When It’s Time to Move On
1. You just can’t connect with your leader or team
We all know the saying: people don’t leave companies, they leave managers.
If you’ve truly tried to connect, to collaborate, and still find yourself blocked by friction or indifference, that’s a signal. You deserve an environment that supports you, not one that drains you.
2. Your work isn’t valued or recognized
Recognition isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. When your efforts go unnoticed time after time, your motivation fades.
Before you leave, make sure you’ve also done your part: appreciated others, given credit, said thank you.
But if the silence persists, it may be time to find a place that values what you bring.
3. There’s no room to grow
Growth is the oxygen of any career.
If curiosity and ambition have nowhere to go, stagnation follows.
Some companies simply can’t offer more, but when leadership actively resists your development, that’s your cue to move.
4. Your wellbeing is suffering
A good job should support your life, not consume it.
If constant pressure or imbalance has become the norm, no title or paycheck is worth the cost.
Listen to your energy — it usually tells the truth before your mind does.
When It’s Not the Right Reason
5. The only issue is distance
In a world as hyperconnected as ours, distance has become a question of mindset more than geography.
Technology allows us to learn, collaborate, and stay connected in ways that were impossible a decade ago.
If you love your job, your manager, and your team, then the kilometers between you shouldn’t define your decision.
The paradox is striking: two people can sit in the same office and barely speak, while others, separated by hundreds of kilometers, work in perfect harmony.
Of course, commuting is tiring and routines can be heavy. But leaving a job you love solely because it’s far away is like ending a meaningful relationship because traffic is slow.
Convenience passes; fulfillment lasts.
If you’re feeling torn or influenced by the opinions of others — a partner, family, or friends — take a step back. Their intentions are good, but it’s your professional journey, not theirs.
You’re the one who lives with your choices every day.
Dominique Dierckxsens
