainable farming, good health, educating others about soil & something for cattlefeed

if you find that what once energized you now feels routine or uninspiring, or your interests have moved toward different areas of finance or leadership, it could be a sign that your professional path needs a refresh. When your passion no longer aligns with your daily work, it’s harder to stay motivated or lead with enthusiasm. Acknowledging these changes early can help you explore new roles that align with your evolving interests.

Not every day at work will feel like a thrill ride. That’s just life. But if it becomes the norm, the every day - it’s probably time to reassess. When you notice that your interests have shifted, pay attention. Your career should keep pace with who you are today, not who you were 5 years ago. It’s okay to seek something that resonates more with you now. Explore different paths, try new things, and don’t be afraid to pivot. You might just rediscover what makes you tick.

Developing new interests or passions that no longer align with your current career is a sign for a change. Rather than being dissatisfied, you can choose to explore new possibilities.

noticing shifts in the market that impact your role. If you observe significant changes in client needs, industry trends, or regulatory environments that are altering the landscape of your work, it might be time to reassess your career path. If your current skills and expertise no longer align with these market shifts or if you’re finding it increasingly challenging to meet new demands, adapting to a new career direction can help you stay relevant and effective in your field.

In my experience I had to stop focusing on the position and start honing in on the skills that were required for the job. I realized that a lot of the skills were transferrable to several different industries. For example, I wasn't just a professor. I was also a course creator, copywriter, marketer, strategist, advisor etc. From here, I selected the industry I wanted to learn more about, researched the top skills and enhanced the ones I already had. We will always have to acquire new skills but taking an inventory of your current skillset will help you transition and adapt quicker and more effectively into a new market.

In healthcare, I've been fortunate not to experience market decline leading to job elimination. However, witnessing shifts in other industries has shown me the importance of staying adaptable. Even in stable fields like healthcare, it’s essential to stay aware of broader market trends and be prepared to pivot if necessary. Whether acquiring new skills or exploring innovative roles, being proactive can ensure long-term career security and satisfaction, no matter the industry.

When your gut whispers it’s time for a change, listen up. Ignoring that inner nudge is like ignoring a fire alarm. Your instincts know what you need before your brain catches up. Embrace the discomfort. It’s often the signpost to growth. Change doesn’t have to be scary - change is an invitation. RSVP 'yes' and dive into new challenges that excite you and align with your values. Life's too short for a career that feels like a pair of shoes two sizes too small. Trust your journey. You’ve got this!

Trust your intuition. If you have a persistent feeling that a change is needed, it is worth exploring new career paths that align with your values and aspirations.

That's right! Be brave and trust that inner voice. If you consistently feel a lack of passion for your current career and the urge to make a change, follow through on it. The last thing you want is to look back later in life with regret for not pursuing what truly ignites your passion.

It takes courage, trust and faith to listen to your inner voice. We've all done this whether it was going to college, starting a new job/business, ending a relationship etc. However, I think we silence this voice as we get older because we focus on the times when something didn't work. Instead of viewing this as feedback, we take it personal and start to doubt ourselves, which then leads to a lack of internal trust. I've learned to look at the evidence in my life and realize that trusting my inner voice resulted in more success than failures and that even the failures showed me a new version of myself. We were created to move with ease and flow but we must have faith even when the current looks or feel unfamiliar.

If you’re used to making decisions based on data, but sometimes personal fulfillment speaks louder. If you consistently feel disconnected from your work, unmotivated, or a persistent sense that you’re meant for something different, it may be time to explore new directions. Pay attention to those gut feelings or internal nudges—they’re often signaling that growth and fulfillment lie elsewhere. Trust your instincts, just as you trust numbers and strategy in your current role.