Yesterday, someone asked me a powerful question: How do you know when it is the right time to change jobs?

My answer? It often comes down to three things, growth, fulfilment, and financial stability.

If your current role offers none of these, your career might be in crisis mode. Let us start with the obvious. If you are miserable in your job, for any reason, it may be time to move on.

Here is a simple breakdown

If you cannot pay your bills, you may be a financial burden to yourself or someone else. If you are not learning or developing, your progress has stalled. If you do not feel fulfilled, whether through enjoyment, meaning or a sense of achievement, that is a direct road to burnout. When all three are missing, it is a clear signal to make a change.

But what if one of these elements is present? Then it becomes a question of priorities. Say, for example, you are learning and feel fulfilled, but cannot cover your basic expenses. The decision to stay or go depends on your financial situation. Are you dependent on others, or is someone relying on you? If you are under financial strain, consider asking for a raise. If that is not feasible, then it is time to start planning your next move.

Still, changing jobs is not automatic. It requires in-demand skills and the right mindset. Simply wanting a change is not the same as being ready for one. The market will expect evidence of your capability.

Now, if you are financially secure but lack fulfilment or growth, your challenge is different. This is where financial stability becomes a real asset. It gives you options. You have the breathing room to stay and reskill, take a short break, or reflect on your next steps. You might choose to invest in a course, take time out to gain clarity, or simply reassess what you want from your career.

And when I speak of financial stability, I do not mean billionaire status. I mean having enough saved to sustain your lifestyle for six to twelve months. A financial cushion gives you the time to reset. I have done this myself, taken a pause to regroup and come back with greater clarity and strength.

To be clear, growth, fulfilment, and financial stability all matter. But finance is often the engine that makes the other two possible.

A note to those under 30

Do not feel pressured to have it all figured out. Do not obsess over finding your one true purpose or passion just yet. Focus on building character. Become the kind of adult who pays their bills, meets their commitments, and shows up responsibly.

Be adventurous, but avoid carelessness. Enjoy your life, but save something while you do. You will need those savings to invest in yourself and prepare for the career turns that will inevitably come.

It is perfectly fine not to know exactly what you want right now. Use this time to learn who you are and what truly drives you. Focus on becoming a person of substance.

Because in the long run, character and skill go hand in hand. Even the most brilliant skill cannot sustain itself without a strong foundation of character.

In the end, it all comes full circle.

I wish you the very best.

Kindest regards,

Adora