Recently, I was talking to a leader in a large global business about my next career move. He asked me a simple question: “Why do you want to move?”

It made me pause. The truth is, I actually really enjoy what I do. But if I want to keep growing - to reach my big goals - I need to keep stretching myself and learning.

Stepping from a smaller organisation into a big corporation was one of the biggest transitions of my career. I went from having my arms around the entire business to being a very tiny cog in a very large, multi-faceted machine. It was uncomfortable at first, but that stretch gave me depth and perspective I could never have gained otherwise. I know that in order to keep growing I need to stretch my skills and experience even further, I am a firm believer that when you have big goals you need to keep moving. 

Of course career changes are not always straightforward, sometimes you move toward something bigger, because you know you’re ready for more, and sometimes, you move away from something that’s no longer good for you.

Both are valid. Both are growth.

So if you’re wondering whether it might be time for a change, here are five signs that something’s no longer serving you - and that it could be time to explore what’s next.

1. Your mental or physical health is being impacted

If you are constantly exhausted, anxious, or struggling to switch off, it’s a sign your work might be taking too much from you. No job is worth sacrificing your health. Stress that starts at work rarely stays there. It can spill into your sleep, your relationships, and your sense of self. Pay attention to what your body and mind are telling you; they often know before you do that something needs to change.

2. You’re no longer learning or growing

When every day feels like déjà vu, it might be a sign you’ve outgrown the role. Growth isn’t always about a new title - it’s about being challenged, inspired, and stretched in ways that keep you learning. If you’ve stopped being curious, or if your potential feels capped, it may be time to find an environment that reignites that spark.

3. You’re underpaid or undervalued

Feeling unseen, unheard, or unrewarded chips away at motivation. Recognition matters - both financially and emotionally. If you consistently give more than you receive, that imbalance breeds frustration and self-doubt. You deserve to feel respected and valued for the contribution you make.

4. Your workplace rewards burnout

If the people who work the longest hours or sacrifice their wellbeing are the ones being celebrated, it sends a clear message - and it’s not a healthy one. A culture that glorifies burnout is not sustainable. You can love your work and still have boundaries. If you’re constantly choosing between success and sanity, it’s worth questioning whether this is the right environment for you.

5. You can’t be yourself at work

If you find yourself editing who you are - watching what you say, toning down your ideas, or trying to fit into a mould that doesn’t feel natural - it takes a toll. Work should be a place where you can bring your whole self, not a diluted version just to belong. When authenticity feels risky, it might be time to look for a culture that celebrates who you truly are.

What to do next

Whether you’re being pulled by something exciting or pushed by something uncomfortable, it’s all information. Change can be an exciting and rewarding thing, even if it feels scary and uncomfortable at times. 

Start by asking: What does “fulfilled” look like for me now?

That simple question can open the door to clarity, confidence, and momentum - one step at a time.

Ready to find a fulfilling and meaningful career that supports you?

Check out my Career Clarity Blueprint, my self paced online learning to take you from where you are today, to where you want to be. It is the exact framework I use to make strategic career (and life) decisions, and give me the step-by-step blueprint to make it happen.

Always with love, 

Elsa x