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Key Takeaways
- A tough day at work doesn’t always mean it’s time to walk away. Sometimes, what you need is a new challenge—not a new job.
- Assess the root of your dissatisfaction. Is it the role, the culture, or a lack of growth opportunities holding you back?
- Discomfort can signal growth. Avoiding challenges might limit your development more than staying put.
- Upskilling is a powerful alternative to switching jobs. Diploma and degree courses from private education institutions in Singapore, like PSB Academy, can help you grow without pausing your career.
Not Sure When To Change Your Job? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions
The grass tends to look a whole lot greener on the other side, especially after one too many “this could have been an email” meetings. But if you’ve been doom-scrolling job portals during lunch breaks, it might be time to pause and ask—when is it really the right time to change jobs? In today’s fast-paced work culture, not every rough patch at work is a red flag. Here’s how to tell the difference.
1. Are You Bored or Just Unchallenged?
There’s a big difference between being bored and being under-challenged. If your job is starting to feel like déjà vu every day, it could just mean you’ve outgrown your current responsibilities.
Ask Yourself: Have you been stepping up for new challenges? Taken the lead on a project? Mentored a colleague? Sometimes, stretching your role can spark your enthusiasm. If your company offers internal training or mentorship, take advantage of it. Figuring out when to change jobs isn’t always about escaping boredom—it’s about knowing whether the problem is the job itself or how you’re approaching it.
2. Have You Outgrown the Role or the Culture?
Sometimes, the problem isn’t what you’re doing—it’s the environment you’re doing it in. If you’re rolling your eyes more than rolling up your sleeves, you could be dealing with a values mismatch at work rather than a job issue.
Ask Yourself: Do you still feel motivated by the work, or is it the way decisions are made, how communication flows, or how people are treated that’s frustrating you? These are signs that the workplace culture may no longer align with your personal and professional values. But before jumping ship, consider whether a change in team, department, or responsibilities could offer a better environment, or if it's time to explore new career growth opportunities elsewhere.
3. Are You Learning or Just Repeating?
If your daily tasks feel more like muscle memory than meaningful work, it might be a sign you’ve slipped into professional autopilot. While routine can feel safe, it rarely leads to long-term growth. In today’s fast-moving digital economy, staying still can quietly hold you back.
Ask Yourself: When was the last time you learned something new at work? Are you developing new skills or just going through the motions? If the answer leans toward repetition, it may be time to shake things up. Exploring part-time degree courses can help you grow without hitting pause on your current career. With programmes in a range of fields, including engineering, cyber security, data science, and more, PSB Academy makes it easier for you to upskill for career advancement and rediscover your sense of purpose.
4. Do You Feel Stuck, or Are You Avoiding Discomfort?
Growth doesn’t always feel good. It can be awkward, uncomfortable, and even intimidating—like being the new intern all over again. But if you’re turning down opportunities just because they push you out of your comfort zone, it might be time to rethink what that discomfort really means.
Ask Yourself: Are you feeling stuck because there’s no path forward, or because the next step feels unfamiliar or scary? Are you avoiding opportunities that could stretch your skills simply because they’re outside your comfort zone? Building confidence takes effort, but it often starts with small actions like improving your technical knowledge or developing soft skills. Learning the difference between discomfort and true misalignment is key to recognising when to change jobs and when to grow where you are.
5. Is There Room to Grow Where You Are?
Sometimes, all you need is a little career refresh. Before heading for the exit, consider having an honest conversation with your manager. Share your goals, ask about stretch assignments, or explore the possibility of a lateral move into a different team or function.
Ask Yourself: Have you taken the initiative to speak with your leaders about growth opportunities? They may be more open than you think, especially if you come prepared with ideas or a clear sense of direction. A new challenge could be waiting within your current role or department. But if you’ve explored these conversations and still find yourself stuck, that’s often a clear sign of when to change jobs and explore greener pastures.
Final Thoughts: Grow First, Leap Later
It can be tempting to see job changes as the only way forward, especially in a culture that glorifies constant career moves. But sometimes, the smartest move isn’t out—it’s up, across, or inward. Growth doesn’t always require a resignation letter. It might just call for a new mindset or a new skill.
At PSB Academy, we offer flexible programmes built around the realities of working life. From part-time and online diploma and degree programmes to postgraduate courses for those ready to take the next step, you’ll find opportunities to grow—on your own terms and at your own pace.
Explore our courses today.
