What is the best time to look for a new job?

If you’re comfortable

The best time to look for a new opportunity is when you’re comfortable- it gives you the opportunity to be discerning and to explore different paths. It also provides a safety net for you to search from, which can give you more clarity about the kinds of opportunities you’d like to pursue. When you’re in a position where you’re desperate to make a change, you might jump at an opportunity that isn't the right fit. When you’re comfortable where you are, you can move on to something that you really want to do.

If you feel like you’ve outgrown your current role

Another sign that it is time to move on is if you feel that you’ve outgrown your current job. This can include feelings that you have run out of learning opportunities or are no longer feeling challenged. While you might be happy in a role like this for a while, you’ll eventually start to feel disengaged.

If you feel like you have no next step

Another great time to look is if you don’t have an obvious next step in your current role. If you aren’t sure what your next step would be from your current position and your colleagues or supervisor aren’t able to offer a clear advancement path either, this is a good time to move on. Remember that next steps can be lateral as well- if there are learning opportunities at your current company and you enjoy working there, those are worth pursuing. Regardless of if it is a hierarchical next step though, you should feel like you have growth opportunities. 

After a milestone

Another great time to start exploring is when you’ve hit a solid milestone. Many professionals don't want to switch jobs too quickly for fear of being seen as a job hopper. So if you’re less than thrilled in your current role (or just bored) and you stuck it out to avoid switching too quickly- about two years in is a good time to start looking. 

Remember that beginning to open yourself up to new opportunities doesn’t mean that you’re committing to switching out of your current role. Exploring and learning more about what opportunities are available to people with your skillset is always a worthwhile effort.