Stay or move companies? How to decide what’s next for your career

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past 12 months and planning for what’s ahead. For professionals, this often means taking stock of career progress and evaluating whether your current role is still the right fit. The question “Should I stay or move?” is a significant one, and answering it thoughtfully requires intention and clarity.

Rather than letting inertia keep you in a role that isn’t serving you — or jumping ship without a plan — make an active decision. Here's a structured approach to help you decide.

Start by having conversations

Before diving into benchmarks or career evaluations, start with something simple: conversations. Talk to friends, colleagues, or people in your broader network — not just recruiters or mentors. Ask them what they’re doing, whether they enjoy their roles, and what their company cultures are like. These informal discussions can help you get a better sense of what’s out there and provide insights into opportunities you might not have considered.

This isn’t necessarily about job leads. These conversations can also clarify what you want (or don’t want) in your next role. They can help you identify trends in the industry or inspire you to explore a different path. 

With this context in mind, you’ll be ready to move forward with a decision that serves your personal and professional goals.

1. Am I learning and growing?

Having open conversations with people in your network is a great starting point, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To make an informed decision about staying or moving, it’s important to evaluate key aspects of your current role, starting with whether it’s helping you grow. One of the most crucial aspects of any job is the opportunity to learn and develop. 

Ask yourself:

• Have I gained new skills this year that will help me grow in my career? Am I being challenged in ways that push me out of my comfort zone?
• Is there a clear path for advancement? Have I had conversations with my manager about promotions or expanded responsibilities?

If the answer to these questions is “no,” it might be time to reconsider your role. Growth stagnation can feel comfortable in the short term, but over time, it can hold you back from reaching your full potential. Conversely, if you’re in a role where you’re constantly learning and growing, that’s a strong argument for staying put.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about growth opportunities at your company, initiate a conversation with your manager. Ask about long-term career paths and what you can do to achieve your goals within the organization.

2. Is my compensation competitive?

Compensation is more than just salary. It includes bonuses, benefits, stock options, and even intangible perks like work-life balance or flexibility. Reflect on whether your compensation aligns with your contributions and industry standards:

• Is your current salary competitive within your industry and region? Research benchmarks to understand where you stand.
• Do you feel adequately rewarded for your work? If you’ve taken on more responsibility without an accompanying increase in pay, it might be time to explore other options.
• Consider the full compensation package, including retirement benefits, health insurance, and any professional development support.

If you find a gap between what you’re earning and what you’re worth, this could be a sign that it’s time to explore roles elsewhere. However, if your compensation is strong and aligned with your expectations, it may weigh in favor of staying.

Pro tip: Use tools like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights, levels.fyi, or PayScale to research market rates for your role and experience level.

3. Does my role align with my ambitions?

Career fulfillment comes from aligning what you do with what you want to achieve. Reflect on whether your current role supports your long-term goals:

• Is your role helping you build the expertise and experience you need to achieve your career ambitions? Are you doing work that excites and energizes you?
• Do you feel that your work is meaningful and valued by your organization? Does it align with the kind of impact you want to have professionally?
• Does the company’s mission, values, and culture resonate with you? Misalignment here can lead to dissatisfaction, even if the job itself seems fine on paper.

If you’re working in a role that doesn’t align with your ambitions, or if the company doesn’t offer opportunities that match your goals, it might be time to consider a move. On the other hand, if your role and organization align well with your values and aspirations, staying might be the right choice.

Making the decision

Once you’ve reflected on these three areas, it’s time to make a decision about your career. Here’s how to move forward, regardless of your conclusion:

If you decide to stay

Choosing to stay doesn’t mean settling. Make staying an active choice by setting goals for the coming year:

• Work with your manager to identify projects, training programs, or stretch assignments that will help you grow.
• If you feel your compensation is below market, prepare a case to negotiate a raise. Use data and examples of your impact to make your case.
• If there’s ambiguity about your career path, work with your manager to define clear goals and milestones for the next 12 months.

If you decide to move

If you determine it’s time to explore new opportunities, start by laying the groundwork:

• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Highlight your achievements and make sure your profile reflects your skills and experience.
• Reach out to trusted contacts for advice, referrals, and insights into potential opportunities.
• Use your downtime to sharpen your technical and behavioral interview skills.

Remember, the decision to move should be driven by opportunity, not just frustration. Take your time to find a role that aligns with your goals, offers competitive compensation, and provides a clear path for growth.

The bottom line

Whether you stay or move, the most important thing is to make the decision intentionally. Don’t let inertia keep you in a role where you feel stuck, and don’t jump to a new job out of frustration without clear direction. Chart a career path that truly serves your goals in 2025 and beyond.

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