The eternal question.

Inside us, two opposing impulses are always at play: logic and emotion and the loudest one is often fear.

When it comes to our careers, they require the same things good leadership requires:intentional management, strategic thinking, and the courage to change.

How can we recognise that it might be time for the next step?

The most common signs:

1. Boredom

Everything feels known, predictable, and routine. There’s no learning, no growth, and the longer stagnation lasts, the further it distances us from a market that constantly evolves.

2. Dissatisfaction

Tense relationships, misunderstandings with managers, a value mismatch with the organisation, frustration, and inner restlessness.

3. Lack of recognition

We give a lot, but our efforts go unnoticed. No praise, no reward, no opportunity, we’re taken for granted.

4. Constant stress

Unrealistic deadlines, organisational chaos, sleepless nights, and a disrupted personal life are a slow road to burnout.

And yet, even when the signs are clear, we often stay. Dissatisfaction is familiar but change is not. And the unknown always triggers fear.

There is, however, another subtle signal that motivates the bravest: 

5. The comfort zone

We feel satisfied. Everything is stable and secure. We do what we’re good at, yet there’s a sense we could do more, that we have more strength, capacity, and energy.

For those who see growth as their ultimate value, this moment often becomes the trigger for change.

In my work, I often meet candidates who come from this “quiet” zone. They’re already successful and professionally accomplished, and what they look for and expect from their employers is:

 new opportunities, challenges, space to grow, trust, autonomy, and authenticity