Navigating the corporate world can be both rewarding and challenging. After a few years, you’ve likely gained experience, climbed the ladder a few rungs, and set your sights on even higher goals as you continue down your career path. But what happens when you start feeling that your current job isn’t aligning with your career aspirations? Or even worse, your life aspirations? You might just need a job change!
I personally went through a significant job change twice in my career that forever altered my career path for the better. Once in my first corporate job, where after only six months I could see it wasn’t the right path. There was no growth, the culture was more cut-throat than I had expected, and it was a bit of a boys club.
The second significant job change for me happened after almost seven years in the same job. It became very apparent that there was little or no growth. Also, even if I did go up one more rung on the ladder, I was headed toward a job I ultimately didn’t want.
Look, no matter how you slice it, quitting a job can be a transformative step, but it’s essential to do it strategically. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs indicating it might be time to quit, what to consider before making the leap, and how to approach a job search that best aligns with your ambitions.
Job Change Tip #1: Signs It’s Time to Quit Your Job
Recognizing the Signs
It might not be obvious at first, but sometimes it becomes apparent that your current job is no longer propelling you toward your career goals. Here are some of my key signs (or red flags) that indicate it might be time to consider quitting:
- Stagnation: If you find yourself stuck in a repetitive routine with no opportunities for growth or advancement, it’s a red flag. The feeling of being professionally stagnant can hinder your overall career satisfaction — and happiness.
- Misalignment: As you gain clarity about your long-term career aspirations and values, you may realize that your current job no longer aligns with these objectives. This is what happened to me in my job as a marketing copywriter. This misalignment was leading me toward a growing sense of discontent so I had to get out of there.
- Toxic Work Environment: This is my BIGGEST red flag. Nothing destroys your ambition and productivity more than a negative or unsupportive workplace. It can also have hugely detrimental effects on your mental and physical well-being. If your job is negatively impacting your health, it’s a clear signal that a change may be necessary. I like to call this warning my “GTFOOT” Get The F– Out Of There flag.
My Job Change Inspiration #1: Stagnation
So, as I said above, I was a rather dynamic marketing manager in my mid-30s. For almost seven years at the same company, I started feeling like I was just on an endless loop of similar projects. While my job offered stability and a decent paycheck, I found himself trapped in a monotonous cycle of these ever increasingly repetitive tasks. It became more and more apparent to me that I wasn’t learning anything new. My career path and trajectory had hit a plateau.
I knew it was time to quit when I caught myself daydreaming about the heights I could reach in a role that truly challenged me. Admittedly, I stayed on with them for another six months because staying within my comfort zone was the easy path. But every day it was nagging me more and more that it wasn’t helping me advance toward my career goals. I was always the type that loved pushing my boundaries yet, every day my cubicle beckoned.
This might resonate with many professionals in their 30s. At this stage in our lives, it’s natural to seek fresh challenges and opportunities for growth. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for making informed decisions about what your next steps should be — especially if it includes leaving your current job and pursuing a more fulfilling career path.
Job Change Tip #2: Preparing for the Leap
Assessing Your Finances
Before making the leap into a new career or job, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough financial assessment. Um, take it from someone who did NOT do this, please heed my advice here.
I’m providing a number of steps to consider:
- Evaluate Savings and Expenses: Review your savings, budget, and financial commitments. Understanding your current financial situation is essential. In particular, check your debt levels. Because, yeah — I didn’t do this. I had student loans, a car loan and what seemed like reasonable credit card debt. But what they don’t tell you is that when you quit (or lose) your job they’ll often raise your interest rates and lower your available credit. Did you know that? I didn’t and it cost me.
My credit rating imploded. Look, ideally, you’d want these to be at zero, but of course we all live in reality. Just be sure you’re up to date on your payments because as you go out looking for new opportunities, your credit score will become that much more important. (Did you know that some companies review your credit?) - Build an Emergency Fund: I always hate this advice, but honestly it’s a must. Even if it’s only psychological, before you leave you need to create a financial cushion that can cover living expenses for at least three to six months while you search for a new job.
This safety net provides peace of mind and most importantly allows you a bit of sanity during the transition. Again, while I know that building a true emergency fund is challenging it will become an absolute necessity if the timeline of the search for a new opportunity goes beyond your expectations.
Warn Up Your Network
More on networking below, but you want to be sure you let people know that you’re looking even before you leave.
This is a crucial step because it can help to leapfrog you into the stage of your career. So reach out to your clients, your coworkers and others you know if your industry or others who may have been on a similar career path. This will put them on the alert to be on the lookout for jobs that might be right for you.
They’ll also be primed to give you advice as you continue down your career path as you need it.
Job Change Tip #3: Navigating the Job Search
Quitting your job is a significant step, but the real challenge begins when you start your job search. Here are key aspects to focus on:
Crafting an Outstanding Resume
Your resume is your initial introduction to potential employers. Make it stand out by:
- Tailoring It: Customize your resume to highlight skills and experiences that are directly relevant to your new career path. No one cares what you accomplished if it doesn’t have anything to do with the job at hand.
- Emphasizing Transferable Skills: Especially be sure to highlight transferable skills that showcase your adaptability and ability to excel in your desired field.
Networking Effectively
As mentioned above, effective networking can open doors to job opportunities that may not be advertised. Here are some strategies:
- Attend Industry Events: Participate in industry events, conferences, and seminars to meet professionals and potential employers. (I personally hate these types of events, but the value they can offer is immeasurable.)
- Online Networking: Connect with professionals in your desired field on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage in meaningful conversations and join industry-specific groups. You’ll likely be surprised how many such groups might exist in your given field.
- Informational Interviews: Seek out informational interviews with experienced individuals in your target industry to gain insights and build connections. BE BALLSY here. Take a chance to reach out to people that might seem way out of your league. You’ll be shocked how many of them are happy to take the time to walk you through how they got started. (PRO TIP: Everyone’s favorite subject is themselves!)
- Read Your Trades to Know the Players: Most major industries also have trade magazines. You should read these regularly to know who the players are making news and use LinkedIn to reach out to get to know the leaders in your field and for them to get to know you.
Interviewing with Confidence
During interviews, focus on showcasing your transferable skills and enthusiasm for the new role:
- Transferable Skills: Like on your resume, be sure to emphasize how your transferable skills make you a more valuable candidate for the position. Remember to re-read the job description before you interview so you can speak specifically to these areas.
- Enthusiasm: Express your genuine interest in the role and your eagerness to learn and contribute. But be careful here. Be enthusiastic, but be HONEST as well. What I mean is that if you see areas of potential improvement and where you might be valuable, be sure to speak to these issues if the opportunity comes up. An employer who wants to solve problems is exactly the type of person you want to be working for.
Negotiating Your Offer
Once you receive a job offer, don’t hesitate to negotiate for a fair compensation package. Most people are afraid of this part. So here are a couple of tips to help make this a bit easier to swallow:
- Know Whom Your Negotiating With: Realize that the hiring manager is often the person you’ll be dealing with here. You will NOT offend them by asking for what you want.
- Research Industry Standards: Research salary ranges and benefits for your new role to ensure you receive a competitive offer. TheLadders.com has an excellent salary range tool.
- Effective Negotiation: Engage in effective negotiation, highlighting your value and unique qualifications. If you’re not used to negotiating, you can always take a crash course by reading one of my favorite books: Negotiating for Dummies. Spending two hours reading this book cover to cover changed my life forever. I highly recommend it.
Job Change Tip #4: Post-Quit Considerations
Coping with Uncertainty
Quitting your job often brings a mix of emotions, including uncertainty about the future. It’s freakin’ scary — and that’s okay. So, here’s how to manage it:
- Acknowledge Feelings: Recognize that feelings of uncertainty are normal during such transitions. You are HUMAN and as such we are prone to FEELINGS. Fear is totally natural. But I promise you, it’s okay on the other side. There will be moments where you question your decision and maybe even have regrets.
- Stay Committed: So once you acknowledge your emotions, now you need to get comfortable with keeping your long-term goals in mind and staying committed to your career aspirations. Here’s a harsh truth: no one but you can keep you on your path. When uncertainty happens, you simply need to buckle down, grit your teeth and bear it. Because the reward for doing so is a life that is truly wonderful.
My Job Transition Experience — How I Managed Uncertainty
Going out on my own meant months marked by financial uncertainty and adjusting to irregular income. Admittedly, I started questioning everything. It was a bit of a darker time. I had to constantly remind myself of why I left and why I knew that in the long run, this would be the right choice.
The need for resilience and determination when transitioning to a new career path is essential. Uncertainty is a natural part of the process, but with perseverance and a clear sense of purpose, you can overcome challenges and achieve your career aspirations.
PRO TIP: One thing I did before I quit is I recorded myself talking about my current situation. My boss, my pay, my assignments (or lack thereof), the company culture, and everything in between. In many of my lower moments, watching that video was more than enough to keep me on track.
Conclusion
Quitting a job to pursue your career aspirations can be a rewarding but initially challenging journey. By recognizing the signs indicating it’s time for a job change, preparing financially, enhancing your skill set, and navigating the job search effectively, you can successfully transition to a role that aligns with your ambitions. Remember that while quitting can lead to personal and professional growth, there might be some pain along the way. But with a little preparation and a shift in mindset, your job change and career path correction will be hugely successful.
