Change is hard, especially when it comes to something as essential as your job. But sometimes, change is a necessary first step to a more fulfilling, happy life. How do you know when you’re in the wrong job? How can you tell when the time is right to make a big change? You wouldn’t be reading this article if you weren’t questioning your current career trajectory. If you’re on the fence about shaking things up, here are five signs it time for a new career.

You’re Only There for the Paycheck

Work should be a place for personal fulfillment and growth, a place where you feel a sense of camaraderie, teamwork, and collaboration. People want to feel valued at work, confident that their contributions are important. If the only thing you get from your job is a paycheck, it might be time to find a new one. Make budget-cutting a priority so money worries aren’t dragging you down as you explore career options. Remember, you don’t always have to choose between making money and doing what you love.

You’re in a Dying Career

Technology is changing the face of business and many previously lucrative and reliable jobs are headed for the employment dustbin. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs such as travel agents and loan processors, among others, are a career dead-end. It might be time to prepare a career in a high-growth industry; an executive MHA, for example, is the key to a job in healthcare administration, one of the fastest growing jobs for the coming decade.

You’ve Gone as Far as You Can 

For individuals working in small businesses especially, it’s easy to peak out before you reach your full potential, especially in a family-owned business where members hold the top spots. Or perhaps you work for an organization with a narrow path to advancement in your chosen field. If you feel as if there’s no opportunity to advance within a reasonable amount of time, say 12 or 18 months, consider switching to a career with many pathways to advancement.

You’re Company Has a Negative or Untrustworthy Culture

Even if you enjoy your work and feel well-compensated, a hostile work environment with less than transparent leadership can be a fast track to misery and, ultimately, career failure. Has management made you promises about advancement or compensation and failed to deliver? Are your co-workers motivated by personal gain over advancing the company’s goals? A negative corporate culture can translate into your personal life and lead to dissatisfaction at home; consider switching jobs if this sounds like you.

You’ve Lost Your Passion or Purpose

When you’re working on something you no longer believe in, you’ve lost your purpose. If you wake up each morning dreading the day, you’ve lost your passion. Work without passion and purpose is just passing time, and a definite sign it’s time to move on to something new and meaningful.

Career change can be a daunting decision making. But if you happen to fall into the 5 signs above, perhaps looking for a new path is one thing you must consider. There are places where you can start sourcing for a new career opportunities, sites like Career Atkins can be thoroughly helpful.

Don’t waste your life in an unrewarding job. If any of these five signs fit you, maybe it’s time for a career change.