The Moment I Knew It Was Time to Leave My Job

We all have that moment. The one where we sit at our desk, stare at the screen, and think: Is this really it? Maybe it’s a slow realisation, a creeping sense of frustration that builds over months. Or maybe it hits you all at once—after a bad meeting, a missed promotion, or yet another Sunday night filled with dread.

For some, the moment is clear: the company announces a restructure, your workload doubles, and suddenly, your career feels like it’s going backwards. For others, it’s more subtle: a lack of challenge, the realisation that you’re not growing, or simply the thought that you’re not excited about what you do anymore.

Why People Stay Stuck

Despite knowing deep down that it’s time to move on, many people stay. They tell themselves:

• “It’s not that bad.”
• “I’ve been here for years—it would be a waste to leave now.”
• “What if I move and it’s worse?”
• “I don’t even know where to start looking.”

It’s normal to feel this way. Change is scary, and job hunting can feel overwhelming. But staying in the wrong job for too long can be just as risky—leading to burnout, stagnation, and missed opportunities.

Signs It’s Time to Go

If you’re on the fence about leaving, ask yourself:

• Do I feel undervalued or overlooked?
• Am I no longer learning or progressing?
• Has my work-life balance disappeared?
• Am I staying purely because it’s comfortable?
• Do I feel like I’m just going through the motions?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, it might be time to take the first step.

Making the Leap (Without the Stress)

Leaving a job doesn’t have to mean jumping into the unknown. Before making any big decisions:

1. Get clear on what you want – What’s missing in your current role? What does a better job look like for you?
2. Talk to people in your industry – You’d be surprised how many opportunities come from conversations.
3. Work with a recruiter – A good recruiter will help you understand your value, introduce you to companies that match your goals, and take the pressure off the job search.

At Conrad Consulting, we speak to professionals every day who feel stuck but don’t know where to start. The truth is, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just exploring your options, we’re here to help.

If this post resonates with you, maybe this is your moment. Let’s talk.

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