The 6 Signs It Might Be Time for a Career Move

Not everyone who changes jobs is actively looking for one. Sometimes, the thought of moving starts much earlier, perhaps as a feeling that your current role isn't quite delivering what it used to or that you've stopped progressing.

In specialist areas of construction, disputes and commercial management, experienced professionals can be in demand without ever having to actively apply for dozens of jobs.  So, how do you know when it might be worth considering your options?  Here are six signs that it could be time to think about your next career move.

1. You're no longer learning or developing

A job doesn't necessarily need to come with a promotion every year, but you should feel that you're continuing to develop.

Perhaps you're no longer being given challenging projects. Maybe you've been doing broadly the same work for several years, or there are limited opportunities to take on greater responsibility.

If you can no longer see how your role will help you develop over the next two or three years, it may be worth looking at what else is available.

Ask yourself: What will I have learned or achieved in this role 12 months from now?

2. You've stopped feeling challenged

Being comfortable in your job isn't necessarily a bad thing. But there's a difference between being comfortable and being stuck.

If you know your role inside out, rarely encounter anything new and find yourself going through the motions, you could be ready for a fresh challenge.

For experienced professionals, that might mean taking on more complex disputes, larger projects, greater client responsibility or a leadership position.

Sometimes, the right move isn't a complete career change. It is simply a bigger challenge.

3. Your responsibilities have grown but your career hasn't

This is a common one. You may have gradually taken on more clients, larger projects, greater responsibility for colleagues or additional business development activity. But has your title, salary or career progression kept pace?

Taking on additional responsibility can be a positive sign that your employer values you. But if you're consistently operating at the next level without recognition or progression, it could be time to have a conversation about where your career is heading.

4. You're thinking about leaving more often

You don't have to be unhappy to consider a move.  But if you're regularly thinking:

“I wonder what else is out there?”

“Would I be better somewhere else?”

or

“I could probably do this role somewhere else for more money…”

…it may be worth investigating rather than simply dismissing the thought.

You don't have to hand in your notice. Finding out what's available is not the same as committing to leave.

A conversation with a specialist recruiter can simply give you a better understanding of your options and the current market.

5. Your priorities have changed

What you wanted from your career five years ago may not be what you want today.

Perhaps you're now looking for:

• Greater flexibility
• Better work-life balance
• More responsibility
• International opportunities
• A higher level of remuneration
• More interesting or technically challenging work
• A clearer route to partnership or senior leadership

Your current employer may no longer offer the combination of things that matters most to you.

That's not necessarily anyone's fault. Sometimes your career simply moves on.

6. You're worried that staying is becoming the easier option

This might be the biggest sign of all. There's a lot to be said for staying somewhere you know. You know the people, the projects, the systems and what is expected of you.  But staying because you're genuinely happy is very different from staying because moving feels like too much effort.

If fear of change is the main thing keeping you where you are, it could be worth taking a look at the market.  You might discover that your current role really is the best option.  Or you might discover an opportunity you hadn't considered.

Either way, you'll have more information to make a decision.

You don't have to be actively looking

One of the biggest misconceptions about changing jobs is that you have to be actively applying before you can start exploring your options. You don't.

For specialist professionals, particularly those with experience in construction disputes, claims, delay analysis, quantum, expert witness work, Quantity Surveying and Contract Administration, career moves are often about having the right conversation at the right time.

You might not be ready to move today, but knowing what's happening in the market, what your experience is worth and what opportunities could suit you can help you make a much more informed decision when the time is right.

So, should you stay or should you go?

There isn't always an obvious answer. Sometimes the best career move is to stay where you are and find a new challenge within your current organisation.  Sometimes it's to negotiate a promotion or change in responsibilities. And sometimes, it's to take your experience somewhere new.

The important thing is not to let your career make the decision for you.

If several of the signs above sound familiar, it may be worth starting a conversation about what your next move could look like.

Not ready to move? That's fine.

At Maxim Recruitment, we regularly speak with professionals who aren't actively looking but want to understand what opportunities are available in their specialist market.

Your next career move doesn't have to start with an application. It can start with a conversation.

Steve Thomas
Construction Recruitment Director, UK & Canada
Maxim Recruitment
LinkedIn

Steve is responsible for Maxim Recruitment in the UK and Canada. He is based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK and the Toronto office in Canada. He regularly travels to meet employers and job seekers and attend construction industry networking events in the UK, Canada and worldwide. Steve has over 25 years of experience in construction and property recruitment and enjoys working with many repeat clients. He manages dedicated search and headhunting assignments for a range of premium UK, Canadian and international clients.