Are you unsure if your career is stalled or if you need to start looking for another job? Here are six ways to know it’s time to begin a job search or change employers.

1. No chance for advancement.  If you look at the next step in your career progression and don’t see a next rung on the ladder, it might be a time to switch employers.  It may be that others hold long term positions or because you’ve been told you can go no further. Perhaps you should look elsewhere for advancement.

2. Your attempts to start a career conversation are not encouraged.  If you have tried to talk to your boss about your career but she isn’t interested, then it is time to find an employer that will take your career seriously.

3. It isn’t a learning culture.  Technology is driving change at an unbelievable rate.  If your company isn’t encouraging you to be on the cutting edge of your profession it may be time to look elsewhere. Your only real advantage to ensure long term employability is that you possess the current and future skills to add value to the company.

4. Is technology making your job obsolete?  Not every job will be replaced by technology, but with its speed of change, it is important to look ahead to see where your profession is going.  Is technology diminishing the value of your professional skills? Then you need to find an employer who values those skills.

5. You’ve lost the desire.  If you don’t get up every morning looking forward to your job you need to evaluate if you are in the right place.  Look for a company or job that closely aligns with your goals, aspirations, and career direction.

6. You’re consistently stressed, negative or unhappy at work.  If you get anxious or unhappy just thinking about work, that’s a good sign that it’s time to move on.

None of these six things is enough to make you leave your job, but if you find multiple signs applying to you, you may want to consider making a change.  If making a change is your decision, remember the golden rule of never burning bridges.  In today’s world, the business community is well connected, and people talk with each other.  Make a point to always be professional and do your part. Take the high road in every situation.

Rick Christensen: Director, Career Transition Practice Rick has been a career consultant for over 25 years, serving a very broad-based and diverse clientele. His specialties include effective group facilitation, one-on-one coaching and consultation at all levels including senior executives.

Rick’s passion is coaching individuals through career transitions, developing career management strategies and in identifying and sharpening competencies to open doors to new opportunities. His efforts have assisted thousands of individuals achieve their full potential.