Navigate the Career Crossroads

We’ve all had those days where quitting sounds like the best solution. But is it really the right time to move on, or just a bad week? Before making a move, it’s important to separate frustrations from real career roadblocks. 

As a Recruiter and Career Brand Advisor, I’ve seen plenty of people eager to jump ship without fully thinking it through. “The grass is always greener” comes to mind when career changes are on the table—but as I always tell my clients, making a move shouldn’t be a knee-jerk reaction. A strong, strategic reason will serve you far better than a quick exit based on frustration or convenience. If you’re wondering whether it’s the right time to switch jobs or companies, here are some key signs to help you decide.

Stuck in Career Limbo?

Do you feel like no matter how hard you work, you’re never really moving forward? Like your manager keeps dangling a promotion or raise just out of reach? Maybe you say yes to everything, earn glowing reviews, but still see no real progress or acknowledgment. That’s Career Limbo—a place where upward mobility stalls, and unfortunately, it’s a major reason why millennials job-hop every few years.

Think about it: If there are four managers but only one VP opening, what happens to the other three? This bottleneck isn’t always personal—it’s often the result of corporate structure and the limitations of “promote within” cultures. And while it’s frustrating, there are steps you can take.

If you’re stuck, start by gathering your resources. Put together a proposal outlining how you can grow within your role and bring more value to your organization. If leadership isn’t receptive or the opportunity simply isn’t there, it might be time to explore new options. And remember—having a job offer in hand can sometimes be the leverage you need to get what you deserve.

Inflation, the Silent Pay Cut.

Inflation is an invisible tax that erodes your purchasing power, and many Americans are feeling its effects. For instance, the average price of a dozen eggs reached $5.90 in February 2025, a significant increase from previous years.  If your organization isn’t addressing inflation—either by acknowledging these changes or preparing proactive measures—they’re effectively passing that financial burden onto you, the employee.

When discussing raises, don’t focus on why you need the increase, but rather the value you bring to the company. Document your accomplishments and highlight how you’ve exceeded your job requirements. Your employment contract outlines the basic qualifications; use it to demonstrate how you’ve gone above and beyond. Present these facts to your manager. If they cite budget constraints or other limitations, it may be time to explore opportunities elsewhere. Sometimes, having an offer from a competitor can prompt your current employer to reconsider and match or exceed that offer. Such situations can reveal a lot about the company’s values and may influence your decision on where your loyalty should lie.

The Sunday Scaries Shouldn’t Be Your Normal.

I get it. We all have days where work feels like a drag—maybe there’s a big project looming, or you went a little too hard at happy hour and now your inbox feels extra intimidating. That’s life. But that deep, gnawing anxiety about work? That shouldn’t be a daily occurrence.

If every night you struggle to fall asleep, every morning your stomach is in knots, and every day you feel drained beyond just being “a little tired,” it’s time to take a step back. When work starts creeping into your personal life—wrecking your appetite, killing your energy, and making every Sunday feel like a countdown to misery—that’s a sign something’s wrong.

I’ve been there. I know what it’s like when walking into the office feels like stepping into slow motion, where the air feels heavier and your stomach drops before you even reach your desk. And while I’m not a licensed behavioral specialist, I do know this: No job is worth your mental and physical well-being.

If this feeling has become your everyday reality, please consider seeking support—whether it’s from a professional, a trusted friend, or even just a career change. Life is too short, and too full of possibilities, to spend your waking hours dreading them.

Toxic Work Environments: When It’s Time to Go

“Toxic” can be a bit subjective—what’s unbearable for one person might be just another day at the office for someone else. But if your workplace is drowning in gossip, bureaucracy, nepotism, or blatant favoritism, it’s worth asking yourself: Is this a place I want to stay?

The good news? You can manage the situation while planning your exit. Keep your head down, focus on your work, and keep your job search to yourself. If a potential employer asks for a reference from your current position, a simple, professional response such as, “I’d prefer to keep my search confidential, as my current employer could retaliate if they knew I was exploring other opportunities” is usually enough. Most hiring managers will read between the lines and understand why you’re looking elsewhere.

You should never feel trapped in a job or fear losing it just because you’re considering better options. If you’re unsure whether your workplace is truly toxic, check out this!

The Market Disruptives.
As of April 2025, the U.S. job market is experiencing significant shifts due to recent economic policies and advancements in technology. On April 2, President Donald Trump declared “Liberation Day,” implementing sweeping tariffs aimed at reducing reliance on foreign goods and bolstering domestic industries. 

These tariffs have led to global market instability and raised concerns about a potential economic downturn. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman warned that these measures could trigger an “economic nuclear winter,” urging for a 90-day pause to reassess the situation. 

In the tech sector, the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of software engineering. Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer, Kevin Scott, predicts that within the next five years, AI will generate 95% of code, reducing the need for traditional line-by-line coding by humans. However, he emphasizes that human creativity and problem-solving remain crucial in the development process. 

Amid these changes, it’s essential for professionals to stay informed and adaptable. Engaging with thought leaders in your field can provide valuable insights into emerging trends and necessary skill sets. While the future is uncertain, proactively enhancing your skills and staying attuned to industry developments can better position you to navigate the evolving job market.

The Job Market is Changing—Are You Ready?

As I write this in April 2025, just days after “Liberation Day,” the economic landscape is shifting fast. Uncertainty looms as trade policies change, industries attempt to adapt, and professionals wonder what comes next. Prices are rising, jobs are evolving, and AI is rewriting the rules in tech and beyond.

Some roles are vanishing. Others are more crucial than ever. Software engineers, for example, face a changing landscape—some fear AI will replace them, while others see their skills in higher demand than ever, fixing the flood of bad AI-generated code.

If you’re feeling stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed by work, know this: you are not alone. The Sunday Scaries, toxic environments, and job market shifts can wear on anyone. If work is impacting your health, don’t ignore it. If your workplace is holding you back, keep your head down, do your work, and quietly prepare your exit strategy. And if the market has you nervous, seek out thought leaders, learn new skills, and get ahead of the curve.

At the end of the day, “Don’t Get Ready, Stay Ready.” Keep building your skills—both personally and professionally. Expand your network and  have conversations. Because the most important person in your career journey is you.

If you’re considering a career move, weigh your options carefully, trust your gut, and make the decision that’s best for you. And when the time comes—happy hunting!