So you’ve been in your job a good while, and you’ve noticed motivation is dwindling. Maybe you don’t feel challenged enough, or maybe you feel like you’re not moving in the direction you want any more.
Understanding when it’s time to move on from your current career to pursue other passions is very essential. Every phase of your career journey is a chance to discover more about who you are, your unique talents, passions, obstacles, and what you value in a work environment.
Signs it’s time to change careers
Your interests and goals naturally change over time, but how do you know if you’re ready for a career change?
Here are a few indicators that it might be time for you to make your move.
· Your Current Career is Not Growing You Professionally
One of the most obvious signs that it’s time to leave a job is stagnation in your professional development. A fulfilling career is built on continuous learning, skill acquisition, and new challenges. If you find yourself going through the motions without any clear opportunities to grow, it may be a sign that you’ve outgrown your role. When you stop learning and no longer feel challenged, complacency can set in. This is a red flag, especially for internal auditors, whose profession is constantly evolving with changes in regulation, technology, and risk management practices.
· You No Longer Share your Organization’s Values
The importance of integrity, ethics, and transparency, especially in the internal audit profession cannot be overemphasized. These values should be reflected not only in your work but in the organization you represent. If you find that your personal values no longer align with those of your employer, it may be time to reevaluate your position. Perhaps the organization is cutting corners in ways that make you uncomfortable, or the leadership is making decisions that clash with your sense of ethics. As an internal auditor, maintaining a high standard of integrity is essential, and working in an environment that undermines these principles can be both emotionally draining and professionally risky. If you find yourself constantly questioning the ethical direction of your company, it is likely a sign that it’s time to move on.
· You’re Burned Out
While occasional stress is part of any job, prolonged burnout is a serious indicator that something needs to change. Burnout can manifest as physical exhaustion, emotional detachment, or reduced performance, and it often arises from a lack of work-life balance, overwhelming workloads, or feeling undervalued. For internal auditors, especially those in fast-paced industries like manufacturing or finance, long hours and constant pressure can lead to burnout. If you find that you’re consistently exhausted, dread going to work, or feel emotionally disconnected from your job, it’s time to assess whether the role is sustainable for your long-term well-being. Burnout also affects your ability to think critically and make sound judgments, key traits for any internal auditor. If you notice that your work is suffering due to mental fatigue or chronic stress, it might be time to consider stepping away for the sake of your health, performance, and overall happiness.
· You Don’t Feel Recognized or Appreciated
No one wants to feel invisible, especially when they’re working hard and delivering results. If you consistently feel underappreciated or overlooked for promotions, raises, or other opportunities, it’s natural to become disillusioned. Feeling valued is crucial for job satisfaction and motivation. In internal auditing, where the work is often behind the scenes and not always glamorous, recognition can sometimes be harder to come by. However, if you’re consistently exceeding expectations but are not receiving credit for your contributions, it may be a sign that your organization and its leadership doesn’t fully value the work you do. Lack of recognition not only affects your morale but can also hinder your career progression. If you feel that your potential is being overlooked, it may be time to explore other environments where your skills and efforts will be properly acknowledged.
· You Are in a Toxic Work Environment
A toxic workplace can take many forms: poor communication, lack of trust, micromanagement, or hostile behavior from colleagues and supervisors. Internal auditors, whose role often involves giving tough feedback and dealing with resistance, may find themselves in conflict with others more frequently than those in other departments. However, there’s a difference between occasional workplace tension and a consistently toxic environment. If you find yourself dreading interactions with coworkers, dealing with frequent office politics, or feeling like you’re walking on eggshells, the work environment may be toxic. No job, no matter how good the salary or benefits, is worth sacrificing your mental and emotional well-being. If you’ve tried to address these issues with leadership to no avail, it might be a sign that it’s time to move on.
· You’re Getting Better Opportunities
Sometimes, external opportunities present themselves unexpectedly. While loyalty to an organization is admirable, it’s important not to let it blind you to potentially better opportunities. If you’re being recruited for a role that offers more responsibility, better pay, or a healthier work-life balance, it’s worth considering. Internal auditors with specialized skills, such as expertise in data analytics or cybersecurity, are in high demand, and staying too long in one position could limit your ability to leverage those skills for career advancement. Be open to exploring new possibilities, especially if they align with your long-term goals.
· You’re Just Unhappy
Finally, it’s important to listen to your instincts. If you’re unhappy at work but can’t pinpoint exactly why, it’s worth taking the time to reflect on what’s causing your dissatisfaction. Sometimes, the decision to leave a job is more about how you feel than any specific issue. If your gut is telling you that it’s time for a change, it’s worth considering. Each of these circumstances may be signaling to you that it is time for a career change. It is not uncommon that more than one is in play, as they are often interconnected. Happiness and fulfillment in a job are essential for long-term career satisfaction. If you’re not happy where you are, there’s no shame in exploring other options.
So, you’ve checked off the majority of the boxes above and have decided it’s time to dive headfirst into a career change, now what? Identify your strengths and interests, what are you good at and what are you passionate about? Make a list of what you like about your current and past roles, your strengths, and what brings you satisfaction and energy. This will help guide you on your career exploration. Start researching different career paths that speak to your strengths and interests. What skills do you need to add to your resume? Look into resources or courses that will help you learn and practice these new skills. Not all career changes have to be drastic, or take years, sometimes a part-time course or a Bootcamp will assist in making the much-needed switch. Identify people who work in your new field or career path of choice and reach out. Any questions you may have about day-to-day challenges, tasks, and job prospects can usually best be answered by individuals who are currently in the thick of it. Gaining perspectives from a variety of different people will assist in providing a well-rounded picture of your desired new career.