It happens. The new becomes common, the bloom falls from the rose, and the ordinary creeps in to what was once the job of your dreams. There’s ways to reclaim your mojo and approach an old role with new vigor of course, but sometimes an ending is just what you need to prompt a new, more meaningful beginning.

If you’re experiencing one or more of the following four factors, take a hard look at your current job satisfaction level. Chances are your career funk is a sign you should scoot to greener pastures.

1. Opportunities for Upward Mobility Seem Slim: If your current company is too small or position holders at the next level are not moving it may be time to look. You don’t want “potential” company growth or other people’s career actions to determine your fate. If you can’t at least influence the action, you’re wasting your time.
2. You’ve Been in the Same Role for 24-36 Months: There’s a difference between 10 years of experience and 1 year of experience repeated 10 times. If a promotion isn’t an option, search for lateral moves or special projects that enhance your resume. If you’re not growing, it’s time to bolt.
3. Investment in Your Career Slows: Companies invest in their top people either via coaching, formal training, or just inclusion in high profile projects that let you know you’re on a succession plan. If the only one talking about your career is a headhunter you should listen and leave.
4. The Company is Struggling Financially: There is something to be said for loyalty, but it needs to go both ways. If you aren’t already feeling the love, don’t tie your sail to a sinking boat.

Not all signs are this straight forward. Other indicators that it may be time to move on include: you aren’t getting considered for key projects, you stop getting invited to important meetings, and your manager no longer asks for your input on big decisions.

Performance management and rewards aren’t always metrics based. Sometimes, your fate rests on the subjective and finicky whims of next level leaders. Regardless of the reason, once you decide to make a change, take a strategic approach to plotting your course by asking the following questions:

1. Am I willing to relocate and are there any no-go locations? (If yes, consider cost of living issues and how that affects potential offers.)
2. Is my family onboard with a potential change?
3. Which aspects of my career do I want to continue in the new job and which would I like to leave behind?
4. What new things do I need to learn in the next role?
5. How should I adjust, support, or reinvent my professional brand?
6. Am I ready for the increased workload a new role will bring?

One you have an offer in hand, double down on your company research to ensure it will provide the right culture fit and growth opportunities that were missing in the last organization.

Need a career coach? Contact me via www.plotlineleadership.com.

Be sure to check out my latest book The Introvert’s Guide to Job Hunting and follow me on Twitter at @timtoterhi