How to decide whether to stay or change careers

Moving to another job or changing your career path can feel daunting, but it can also be exciting, important, and, ultimately, reassuring if it leads you towards a happier working life.

People choose to leave jobs for many different reasons. For some, it's unacceptable stress levels, too little time with family or a lack of fulfilment. Others find themselves spending hours commuting between meetings or checking emails long after the working day has finished. Over time, an unhealthy work-life balance can become the norm.

Before making any big decisions, take some time to reflect on your options. Sometimes the answer is finding ways to improve your current situation. Other times, it may be moving on.

1. Focus on what you can change

Start by thinking about your current job and the things you're struggling with. Write them down.

Now look through your list and identify the things that are within your influence to change, either by yourself or with the support of someone else, such as your manager.

For example, if you're taking your laptop to bed each evening to keep on top of your workload, could better boundaries or time management help?

If you're constantly exhausted, could you ask for support, explore flexible working options or make more time to recharge?

Small changes can sometimes make a bigger difference than we expect.

2. Accept what you can't change

Now go back to your list and identify the things that are outside your control.

Perhaps you fundamentally disagree with the organisation's values or leadership style. Maybe decisions are being made that you simply can't influence.

When this happens, you usually have two choices: accept the situation for what it is, or begin planning your next move.

Remaining frustrated by circumstances you cannot change rarely benefits you or the people around you.

3. Think about what you'd be leaving behind

One of the biggest reasons people stay in jobs they no longer enjoy is the fear of losing what they already have.

Make another list.

This time, write down everything you value about your current role. It might include:

• your salary
• flexible working
• supportive colleagues
• opportunities to learn
• your commute
• the type of work you do.

Now prioritise that list.

Which things are essential and which are simply nice to have?

If you're considering self-employment, think about how you might replace some of the things you'll miss. For example, if you enjoy the social side of work, networking groups or co-working spaces may provide a similar sense of community.

4. Explore your options

Researching the job market doesn't commit you to leaving.

Looking at vacancies, speaking to recruiters or attending interviews can help you understand what's available and whether another opportunity genuinely offers what you're looking for.

Sometimes you'll discover a role that's a much better fit.

Sometimes you'll realise your current job isn't as bad as you first thought.

Either way, you'll be making your decision from a much more informed position.

5. Be willing to leave your comfort zone

Growth often requires us to step into unfamiliar territory.

That doesn't mean making impulsive decisions, but it does mean recognising that positive change rarely happens without some uncertainty.

As André Gide famously wrote:

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."

Changing careers isn't about running away from something. It's about moving towards a working life that better reflects who you are, what's important to you and how you want to live.

Take your time, weigh up your options carefully and trust yourself to make the decision that's right for you.