1. Get clear on what is actually going on. 

When you start to feel dissatisfied at work, it can be hard to pin down exactly why. Frustration builds and everything begins to blur together. 

Take a moment to step back and ask: 

• What is it that is bothering me? 
• Is it the tasks, the leadership, the culture, the work-life balance, or something else? 
• Are there still parts of the job that I enjoy? 

Writing this down can help. Once you’ve got some clarity, you’re better positioned to make thoughtful decisions rather than reactive ones. 



2. Could anything change in your job to make you feel better? 

Sometimes you may have outgrown a role, and it’s no longer the right fit. But other times, there may be potential to improve your experience, if you’re clear on what it is you need. 

Ask yourself: 

• Have I had an open conversation with my manager about how I’m feeling? 
• Are there opportunities to take on different projects or responsibilities? 
• Would more flexibility or a clearer development path make a difference? 



You don’t always have to leave your current employer to move forward. Sometimes what you’re looking for might be achievable where you are, you just need to define what that looks like. 

3. Be honest with yourself about what it is you want

This part is important. What defines a fulfilling job for you might have changed since you started, and that’s completely normal. 

Try this:
Rate each of the following from 1–10 based on what matters to you right now: 

• Career development 
• Compensation 
• Flexibility 
• Purpose or alignment 
• Needing a new challenge 



Getting clear on your current priorities can help you avoid rushed decisions, and instead focus on finding something that genuinely fits. 

4. Do your research 

If you are going to move, make it the right one. 

Pay attention to company culture, how they communicate, and what people say about working there. Read reviews. Check their social media. Ask around if you can. 

Here are a few questions to guide your thinking: 

• Does this organisation actually live its values? 
• What’s their track record on flexibility, inclusion, and development? 
• Can I see myself growing here, not just starting over somewhere new? 



Doing a bit of homework now can save you from ending up in a role that isn’t the right fit. 

5. Listen to your gut 

Once you’ve done the thinking, had the conversations, and explored your options, how does it all sit with you? 

Sometimes, even when the facts seem right, something can still feel off. Or, on the flip side, an opportunity might spark a quiet sense of excitement that’s hard to explain. 

You don’t need to have every answer mapped out. But paying attention to how a situation makes you feel, especially after you’ve done your homework, can help guide your next move. 

It’s not about being impulsive. It’s about recognising when something feels aligned, and giving yourself the space to respond to that. 



Feeling dissatisfied at work doesn’t always mean it’s time to quit. But it usually means something needs to shift, whether it’s more flexibility, better growth opportunities, a new challenge, or a team that aligns more closely with your values. 

The key is getting clear on why you’re feeling the way you are, before making any big moves.