Your job is different than a job. That one change in word makes all the difference in how you think about the work that you do and the intentionality of your career. Your job is uniquely yours. It’s one that you find profound purpose and value in. You show up better because the role aligns with your purpose and you can handle bigger challenges well compared to those that are just in a job.
As much attention as Passing the Baton has gotten on this subject over the years. (You can find our series on how to find your ideal role here) Your job likely will change over time. So how do you know if you are still in the right role? Perhaps you have a suspicion that you are just in a job instead of your job. Today we are going to help you uncover whether you are in the right role, or if it’s time to look for that next step in your professional journey.
Go beyond your calendar – Check your energy
“I’m too busy,” is a sentiment we all hear from co-workers, friends, and family members. Your calendar is likely going to be filled with all sorts of work and personal items regardless of what role you are in, so perhaps it’s not the best indicator of whether you are in the right role or not. Instead of focusing on the number of meetings you have in a week, reflect on how your job affects your energy level inside and outside of working hours.
- At the end of a typical week, ask yourself: What drained me? What energized me?
- Are your strengths being used daily—or are you constantly working outside of your gift zone?
- Do you find yourself dreading Mondays or counting the hours to 5 PM every day?
- What parts of your current role light you up—even if they’re hard?
- What parts consistently leave you feeling depleted or checked out?
Let’s talk about it: What are 1–2 parts of your role that feel like “you at your best”? And what’s draining the life out of you right now?
Gut-check question: “Am I tired in a good way, or am I tired in a soul-level kind of way?”
If you feel energized by the work, even when it’s challenging – you are likely right in the role that you should be in. Surges in work come and go (hopefully) and it’s ok to get worn down in the short term – just make sure it’s not a long-term issue. However, if your role consistently leaves you empty, it may be time to explore something new.
Listen to your whispers
There are times when you have those, straw that broke the camel’s back moments, that tell you it’s time to go. Videos of people hitting that breaking point and quitting on the spot pick up quite a few views online and are often running through the viral videos of the day. More often, it’s not a dramatic event that tells you it’s time to go—it’s the quiet, consistent whisper that says this isn’t it anymore. Perhaps you’ve been at an organization for a few years and as you reflect back, it’s not the same place it was when you started.
- Pay attention to recurring thoughts like “I’m not growing here” or “I don’t know why I’m still doing this.”
- Don’t ignore the emotional cues: boredom, resentment, numbness.
- Ask trusted mentors or peers, “Have you noticed a change in how I show up?” “Have they noticed a shift in your attitude, passion, or presence?”
- What internal messages have been repeating lately? (Example: “I’m not growing,” “I think I’m meant for something more.”)
- Are you feeling pulled toward something new, or just pushed away from what you’re doing now?
Let’s talk about it: What’s the quiet whisper you’ve been hearing most often? Is it a pull toward something else—or more of a push away from your current situation?
Gut-check question: “If someone offered me this job again today, would I say yes?”
The whispers that you have are not always an automatic call to leave, but they are always a call to investigate. You may find out that you are still in your right role and you need to make some personal or professional adjustments, or it can lead you an understanding of what that next step may look like in your journey.
Understand the difference between comfort and calling
Just because you can do something well doesn’t mean you’re called to it forever. Skills are not the same as purpose and purpose can evolve as you evolve as a person. What may have been your purpose a few years ago, may just be a nice bubble of comfort today.
- Ask yourself: Am I staying because it’s safe… or because it’s right?
- Look back over your journey—are you still learning, still growing, still leading?
- Don’t let a fear of uncertainty keep you from stepping into something that actually fits you better.
- Are you still in this role because it’s the right fit—or just because it’s familiar?
- If fear wasn’t a factor, what would you be brave enough to consider?
- What have you put on the back burner that might be calling you back?
Let’s talk about it: If you had total freedom and security, what kind of work would you be doing?
Gut-check question: “If I knew I couldn’t fail, what kind of work would I be doing?”
You’ll likely come out of these reflections and conversations with people you trust in one of three ways. 1) That you are still following your calling. 2) You are in your calling, but experiencing a bit of burnout. 3) Your calling has changed, and perhaps it’s time to pick up a move in a new direction.
Sometimes we outgrow a role – not because it’s bad, but because we’ve changed. It’s a part of growth and life! You don’t need to have all the answers right now. But I’d encourage you to stay in the tension long enough to get clarity—and don’t walk through this alone. A good mentor, coach, or trusted friend can be the mirror you need to see yourself, and the situation, clearly.
Whatever you decide: lead yourself with grace, courage, and curiosity.
Make a better tomorrow.
-ZH
