Career changes are no longer the exception—they are part of a modern career path. Roger Stettler, CEO of Stettler Consulting, explains what matters most.
When Sunday Evening Becomes a Warning Sign
Stettler Consulting:
Many people are unhappy in their jobs but still don’t take action. When does this become a problem?
Roger Stettler:
The key question is: How do I feel on Sunday evening? Anyone who regularly feels uneasy at the thought of the upcoming workweek should take note. Stress, conflicts, and challenging periods are part of professional life. However, when dissatisfaction becomes a persistent condition and begins to affect one’s personal life, it should be regarded as a clear warning sign.
Stettler Consulting:
How can I identify whether the source of the problem is personal or related to my work environment?
Roger Stettler:
Asking yourself this question is important and the right thing to do! Anyone who repeatedly finds themselves involved in similar conflicts or who struggles to set boundaries and say no may be contributing to the problem; changing jobs alone is unlikely to break this pattern. This is why honest self-reflection is essential: What is attributable to the work environment, and what is attributable to me? Only by answering this question honestly can you make an informed decision about your next steps.The question of meaning in one’s career
The Question of Meaning at Work
Stettler Consulting:
Is the search for meaning in one’s career overrated today?
Roger Stettler:
A healthy balance is needed. Those who view their profession solely as a means to an end are likely to lose energy and motivation over time. Conversely, those who make work their sole source of meaning place themselves under unnecessary pressure.
A sense of purpose emerges when personal values are aligned with one’s daily work. Achieving this does not necessarily require a change of job. In some cases, it is not a career move that changes the situation, but rather a shift in perspective on the existing circumstances.
Stettler Consulting:
Do you have an example of that?
Roger Stettler:
A bricklayer lays brick upon brick. One says, “I’m building a wall.” The other says, “I’m building a hospital.” The activity is the same, but the meaning behind it is completely different.
Work time is life time
Stettler Consulting:
Why is it even worth the effort to make a career change?
Roger Stettler:
Because work time is life time. We spend many hours a week at work. That makes it all the more important to do work that brings joy and aligns with your own strengths.
Stettler Consulting:
Isn’t that a luxury problem? Not everyone can just quit.
Roger Stettler:
That’s true, and I’m fully aware of it. There are many factors that make a change difficult or temporarily impossible: financial obligations, family situation, age, place of residence. Not everyone has the same degree of flexibility in life.
However, those who do have that flexibility and have been unhappy for a long time should actively address their situation. Because unresolved dissatisfaction rarely goes away on its own and often follows us far beyond the workplace.
Is there a right time to change jobs?
Stettler Consulting:
How do I actually prepare for a career change?
Roger Stettler:
The first step is an honest self-assessment. Before writing applications or scouring job listings, you should ask yourself a few fundamental questions:
- What gives me energy, and what drains it?
- Where do I want to be in three years?
- What do I no longer want?
- What skills do I already have, and which ones do I want to develop?
Those who can answer these questions clearly lay a solid foundation for the next steps. After all, the better you know yourself, the more focused and successful your career transition is likely to be.
Stettler Consulting:
What is your final piece of advice for someone who is currently at a crossroads?
Roger Stettler:
Perfect conditions are rare. If you feel that a change is necessary, you shouldn’t wait for the ideal moment. Start exploring your options and proceed step by step.
Conclusion
The perfect time to change jobs often doesn’t exist. What matters is the willingness to honestly reflect on your own situation. Those who know what drives them, what gives them energy, and where they want to go make better career decisions. After all, time spent working is time spent living and should therefore be as meaningful and fulfilling as possible.
