Navigating Career Transitions: When to Stay, When to Go, and How to Prepare
Navigating Career Transitions: When to Stay, When to Go, and How to Prepare
Career transitions can feel like stepping into the unknown, especially when you’re torn between loyalty, ambition, and fear of making the wrong move. Whether you’re experiencing a slow burn of dissatisfaction or a jolt of realisation that you’re no longer growing, knowing when to move on — and how to do it well — makes all the difference.
Signs It’s Time for a Change
You don’t always need a dramatic event to justify leaving a role, sometimes the signs are subtle, but persistent.
- You’ve stopped learning – If your role no longer challenges you, and there’s no opportunity for development, it’s easy to stagnate. Boredom and lack of professional growth are legitimate reasons to move on, not just minor annoyances.
- You’re mentally checked out – Dreading Monday mornings is one thing but feeling indifferent, unmotivated, or emotionally drained by work is another. Burnout or disengagement that doesn’t improve over time is a red flag.
- The culture no longer fits – People grow and values shift. If your workplace no longer aligns with your principles or feels toxic, it may be time to prioritise environments where you can thrive.
- You’re constantly overlooked – If promotions, pay rises, or meaningful recognition consistently pass you by, despite solid performance, it’s a sign you may be stuck in a place that doesn’t see your value.
- You’ve outgrown the role – Sometimes, the job hasn’t changed but you have. You’ve developed new skills or ambitions that no longer fit within the current structure. Staying put might mean holding yourself back.
When It’s Worth Staying Put
Not every rough patch means it’s time to leave. Sometimes, it’s better to stay — at least for now.
- There’s a clear path forward – If opportunities for growth are on the horizon (and you trust your leadership to follow through) investing a bit longer can pay off.
- You’re in a transitional life stage – Leaving a job during personal upheaval (illness, family issues, financial strain) can add pressure. If the role is stable and supportive, waiting until things settle can be a smarter move.
- You haven’t had honest conversations – Before resigning, it’s worth discussing your concerns with your manager, especially if you’ve never raised them. Sometimes the solution is a tweak, not a leap.
Making the Transition Smoother
- Clarify your “why.” – Know exactly why you’re leaving, as it helps shape your job search and prevents you from jumping into a similar situation. Vague dissatisfaction leads to vague decisions.
- Update your CV and LinkedIn before you need to – It’s easier to write about your achievements when you’re still in the role, and easier to connect with your network when you’re not in panic mode.
- Research thoroughly – Don’t just look at job titles, look at culture, structure, leadership, and long-term potential. The right move isn’t just about a better salary.
- Plan financially – If you’re moving by choice, aim to have a financial cushion. Ideally, three to six months of living expenses, as this’ll give you the freedom to make a thoughtful choice, not one out of desperation.
- Take your time but don’t procrastinate – It’s natural to feel nervous about leaving a familiar environment, but staying too long can dull your momentum. Once you’ve made the decision, act on it.
Career transitions aren’t just about leaving a job but about choosing what comes next with intention. Whether you stay, go, or explore quietly in the background, the goal is the same, a role that reflects who you are now, not who you were when you started.
Dovetail Recruitment are an independent Recruitment Agency in Bournemouth. Follow us to keep up to date with The South’s Job Market Report, Recruitment in Hampshire & Dorset + HR news, as well as our latest jobs, career tips + everything else related to your working world.
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