Should You Consider a Career Move? Signs It Might Be Time..

There comes a point in many careers where things feel a bit off. Not terrible, not urgent, just… off.

So, you’re not unhappy exactly, but the spark has dulled. You start noticing how often you’re checking the time. You find yourself scrolling job sites without really knowing what you’re looking for. Maybe you’re not even sure if it’s the role, the company or just the natural itch for something different.

So how do you know if it’s time for a move, or if you’re just having a rough patch?

This blog’s for anyone at team leader, manager or senior level who’s wondering if there might be something more out there, even if they’re not sure what ‘more’ means yet.

You’re not stuck, you’re just at a crossroads

Feeling unsettled can be unsettling in itself, especially when your current job looks good on paper. But careers aren’t static. They evolve as you do. And sometimes, the version of success you aimed for five years ago doesn’t quite fit who you are today.

The good news? You don’t have to leap before you’re ready. But you can start by noticing the signs.

Here are a few to watch for:

1. You’ve outgrown the role

You know the job inside out. You could do it in your sleep. You’re still doing it well, but it no longer stretches you. If your learning curve has flattened and opportunities to grow are thin on the ground, it might be time to ask what’s next.

2. The work no longer aligns with your values

Whether it’s the pace, the purpose, or the way people are treated, sometimes what once felt like a great match no longer sits right. You’ve changed. Your priorities have too. And that’s okay.

3. You’ve stopped being curious

Remember when you used to bring new ideas to the table? Or felt excited about a project? If that sense of curiosity has been replaced by indifference, it’s worth exploring why. A new challenge might reignite that energy.

4. You’re watching the clock more than the calendar

Everyone has slow days. But if every day feels like a countdown, it’s worth paying attention. Work shouldn’t feel like something to get through. It should feel like something that gives back in some way – whether that’s through fulfilment, growth or purpose.

5. You’re doing too much of what drains you and not enough of what fuels you

All roles have their less-glamorous bits. But if the balance has tipped and you’re spending more time managing frustrations than doing work you’re proud of, it can start to chip away at your motivation.

So what next?

You don’t have to job-hop at the first sign of discontent. But if these signs feel familiar, it might be time to take stock and start a quiet exploration.

That doesn’t mean rushing into applications. It means reflecting on what you want more of, what you’ve outgrown, and where your strengths are best used.

Here are a few helpful questions to start with:

• What part of my current role do I enjoy the most?

• What do I wish I could do more of?

• When was the last time I felt proud at work – and why?

• Am I developing new skills or just repeating old ones?

• If nothing changed in the next 12 months, how would I feel?

Sometimes, just having that conversation with yourself (or someone else) can bring clarity.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone...

At MDR Consultancy, we work with people who are good at what they do, but are starting to feel like there’s more to give – and more to gain. Whether you’re exploring new leadership opportunities, stepping up, or thinking about shifting direction altogether, we’re here for those in-between moments.

We won’t push you toward something that doesn’t fit. But we will help you understand your options, make sense of your strengths, and map out what a move might look like – if and when you’re ready.

It’s not about chasing the next title or chasing salary bumps. It’s about finding a role that fits where you are now and supports where you want to go next.

So if you’re starting to question whether you’re still in the right place, trust that instinct. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be curious enough to start the conversation.

Call us on 01379 774484 or message the team at hello@dennyrecruits.com.

We’ll be happy to have that conversation with you.