The end of the year is often a time to look back. You have lived another year with memories, experiences, happiness, and, sometimes, regret and sadness. The end of the year is also a time to look ahead… to envision how the new year will be different. Often, your thoughts turn to the questions, “Is my career going where I had hoped? Will next year be different? Is it time to consider a job change?” When does it make sense to consider a new job? Are there indicators that can help direct me regarding this most difficult question?

Today, I would like to briefly pose 4 indicators that could say that 2021 may be the time to seek a new opportunity.

Indicators that it may be time to consider a job change

1. When the cost of staying is greater than the benefit of leaving

Let’s face it… though there are benefits in our jobs, positions, and careers, there are also costs. Some of these costs are monetary, but, mostly, they involve our time, our emotions, our health, and our family. When these costs become too great, it may be time to consider a job change. Let me give an example… I was once in a position that demanded too much from many perspectives. The position and work environment were impacting my personal well-being and, most importantly, my family. Simply put, when you get that feeling of dread in your stomach on Sunday evenings about work the next day, it is time to consider a change.

2. When you are being abused or treated inappropriately

Some jobs are simply abusive. An individual boss can make life difficult. A work environment can by physically too demanding to the point that your health is impacted. Individual treatment can be sexually or racially uncomfortable or abusive. When you reach that point and feel that change is unlikely, it may be time to look for a new opportunity. Two cautions… first, don’t be a snowflake! Just because you don’t like doing what you are told or you don’t like working overtime, doesn’t mean the environment is abusive. Facing and conquering adversity defines our character. Persevering in times of difficulty build strength. Leaving simply because you don’t like something or someone is not the answer. Secondly, there are times when you need to stay and fight for change. Sometimes, one individual needs to be the change agent that will benefit others. It could be that you were put into this challenging situation simply because you are the only one to make a difference. However, there are times when you need to just move on.

3. If you can’t achieve in your career goals in a reasonable timeframe

One piece of advice I have always given individuals I mentor is this, “What do you want to be doing in 5 years? If you cannot achieve that here, it is time to move to a place where you can.” You need to be realistic about timeframes and achieving career steps, but if you get to the point that achieving your reasonable career advancement is not practical, the time has come to consider a change.

4. When a new opportunity arises that takes you toward your purpose or passion

Leaving a job should not often be to get away from something, but to move toward something better. When a new opportunity arises that takes you closer to your purpose in life or your passion, you need to take it. These opportunities may only arise 3 or 4 times in your entire career, so don’t pass them up. Finding and working in a field or company doing what you know you should be doing is rare. When you have that chance, don’t miss it.

One more word about new opportunities. If you are considering a job change solely to achieve a title or to attain a financial advantage, you may be sorry. Certainly, these are important as you advance in your career. But, you need to balance these with other intrinsic factors. Serving in a lower or less paying position may offer you more contentment, more family time, more opportunities to serve others, and more job and life satisfaction than taking a job change merely for a promotion or salary increase. There are times when saying “no” is the best answer to a new job opportunity. However, if you have reached that fork in the road when a change is indicated, be bold, do what you know you need to do, and don’t look back. You’ll never be sorry you took a job change if it leads to a more fulfilling and productive life for you and others.