When a career no longer feels right
Feeling unsettled in your career is more common than many people realise. Research consistently shows that around half of working adults consider changing career, yet many remain stuck because they doubt whether their feelings are valid or do not know what to do next.
After coaching hundreds of people through career transitions, clear patterns emerge. There are recurring signs that suggest it may be time to explore alternatives, even if you cannot yet articulate what those alternatives are.
Below are five indicators that often appear when someone is ready for change, along with practical steps you can take now.
1. Sunday night dread has become the norm
The sign
That sinking feeling on Sunday evening is no longer occasional. It happens every week. Monday feels like something to endure rather than begin, and you find yourself counting down to the next break before the week has even started.
Why it matters
All jobs have difficult days. Ongoing dread is different. It often signals a deeper misalignment between you and your role, rather than a temporary challenge.
What to do
Ask yourself what exactly you are dreading. Is it the work itself, the culture, the expectations, the values, or the people? Writing this down helps clarify whether change is possible within your current role or whether something more significant needs to shift.
2. You are successful but unfulfilled
The sign
On paper, your career looks good. You may have security, status, recognition or a strong salary. Yet internally, there is a sense of emptiness or disengagement. Achievements do not bring the satisfaction they once did, and you quietly wonder whether this is all there is.
Why it matters
Fulfilment is not a luxury. When work lacks meaning or alignment, motivation and wellbeing gradually erode. This can be particularly isolating because others may struggle to understand why you feel dissatisfied.
What to do
Reflect on what fulfilment means to you personally. Is it autonomy, creativity, learning, impact, contribution or balance? Where is the gap between what you value and what your work currently provides?
3. Your health is beginning to suffer
The sign
Sleep is disrupted, stress-related symptoms increase, or energy levels are consistently low. You may find yourself relying on coping mechanisms that do not support your wellbeing. Relationships may also be affected because work leaves little emotional capacity.
Why it matters
The body often signals misalignment before the mind fully acknowledges it. Prolonged work-related stress affects not just performance, but long-term health and quality of life.
What to do
Take this seriously. Note physical symptoms and patterns. Speak to your GP if needed, and begin considering what kind of work environment would support your health rather than undermine it.
4. You have outgrown your role
The sign
Your job no longer challenges you. Learning has stalled and progression options are limited. The thought of doing the same work for years to come feels restrictive or draining.
Why it matters
Humans are wired for growth. When work becomes repetitive without development, disengagement and dissatisfaction often follow, even if the role appears stable.
What to do
Consider whether the issue is your role, the organisation, or the wider field. Some people rediscover engagement through change within an organisation. Others realise they have outgrown the industry itself.
5. Your values and your work no longer align
The sign
You feel increasingly uncomfortable with decisions being made, organisational direction or the impact of your work. You may avoid talking about what you do because it no longer reflects who you are.
Why it matters
Values misalignment creates ongoing internal conflict. Over time, this affects confidence, motivation and self-respect.
What to do
Clarify your non-negotiables. Which values matter most to you, such as integrity, contribution, balance, autonomy or social impact? Where does your current work conflict with these, and what kinds of roles would honour them?
“But I don’t know what else I would do”
This uncertainty keeps many people stuck. The truth is you do not need a fully formed plan before you start exploring.
Career change coaching supports people to:
gain clarity on what is no longer working
explore realistic options without pressure
identify transferable skills
test ideas before committing
build confidence to move forward with intention
Most clients begin with uncertainty. Clarity develops through structured reflection and exploration, not through waiting for certainty to appear.
What to do next
If several of these signs resonate, it may be time to explore your options.
You do not need to leave your role immediately. You do deserve to understand whether a more aligned path is possible.
This week, consider:
Noting which signs feel most familiar
Identifying what you need from your next role
Exploring one career direction that has sparked curiosity
You can also book a confidential discovery call to discuss your situation and explore whether career change coaching could support your next steps.
https://calendly.com/renewed-info/20mins
Feeling unfulfilled is not a flaw. It is information. What matters is how you respond to it.
