Blog

How to know when it’s time for a career change

25 Feb. 2026

By Julie Graham, Ingeus CEO of Employment Services. 

February often brings a different kind of clarity to working life.  

The excitement of a new year has faded, routines have settled, and many people notice a deeper sense of dissatisfaction that cannot be dismissed as a temporary slump.  

When those feelings persist, it may be a sign that you are standing at a career crossroads. 

A career crossroads is not a failure. It is a moment of reflection, where your skills, values, and motivations no longer align neatly with the role you are in. Many people experience this several times throughout their working lives. Recent research revealed that almost a third of workers were considering a career change in 2025. 
 
Recognising the signs 
People often ask how to tell the difference between a bad week and a genuine need for change. For me, the clearest signal is prolonged disillusionment. It is the sense that the enjoyment you once found in your work has faded, not for a few days, but over many weeks or months. Tasks that once felt energising begin to feel routine, variety becomes limited and intrinsic motivation starts to slip. 

I have always believed that you can find something good in most roles, especially when the work aligns with your values. Yet even then, there are moments when you realise that the path you are on no longer fits who you are becoming. 

My own crossroads 
My first career crossroads arrived early. I began my undergraduate degree in Perth, Australia, studying food chemistry with the intention of becoming a dietician. I was a strong science student and enjoyed the academic challenge. However, I realised that the career ahead of me would likely involve technical work behind the scenes rather than working directly with people. That realisation mattered more than I expected. 

I discovered that while I loved studying technical subjects, I did not want to build a career in them. I wanted to work with people, support them, and help them navigate challenges. That insight led me to my first role as a frontline employment advisor in the mid1990s, supporting people with learning disabilities. It was the first time I felt truly connected to my work, and it shaped the rest of my career. 

Years later, another crossroads appeared when I relocated to the UK in 2021 as part of Ingeus. I had taken a break from employment services and was working in disability support. Returning to employability reminded me how much I valued this sector. It reinforced to me that career crossroads are not always about leaving something behind. They are about finding or returning to what you love. 

Helping others navigate change 
Career crossroads are not limited to our own experiences. I have supported colleagues, friends, and even my own family through similar moments. When my son was in school and considering dropping out, we talked about his cognitive style and what motivated him. He thrived once he chose subjects that matched his strengths. That experience reminded me how powerful self-understanding can be when making career decisions. 

At Ingeus, we see many people join us after making significant career changes. They come from retail, hospitality, finance, healthcare, and countless other sectors. They choose Ingeus because they want to give back, support others, and work in a values driven environment. Their diverse backgrounds make them exceptional. They understand different industries, different challenges, and different ways of working. 

Change within Ingeus 
Our own organisation experiences change regularly due to the contract-based nature of our sector. Change can be unsettling, yet it also creates opportunities for people to grow, develop, and discover new strengths. Moving to other Ingeus divisions, contracts, or even countries within our wider group is commonplace, as is moving to peer organisations. 

The value of taking the leap 
A career crossroads can reignite motivation, renew passion, and open doors to work that feels more aligned with who you are. The key is not to fear the moment. Reflection, curiosity, and a willingness to explore can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths. 

My own career has been shaped by moments I never planned for. Each crossroads taught me something new about myself and the work I wanted to do. If you find yourself at a similar point, take it as an opportunity. Fulfilling work is worth pursuing, and change can be the catalyst that helps you find it.