5 Signs You’re Ready for a Career Change

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Burnout, boredom, or lack of growth could be telling you it’s time for something new.

By Scott Cullen

1. You’ve Outgrown the Role

Growth is one of the best signs that it’s time to move forward. If you’ve stopped learning or no longer feel challenged, that’s a clear indication you’ve outgrown your current role. Maybe you’ve mastered your daily tasks, and your ideas for improvement go unheard. Or perhaps there’s no obvious career path beyond your current title.

A lack of growth can cause stagnation, and stagnation can quickly lead to disengagement. When you no longer see how your work contributes to a larger purpose, motivation decreases. If this sounds familiar, reflect on the skills you’ve developed and the challenges you want to pursue next.

In the office technology industry, those who succeed are lifelong learners, constantly adapting to new tools, products, and solutions. That same curiosity can benefit you in your next role, whether that’s at another dealership, a technology vendor, or even a different field altogether.

2. The Culture No Longer Fits

Workplace culture can greatly influence your job satisfaction. If your company’s values or leadership style have changed, or if the environment has become toxic, it’s normal to feel out of place. Perhaps communication has broken down, expectations are unclear, or morale is low.

In sales, you might notice this when once-collaborative teams become competitive to the point of causing friction. In service, it could be a lack of support or unrealistic scheduling. In administration, it might appear as being stretched too thin or feeling undervalued.

Culture misalignment doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you have grown. You might have developed new priorities like teamwork, flexibility, or recognition that your current company no longer meets.

If you’ve made reasonable efforts to improve the situation but nothing changes, it might be time to consider new environments where you can thrive again.

3. You’re Burned Out—or Bored

Two very different feelings can lead to the same conclusion. If you’re constantly exhausted, anxious, or resentful, you might be experiencing burnout. If you’re clocking in and just going through the motions without energy or interest, you might be bored.

Either way, both are unsustainable. Burnout can cause mistakes, illness, and even resentment toward coworkers or clients. Boredom can dull your skills and drain your motivation to grow.

These feelings don’t always mean you need to quit right away. Sometimes, talking with your manager, starting a new project, or trying cross-training can renew your enthusiasm. But if those options aren’t available, or you’ve already tried them, it’s worth thinking about whether a new environment might spark your drive.

4. You Feel Undervalued or Underpaid

If you regularly go above and beyond but see no recognition, whether it’s financial or otherwise, it’s understandable to feel unappreciated. Maybe your dealership has been acquired and raises are frozen. Maybe your title hasn’t kept pace with your responsibilities. Or perhaps you’ve learned that colleagues in similar roles elsewhere are earning more.

Before making a move, gather information. Research salary ranges in your industry, and have an honest conversation with your manager. If you encounter vague promises or dismissiveness, that’s a clear sign your loyalty may not be reciprocated. You deserve to work where your efforts are appreciated and rewarded.

5. You’ve Started Wondering, “What Else Is Out There?”

If you catch yourself browsing job boards at lunch or daydreaming about other opportunities, that curiosity could be telling you something. Often, our instincts recognize when it’s time for change before we consciously admit it.

Exploring your options doesn’t mean you’re disloyal; it means you’re being proactive. The employment landscape in the office technology industry is constantly changing, with new roles in managed IT, software solutions, and production print emerging alongside traditional sales and service jobs.

Even if you decide to stay put, doing some career research can help you better understand your worth, sharpen your resume, and clarify what you really want next.

How to Look for a New Role—Without Burning Bridges

Once you decide to explore new opportunities, maintaining professionalism is essential. Here’s how to begin your search discreetly and ethically.

• Keep your search private. Avoid using company time, email, or devices for job hunting. Use your personal phone and email outside work hours.
• Update your LinkedIn profile carefully. Turn off notifications so your network doesn’t get alerts about every change.
• Be selective about references. Choose people who can speak to your skills without jeopardizing your current position.
• Work with a recruiter. A specialized recruiter, like those at Copier Careers, can confidentially connect you with vetted opportunities that match your experience, goals, and culture preferences.
• Maintain performance until your last day. Finish strong. Your reputation follows you—and this industry is smaller than it seems.

Leaving a job gracefully not only protects your professional relationships but also sets the tone for a confident transition into your next role.

Transferable Skills: Why You’re More Qualified Than You Think

Even if you’re not currently in the office technology industry, many of your skills can transfer seamlessly.

• Sales professionals know how to build relationships, manage pipelines, and close deals—all valuable in technology sales, account management, or business development.
• Service technicians bring troubleshooting expertise, attention to detail, and customer-service savvy, skills essential in IT, networking, and device management.
• Administrative professionals excel in organization, communication, and problem-solving—core strengths in operations, logistics, and client support.

The key is framing your experience around results. For example:

• “Resolved 95% of service calls on first visit” shows efficiency and technical skill.
• “Managed client renewals totaling $2.5 million annually” highlights measurable sales impact.
• “Implemented scheduling software that reduced downtime by 20%” demonstrates initiative and value creation.

If you can show how your work made things faster, smoother, or more profitable, hiring managers will take notice, no matter the industry.

The Next Step: Moving Toward What’s Next

Deciding to leave a job can be emotional. You may feel loyal to colleagues, nervous about change, or uncertain about your next step. That’s normal. The key is to separate fear from facts.

Ask yourself:

• Am I learning and growing here?
• Do I feel valued and supported?
• Is this environment helping me reach my long-term goals?

If the honest answer to most of those questions is “no,” it may be time to move on.