Are you tired of your current job and feel like you need a change? You’re not alone. According to the US
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 3.2 million Americans quit their jobs in July 2025. This number is roughly 2% of the country’s total workforce, which is pretty scary. Many of these people didn't just quit; they were making a total career pivot.
The idea of leaving a stable job and starting afresh can be daunting, of course. But the payoff, better job fulfillment, a career you’re passionate about, and maybe (dare you dream?) better pay, can make the risk worth it.
But, how do you know you’re ready for such a move?
Here are five clear signs that a career change might be the best step for you, so read on.
1. You’re Experiencing Burnout
A little bit of stress is a part of any job. People tend to feel overworked, overwhelmed, and even underappreciated. But when this becomes consistent and prolonged, it could be that burnout is setting in. About 25% of employees say they’ve experienced burnout at some point in their careers, according to
a McKinsey study. So if you think you’re the problem, well … you’re not!
Here are some symptoms that’ll let you know you’re experiencing burnout:
- Persistent fatigue and exhaustion
- Being always emotionally drained at work
- Difficulty concentrating at work
- Unexplained change in appetite or weight
- Increased irritability and anger
- A sudden and unexplained loss of motivation
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These signs will not be the same for everyone, plus the severity and duration may also differ. However, taken individually or collectively, it's a sure sign to start considering a different career.
2. Limited Opportunities for Growth
Another clear sign that it may be time for you to make the switch is if you discover that there’s no room for you at the top. Limited growth opportunities are one of the biggest reasons people feel dissatisfied at work, and why so many Americans are quitting their jobs.
If you’ve done all you can in your current role and there’s nothing left to excite or challenge you, staying put can feel like career suicide. The good news is that there are always bigger and better opportunities elsewhere, even outside your current industry, to take your career to the next level.
Let’s also not forget that upward career mobility is usually tied to higher pay and more responsibilities. And aren’t these exactly the kind of rewards that make a career change worth the effort?
3. Poor Work-Life Balance
Is your current job taking so much of your time that you no longer have a personal or social life? If yes, then that's a big red flag. It’s okay if your work is challenging, but working long hours or managing heavy workloads with little or no time for yourself can have mental health consequences.
In fact, a global survey of 26,000 workers across 35 countries found work-life balance to be the highest ranking factor for employees, whether in current roles or when hunting for new opportunities.
If the standard in your current role or industry is poor, then you should definitely consider pivoting to a different industry. A fulfilling career shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being. Stepping into a different field or exploring other opportunities that respect proper work-life balance is vital to maintaining your mental and physical health.
4. You’re Dreaming About a Different Career Path
Are you always dreaming of trying your hand at something new? Maybe a different role, or an entirely different industry. That’s a sure sign to start looking.
Here’s the thing, though; sometimes, starting afresh may mean going back to school, getting a new certificate, or even learning new skills. But that’s totally fine.
Some professionals who long for a more meaningful career have found success and fulfillment through retraining. For example, there are teachers who now have rewarding careers in healthcare by pursuing one of the
nursing degree online programs of your choice. If they can, you can too.
Programs like these, according to Rockhurst University, will broaden your skills and expand your career opportunities. The best part is that you can pursue them without taking time off from your existing job.
So, if the idea of starting in a new field keeps popping into your head and won’t go away, that’s your cue to start exploring alternative career options.
5. Your Values No Longer Align with Your Job
When company culture clashes with your personal culture, you’re faced with a tough decision: stay or move? Perhaps your current organization has started cutting corners (certain industries are notorious for this), or maybe some of the recent leadership decisions don’t sit well with you.
Whatever the case, the moment you start noticing a class of values, it's a sure sign to start looking. And guess what? You won’t be the first to switch careers over it. In fact, one survey found that 47% of employees said they’ll quit if leadership actions don’t match company values.
In this type of situation, you should definitely start thinking about transitioning to an industry that aligns with your values and ethics, because at the end of the day, working for what you believe in is not just good for your career, it's great for your peace of mind.
What to Do Next
Recognizing that you need a change of career is not enough. The question is: what should you do about it?
Let's look at some ideas:
Start by taking stock of your skills and interests. Write down the stuff you’re good at, the things that excite you, and the new skills you’d like to learn. This will give you clarity going forward.
Next, take time to research alternative career paths. Look to see if there are industries that overlap with yours, where your current skill set can be applied. For example, accountants can easily pivot into data analytics or fintech. That said, don’t be afraid to consider options that may require retraining and recertification.
Finally, build a realistic roadmap. Don’t be in a hurry to suddenly quit your current job. If possible, take a leave of absence from work and use this time to make small, but important steps, such as upskilling, networking, and even applying for roles.
Bottom line, once you recognize any or all of these signs, don’t ignore them. Yes, change can be scary, but being stuck in the wrong career is worse. Taking control of your career is one of the most important moves you can make for your future.
