Dear Mike:

I’ve been at my current job for a few years now, and lately, I’ve been feeling uncertain about my future here. Some days I think it’s just a rough patch, maybe burnout or temporary boredom, but other days I wonder if I’ve outgrown this role or if it’s time to look for something new.

The work isn’t as exciting as it used to be, and while I’ve made some solid progress in my career, I’m not sure if I’m still learning and growing the way I should be.

On top of that, I’m not sure if this is just something I need to push through or if the signs are pointing toward a bigger change. I don’t want to jump ship if the situation is fixable, but I also don’t want to stay too long and miss out on other opportunities.

What should I be looking for to figure out whether it’s time to stay or go? How do I approach this decision without regretting it later?

Thanks,

Schroeder

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Hi Schroeder,

You’re asking a question that everyone hits at some point in their career. It’s that moment where you feel like you’re not sure if you’re bored, burned out, or just outgrowing your role. The decision to leave a job is big, and it’s smart that you’re pausing to think through it before making any rash moves.

There are a few clear signs that can help you figure out whether it’s time to move on or just make some adjustments where you are.

Here are some of the most important things to consider:

Are you learning or stagnating? If you’re not learning anything new or feeling challenged, it’s a red flag. Career growth comes from continuous learning, whether it’s new skills, responsibilities, or even exposure to different areas of the business. If you’ve hit a ceiling and don’t see room for growth, it might be time to start exploring other opportunities. Action step: Before deciding to leave, ask yourself if you’ve explored all the ways to grow within your current role. Could you take on new projects or develop skills that excite you? Sometimes, a lateral move inside the company can be just as energizing as leaving.

Are you excited or just going through the motions? This one’s big. If you dread going to work every day or feel like you’re just “punching the clock,” that’s a strong signal that something isn’t right. Feeling indifferent about your job doesn’t just hurt your morale – it can impact your long-term career trajectory. Action step: Check in with your energy levels at work. If there’s a specific aspect of your role that drains you, can you pivot away from that? Or, is it a company-wide issue where nothing feels exciting anymore?

Is the job draining you beyond the work day? If your job is causing stress outside of working hours – either from being constantly “on,” or because it’s not aligning with your personal values – that’s a sign to reconsider. When your work consistently impacts your personal life, it’s not sustainable. Action step: Look at how your job affects your life outside of work. Have you had a conversation with your manager about boundaries or workload? If not, it’s worth a try before making any decisions.

Are you being paid what you’re worth? Compensation isn’t everything, but if you’re feeling undervalued financially, that frustration can build up over time. If you’ve been performing well without seeing raises or promotions that reflect your effort, it’s worth considering if you’re being properly compensated. Action step: Do your research. Are you being paid fairly compared to industry standards? If not, having a conversation with your boss or HR about a raise could be your next step before jumping ship.

Do you still align with the company values? Company culture is huge, and it can change as businesses grow or leadership shifts. If you no longer feel aligned with the company’s values, leadership style, or direction, that disconnect can make work feel like a bad fit. Action step: Reassess the company culture. Do you still feel connected to the mission and values? If leadership or the team dynamic is the issue, a change might be necessary, either in your current role or by moving on.

What’s your instinct saying? Sometimes, the strongest indicator is your gut. If you’ve been feeling like it’s time to leave for a while, that internal voice might be worth listening to. While it’s good to weigh the pros and cons, don’t discount your instincts. They usually kick in for a reason. Action step: Take some time to reflect. Maybe even unplug for a weekend and see what surfaces when you’re away from the noise of daily work stress.

Before making any final decisions, my strong advice is to bring up any of these issues to your manager or leader. Whether it’s a lack of growth, feeling disengaged, or needing better work-life balance, we have an obligation to bring these concerns to the table and give our leaders the opportunity to address them. The way they respond will tell you a lot about your future with the company and can help inform your next step.

Ultimately, the decision to leave a job comes down to a balance of your personal goals, your professional growth, and the impact the job is having on your well-being. If you feel like you’ve tried everything to improve your situation and things still aren’t clicking, it might be time to explore new opportunities. But if there’s room for growth or a change you haven’t pursued yet, it’s worth considering whether you can make things better where you are.

Leaving a job is never easy, but if you’ve done your homework, have involved your manager (good for future recommendations – btw) and feel confident about the decision, it could be exactly the change you need to keep your career moving forward.

Hope this helps!

Mike

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TNCR Community – what advice would you add to this thread? Have you successfully pitched yourself to an employer? Share your experience! And if you have a career question for me, don’t hesitate to reach out at mike.burgett@burgateglobal.com.