Your career can be one of the most important things in your life after your friends and family. Ensuring that you are in the right job at the right time can be imperative to personal satisfaction and well-being. Knowing when to seek new opportunities is crucial for maintaining a fulfilling and successful career.
Here are key signs that it might be the right time to start your job search.
1. Limited Growth Opportunities
In a dynamic industry like maritime and shipping, continuous professional growth is vital for many. Our employment surveys tell us that challenge and career growth are huge motivators for job-seeking as well as retention. Ask yourself whether you want to progress and if so what are the opportunities to do so?
If your current role offers little room for advancement or skill development, it might be time to consider a move. Look for opportunities where you can expand your expertise and climb the career ladder.
2. Declining Job Satisfaction
Feeling disengaged or unenthusiastic about your work is a red flag. In such a critical and demanding sector, passion and commitment are essential. If your current role no longer excites you, it could be time to explore positions that reignite your interest and align with your career aspirations.
3. A Toxic Work Environment
A supportive and collaborative work environment is key to thriving in the maritime and shipping industry. Everyone wants to work with nice colleagues, feel supported and believe in their leaders. If you’re facing a toxic culture, poor management, or ongoing conflicts, it’s essential to prioritise your well-being. Finding a company that values teamwork and offers a positive atmosphere can make all the difference.
4. Misalignment with Company Values
As the maritime industry evolves, so do the values and missions of the companies within it. If you find that your personal values or ethical standards no longer align with those of your employer, it might be time to seek a role in an organisation that shares your vision and principles.
5. Stagnant Compensation
Perhaps you have developed your skills and you are putting in the hard work but you have never had a pay rise, or has it been some time since your last one? Similar to progression a pay rise shows recognition that you are doing well and shows that your employer sees you as a valuable person in their business. If your compensation package hasn’t kept pace with your skills or market standards, it could be a sign that it’s time to explore opportunities where your contributions will be more appropriately recognised.
6. Burnout
If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it could be a sign of burnout. When this happens, even the most experienced professionals can struggle to perform at their best. Seeking a new role that offers a better work-life balance can help you regain your energy and enthusiasm.
If you dread going to work, this is not a good mindset to have and this alone is a clear sign change is needed.
7. Craving New Challenges
If you feel you’ve mastered your current role and are ready for new challenges, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to move on. Perhaps you have found yourself scrolling through job boards recently for progression opportunities. A new opportunity can reignite your passion and provide the challenges you seek.
8. Company Instability
Do you feel secure in your role? If your company is experiencing financial instability or frequent layoffs, it may be wise to explore more secure opportunities. A stable company can provide the peace of mind you need to focus on your career growth.
9. Work-Life Imbalance
Do you feel stressed, anxious or run down? Balancing demanding work schedules with personal life is a common challenge. If your job is consistently infringing on your personal time and you’re struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance, it might be time to find a role that allows for better boundaries.
10. Feeling unvalued or unappreciated
When your contributions go unnoticed, it can lead to feeling unmotivated, unhappy and in some cases burnt out. Everyone deserves to work in an environment where their efforts are recognised. If that’s not happening in your current role, seeking a job where you are appreciated can lead to greater career fulfilment and overall well-being.
11. Trusting Your Intuition
Finally, trust your gut. Sometimes, a persistent feeling that it’s time for a change is all the signal you need. If you’ve been feeling dissatisfied or restless for a while, it’s worth exploring what else is out there.
Ready for your next career move?
If any of these signs resonate with you, it might be time to consider your next career move. We specialise in maritime and shipping recruitment, helping professionals like you find roles that align with your skills, values, and career goals. Whether you’re seeking new challenges, better compensation, or a healthier work environment, our expert recruitment team are here to guide you through the process.
Register for new opportunities or browse our current opportunities.
