Shalom Lamm’s Guide to Knowing When It’s Time for a Career Change: 7 Red Flags You Can’t Ignore
The thought hits you in the middle of a Zoom call, during your commute, or while you’re replying to your 100th email of the day: “Is this really what I want to do with my life?”
If that question keeps showing up, it may be more than a passing moment of frustration—it could be a wake-up call.
Entrepreneur Shalom Lamm, who has transitioned across multiple industries and built successful ventures in real estate, nonprofit leadership, and business consulting, knows what it means to face career crossroads. His philosophy? Ignoring the signs of career dissatisfaction often costs more than the courage to change.
“We’re taught to push through discomfort, to keep going no matter what,” says Lamm. “But sometimes, the smartest thing you can do is listen—to yourself, to the patterns, and to the truth that you’re outgrowing where you are.”
If you’ve been feeling stuck, drained, or disconnected, this post is for you. Let’s dive into seven signs—backed by experience and insight from Shalom Lamm—that it might be time for a career change.
1. You Dread Monday—Every Week
It’s normal to look forward to the weekend. But if you consistently dread Monday morning or feel a sinking sensation Sunday night, that’s a red flag.
Shalom Lamm emphasizes that chronic dread is often a sign of misalignment—not laziness.
“When you’re in the right career, it might be challenging, but it shouldn’t feel like emotional punishment five days a week,” he says.
What to do:
- Journal what specifically causes dread—is it the tasks, the people, the environment, or the lack of growth?
- Notice if the dread goes away with time off. If not, it’s a deeper issue.
2. You’re No Longer Learning or Growing
One of the most common causes of career dissatisfaction is stagnation. When your role stops challenging you or you’ve hit a developmental ceiling, motivation begins to fade.
According to Lamm, growth is one of the strongest drivers of engagement.
“If you’re not learning, you’re slowly disengaging,” he explains. “Staying in a job that no longer challenges you is like being a plant in a pot that’s too small.”
Signs to watch for:
- You haven’t learned anything new in the past 6–12 months
- There’s no clear path to advancement
- Your ideas and input are consistently overlooked
3. You’re Constantly Burned Out or Emotionally Drained
Everyone has stressful days, but if every day feels draining, that’s not normal—it’s a sign something is wrong.
Burnout isn’t just physical exhaustion. It often includes:
- Emotional fatigue
- Apathy toward your work
- Feeling cynical or detached
Shalom Lamm notes that burnout can mean your work environment, values, or even the field itself are no longer a match.
“Burnout is your body and brain begging for alignment,” says Lamm. “If the work costs more than it gives, it’s time to question why you’re still doing it.”
4. You Envy People in Other Careers
Do you find yourself admiring friends, colleagues, or influencers who are doing something completely different? That’s not just curiosity—it might be career envy, a powerful clue about where your interests are shifting.
“Jealousy often points to unlived potential,” Lamm explains. “Don’t dismiss it—decode it.”
Ask yourself:
- What specifically do I admire about their work?
- Is it the freedom, creativity, impact, or industry?
- Could I explore something similar, even on the side?
These questions can help you identify what’s missing in your current path—and what to look for in your next move.
5. Your Work Doesn’t Align With Your Values
As you grow, your priorities evolve. What mattered most five years ago—money, status, location—may not be what drives you today.
If you’ve started to feel uncomfortable about the mission or culture of your workplace, or if your values conflict with how the company operates, that’s worth paying attention to.
Shalom Lamm views value misalignment as a clear reason to consider change.
“You shouldn’t have to shrink your integrity to fit your paycheck,” he says. “A fulfilling career reflects who you are—not just what you do.”
6. You Daydream About Doing Something Else—Constantly
Daydreaming isn’t a sign of laziness; it’s often a sign of creative tension between where you are and where you want to be.
Maybe you fantasize about starting a business, switching to a more creative field, or doing more meaningful work. If these thoughts keep returning, take them seriously.
“Your imagination is your intuition trying to speak up,” Lamm says. “If you keep seeing yourself somewhere else, ask why—and what steps would take you there.”
Write down your recurring career dreams. Explore them without judgment. They may hold the blueprint to your next chapter.
7. You’ve Changed—but Your Job Hasn’t
Sometimes the problem isn’t your job—it’s that you’ve evolved past it.
As Shalom Lamm puts it, “Careers are like chapters. Just because one fit you five years ago doesn’t mean it fits you now.”
If you’ve grown in your interests, skills, or priorities—but your job still treats you like the person you used to be—it might be time to move on to something that fits who you’ve become.
What to Do If You Recognize These Signs
Recognizing it’s time for a career change is a powerful first step—but it can also be scary.
Shalom Lamm’s advice? Don’t rush. Plan.
Here’s his recommended approach:
- Reflect: Journal what’s not working and what you want more of.
- Research: Explore fields, roles, or industries that align with your interests and strengths.
- Reskill: Take a course, earn a certificate, or shadow someone in a new role.
- Reach Out: Talk to people in the roles you’re curious about. Informational interviews are gold.
- Realign: When the time is right, make your move strategically—not reactively.
“You don’t have to quit tomorrow,” Lamm says. “But you do have to stop pretending everything is fine if it’s not.”
Final Thought: Change Is a Sign of Growth, Not Failure
The idea of changing careers can feel daunting—especially if you’ve invested years in your current path. But staying in the wrong fit out of fear or familiarity can quietly drain your confidence, your creativity, and your joy.
Shalom Lamm’s story is proof that bold moves lead to powerful outcomes—when done with clarity and courage.
“We only get one career—and one life,” he reminds us. “Make sure yours reflects your full potential, not just your past decisions.”
So if the signs are there, don’t ignore them. Start exploring. Start experimenting. And trust that your next chapter may be the most fulfilling one yet.
