How to Identify the Right Time to Change Jobs

I’ve enjoyed reading reports and LinkedIn recaps from the recent World Economic Forum’s annual conference in Davos. One of the most discussed topics was the future of work, as professionals worldwide are re-evaluating their careers, seeking more fulfillment, flexibility, and financial security. I am glad to see people talk about financial security in this context. When you make a career change, the financial implications have to be top of mind. Several years ago, at the height of the Great Resignation I wrote an ‘Ask Carrie’ column to guide people through the financial implications of leaving their job. These core principles still apply today:  ✅ Clarify Your Why: It’s important to first envision where you want to go and what you are ultimately striving for. Visualize what your life and career looks like 5 years, 15 years from now and build off of that vision. It's one thing to be dissatisfied or want to make a change; it's another to know what will make you happier. Dig into the details of any new position and define your real motivation to ensure your next move aligns with your long-term goals. ✅ Assess the Financial Tradeoffs: Leaving a job often means leaving behind benefits and depending on the position you’re leaving, they could be significant. Employee benefits can encompass everything from health insurance and matching retirement contributions, to paid time off and childcare subsidies. And don't forget about things like stock options and restricted stocks. You may be walking away from good money! ✅ Plan for Learning & Transitions: If you're looking for a new job in your current field, making a change may be pretty straightforward. But if you want to do something completely different it's going to take time and money—and upfront planning. Map this out in advance and plan for the investment required to make a smooth transition. ✅ Strengthen Your Financial Safety Net: You may be emotionally ready to make your move, but be sure to give yourself a smooth financial path before you do. I recommend you: 1. Shore up your savings—Building your emergency fund is key. I suggest having enough cash to cover 3 to 6 months of essential expenses. Things don’t always go according to plan. 2. Pay down debts—If you're carrying credit card balances, try to bring those close to zero to free up the cash you’ll need for necessities during your transition. 3. Rethink your budget—Wants and non-essentials may need to take a backseat while you're in transition. Take a good look at where you can cut back short term. 4. Review your insurance—This is crucial, especially health insurance, no matter your age Whatever you do, make sure you and your family have continued coverage. The job market is evolving, and there are many opportunities to consider—but making a career move from a place of financial strength ensures both professional fulfillment and long-term security. Are you rethinking your career right now? What’s driving your decision?

𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗼: 𝗔 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀｡｡｡ As a career coach, I often encounter individuals grappling with the decision of whether to stay in their current job or explore new #opportunities. It's a question that many of us face at some point in our careers, and one that requires careful consideration. So, how do you know if it's time to move on or stay put? ✅ First and foremost, it's essential to assess your level of #satisfaction and #fulfillment in your current role. Are you excited to go to work each day, or do you find yourself dreading it? Do you feel valued and appreciated for your contributions, or do you feel overlooked and undervalued? Reflecting on these questions can provide valuable insight into your overall job satisfaction. ✅ Next, consider your career #goals and #aspirations. Does your current role align with your long-term objectives, or do you feel like you're stagnating professionally? Are there opportunities for growth and advancement within your organization, or do you feel like you've hit a ceiling? Evaluating the alignment between your current job and your career aspirations can help clarify your decision-making process. ✅ Additionally, take stock of the #workplace #culture and #environment. Do you feel supported and empowered by your colleagues and supervisors, or do you feel isolated and disengaged? Is there a sense of camaraderie and #teamwork, or do you experience tension and conflict? A positive workplace culture can significantly impact job satisfaction and overall well-being. ✅ Finally, consider seeking guidance from a #career coach. A coach can provide invaluable support and guidance as you navigate your career decisions, helping you clarify your goals, identify opportunities, and develop a plan of action. By partnering with a coach, you can gain clarity, confidence, and direction in your career journey. Ultimately, the decision of whether to stay or go is a deeply personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons, listen to your intuition, and trust yourself to make the right decision for your career and well-being. Whether you choose to stay and make positive changes within your current organization or explore new opportunities elsewhere, remember that your career journey is yours to shape, and there is support available every step of the way. #career #goals #fulfillment #coach #coaching #opportunities

Stuck in a Job That No Longer Serves You?  Here’s Why Women Stay Too Long—And How to Break Free. Most women don’t have a lack of opportunity problem. They have a holding-themselves-back problem. A client came to me feeling stuck: She had been in the same role for years. She knew she wanted more but felt paralyzed by fear. Every time she thought about leaving, she found a reason to stay. She was smart. Capable. Ready for more. But she couldn’t take the leap. ↳ 3 months later, she landed a new role with a 30% salary increase. Not by working harder. Not by waiting for the “right time.” Definitely not by hoping things would change on their own. Here’s what actually helped her move forward: 1️⃣ Comfort Zone vs. Growth Zone She stopped mistaking “safe” for “right.” Asked herself: Am I learning and evolving here? Answer: No. So she started exploring new paths. 2️⃣ Fear of Change → Small, Strategic Shifts Instead of waiting for confidence, she built it. Took on stretch projects. Updated her LinkedIn. Started networking before quitting. 3️⃣ Prioritizing Herself Over People-Pleasing She felt guilty leaving her team. But staying out of obligation only led to burnout. She learned: Your career is YOURS. Own it. 4️⃣ Stopped “Waiting for the Right Time” There was always a “next promotion” or “next bonus.” She set a deadline—and stuck to it. 5️⃣ Trusted Her Gut Deep down, she knew she was ready. Once she started listening to herself, everything changed. The takeaway? Getting unstuck isn’t about waiting for confidence. It’s about taking action before you feel ready. → Expand your network. → Get clear on your options. → Make the first move—no matter how small. That’s how you go from stuck to thriving. 💡 What’s one sign that told you it was time to move on from a job? Drop it in the comments. ♻️ Repost to help another woman break free from career stagnation. Watch the full interview on Youtube with Jayashree Jagannath