Have the last few years presented challenges to you or your business? Maybe you’re feeling bored or restless with your current job or maybe your business isn’t going in the direction you’d hoped, and your stress level is at an all-time high. 

You’re not alone in feeling this way. According to a poll conducted for the American Psychological Association,¹ around 34% of adults reported that stress is completely overwhelming most days. 

Stress can cause you to either make rash decisions or be afraid to make a significant change. How do you decide if you’re ready for a new job or to start a new business? We have the top six signs you’re ready to make the leap. 

1. You’re not learning anything new 

There comes a time when you’ve just stopped learning anything new in your job. For some people, this is OK. They enjoy routine work and thrive on the sameness. But for others who want to be consistently challenged in what they do, the absence of learning new things can be a death sentence for interest and productivity. 

2. There’s no clear career development path

Many companies take the initiative to design a career path for employees to ensure upward growth in the company and their individual careers. If promotions are few and far between, or you see no clear development path, that could mean career growth with your current company isn’t a possibility. 

3. You avoid new challenges or responsibilities

Chances are, if you try to blend into the background or don’t raise your hand to take on a new assignment, you’ve probably checked out and it’s time to move on. If you’re not excited about new challenges or taking on more responsibilities—even when compensated—it’s time to start looking for a job that reignites your passion. 

4. You’re constantly stressed or unhappy

If you dread going into the office (or sitting down at your desk) or carry your work stress home with you, it can seriously cost you—both mentally and physically. And that’s something that can negatively affect you and those around you. 

5. There’s no work-life balance 

Long workdays with no time for breaks or family time will lead to burnout. If your personal and work lives are suffering with no end in sight, unless there’s a large culture shift in your current company, it’s probably time to find a company that prioritizes work-life balance. 

6. You can’t stop thinking about a career change

Maybe you’ve gotten as far as you can in your current career. Or perhaps your brain is constantly focused on your side hustle or on starting that new business you’ve always dreamed about. If you have a dream job you just can’t stop thinking about, it may be time for a change. 

Tips to get started 

If any of these signs sound familiar, you may be ready to take that leap and apply for a new job or finally start a new business. Whatever the case may be, make sure you’re prepared to make a major change. 

Ready for a new job? The best time to get a new job is when you already have one. Want to start a new business? That will take planning and preparation. We have a few tips to help you get ready for such a change. 

Know you’ll never be 100% ready

Change is hard, especially when it comes to a career change or starting a new business. You could always be more experienced, more prepared or have a bigger network. But if you wait until you’re 100% ready, you may never start. 

Do your research and create a plan

Start scouring job descriptions of the positions that interest you. See what skills are required and try to fill any missing gaps in your skill set, and don’t forget to update that resume! If you’re starting a business, make sure you’ve created your business plan. You need to have a sound business idea, know your product and understand your competition. Don’t go into it blindly. 

Have your expenses covered for at least six months

If you decide you can’t take your job anymore and want to quit before finding new employment, make sure you have enough money saved to cover at least six months of expenses. This rule of thumb is also good for starting your own business, especially if you’re going at it full-force and not as a side gig to start. 

Be ready to work hard

Starting a new job and learning new skills can almost feel like drinking from a firehose. It’s the same with starting a new business. Know that mistakes and failures will happen, but also know that with hard work you can move forward and be successful. Don’t let the fear of starting something new keep you from trying. 

Getting started is almost always the hardest part of trying something new. But nothing will change if you don’t try. Here’s to new challenges and new changes. You’ve got this!