Are You Changing the Right Thing in Your Career?

One of the most important steps in any career transition is getting clear on why you want to make a change. A job search—especially one that involves learning new skills, entering a different industry, or adjusting to a new work environment—requires significant effort. The last thing you want is to go through that process only to realize you changed the wrong thing.

For example, if you’re working in a toxic team culture or feeling unsupported by your boss, it’s easy to assume the entire company (or even the whole industry) is the problem. But what if the issue is specific to your team or leadership? You might miss out on great opportunities within your current company simply because you feel the need to "get out of Dodge" as quickly as possible.

Before making a career move, take time to reflect on what’s truly driving your decision. These questions can help you pinpoint what’s working—and what isn’t—so you can make a more informed choice.

Job Function

• How engaged are you in your daily tasks and responsibilities?

• Does your current role align with your long-term career goals?

• Do you feel challenged in a way that supports your growth?

Boss & Team

• How well do you align with your boss’s expectations and leadership style?

• Are challenges with your boss or team a major source of stress or dissatisfaction?

• How would you rate how conflicts are handled within your team?

Company

• How well do your company’s culture, values, and mission align with your own?

• Do you feel supported, valued, and fairly compensated?

• How do you feel about the company’s leadership and overall direction?

Industry

• Are you genuinely interested in the work your industry is doing?

• Do you see opportunities for growth and innovation that excite you?

• How secure do you feel working in this industry?

After reflecting on these questions, which factors are influencing your desire for change the most? Are you looking for a new role, a new company, or an entirely new industry? Clarity is key—because the more intentional you are about what you change, the more likely you are to land in a role that truly fits.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps, I’d love to help. Whether you need support refining your job search strategy or exploring career options, let’s work together to make sure your next move is the right one. You got this!

Schedule a Discovery Call with me HERE.

*Thanks to Career Thought Leaders for many of the reflections shared on this post.