You know it’s time to find a new job. The thought crosses your mind every morning as you open your laptop or walk into the office. You’re no longer happy where you are, but you’re not sure how to make the move.
Dissatisfaction rarely comes from a single reason. Work that once felt challenging no longer pushes you. You’re feeling overlooked and undervalued. The culture has shifted to the point that it doesn’t feel like your place anymore. Growth has stalled, or you’ve already reached the ceiling. Each of these on their own can be managed for a while, but when they come together the pressure builds. Leave it unchecked and sooner or later you’ll snap, whether that means walking away too quickly, losing your temper at the wrong time, or burning bridges you might need later. It’s always better to move before you reach that point.
Getting ready to leave starts well before you resign. Your CV needs to highlight what you achieved, not just the list of responsibilities you carried. Your portfolio should tell the story of your impact, not simply showcase outputs. Talking to a coach, mentor or trusted peer can help sharpen how you present yourself and give you clarity on your strengths. These steps prepare you so that when the right opportunity appears, you’re ready to step into it with confidence.
LinkedIn plays a bigger role than many people think. It isn’t only about recruiters. It’s a space where you can show your work, your perspective, and the way you think. Writing posts, joining conversations, and sharing what you’re working on helps you stay present in the minds of others. This isn’t about gaming the system or chasing likes. It’s about being visible, being likeable, and being the type of person people are happy to recommend when a role comes up. Most opportunities flow through people, not job boards, and if you’re never seen or heard, you’re forgotten when those conversations happen.
At the same time the fear of being found out is real. You picture colleagues noticing small changes on your profile. You worry your manager will catch wind of it and start making plans to replace you. That’s enough to stop many people from acting, but it doesn’t have to. LinkedIn has quiet settings that let recruiters see you without you announcing it to the world. You can reconnect with old colleagues and start conversations outside your company. You can balance what you post so it feels professional without raising suspicions. The key is to focus on building relationships, not just asking for a job when you need one.
When the time comes to move on, how you do it matters as much as the decision itself. Don’t burn bridges. Give proper notice and make sure the handover is done well. Respect the people you’ve worked with, even if the experience wasn’t always positive. Thank them for the time you shared, acknowledge what you learned, and give credit to those who supported you. Stay connected with colleagues after you leave. Never talk badly about your old company or the people in it. The way you exit will be remembered long after your role is forgotten, and it will follow you into future opportunities.
Moving on professionally isn’t only about getting a new job. It’s about building and protecting the reputation you carry with you. Be the type of person people would value working with again and again.