When's the best time to change jobs 

Are you wondering whether you’re in the right job and thinking about switching to something else? Here’s how you can find out when’s the right time to leave your job.

We all have our up and down days at work, but if you feel the Monday blues consistently during the week, this could be a sign that your current job is not working for you. If that’s the case, it’s time to consider just when and how you want to make your next move.

Finding the best time to change jobs at a glance

Ultimately, there isn’t one best time of year to leave your current role behind and look for a new job; it’s a little more complicated than that. New vacancies come up throughout the year but typically when we see a large amount of opportunities, competition gets tougher too. However, if you’re really uninspired and burned out at work, any time of year is potentially the right time to move on to a new professional chapter.

Keep reading to learn how you can figure out if your job isn't right for you and when’s a good time to find new career opportunities.

Alternatively, if you would like personalised advice ahead of your next steps, get in contact with one of our expert recruitment consultants for a confidential chat about your career.

How to know your job isn’t for you:

1. You’re uninspired at work

Is your job boring you to tears? Being bored at work can make you feel demotivated and dent your confidence. If you often feel uninspired at work, a new role can help kick-start your motivation and bring new opportunities for you to sink your teeth into.

2. You feel burned out

It is inevitable that, at some point in your job, you will feel stressed. However, if this continues for a significant amount of time, makes you feel anxious or tired, affects your productivity or has a negative impact on your health or relationships, it may be a sign to make a career move.

3. You’ve missed out on that promotion…again

Do you feel you’re not getting the recognition you deserve despite doing your best to meet your objectives? It’s unrealistic to be top of your game all the time, but if you’re being constantly passed over for a promotion despite your best efforts, you should consider applying your skills elsewhere.

When to start your job search:

Spring

Spring is a good time for job searching, with high volumes of vacancies available for both permanent and temporary staff. The New Year surge has lessened slightly, which means competition is moderate for the best positions. Many organisations are also considering their budgets for the next financial year around this time.

Summer

With a lot of people taking holidays from June to September, this is a great time for temporary workers offering cover, but opportunities for permanent staff are still widely available, and with less competition from other potential candidates.

Autumn

As organisations and hiring managers come back from their holidays, there’s often a hiring surge, as employers begin to consider their strategy for the coming year. You’ll have lots of opportunities to apply for jobs, but also competition from other applicants, so make sure your CV and online presence is up to the challenge.

Winter

Early winter and the run up to Christmas is a quiet time for applications, but that doesn’t mean opportunities aren’t available. This is an excellent time for seasonal temp workers. After the New Year, there’s a big surge in demand for new jobs, as you might expect, which means heightened competition for available roles. Speak to your consultant about how to beat the competition for top roles in busy times.

What you need to remember about deciding when to change jobs

Leaving your existing role is rarely an easy choice to make, even if it isn’t a good fit. But if you feel unhappy and burnt out consistently, don’t be afraid to look for a new opportunity that’s better aligned with your skills and goals. You can find a job at any time of the year, but usually spring, autumn and January-February see the largest number of vacancies listed.

If you feel stuck or need extra motivation, we have a wide range of resources available that can help you out. Check out our latest career advice covering everything from the beginning of a hiring process to making a good impression at a new job and building a successful career.