We don’t always realize we’ve outgrown something — especially when we’ve worked hard to get there. Urban practitioners are some of the most mission-driven, creative people around. You care about shaping better cities, solving complex problems, and leaving a meaningful impact. But what happens when the career path that once lit you up starts to feel… dim? Maybe nothing’s wrong on paper. But deep down, you’re wondering: Is this it? Here are five subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that your career might not be serving you anymore — and that it might be time for a change.
# 1. You’re always busy, but rarely energized
You tick off to-dos, jump from meeting to meeting, answer emails late at night — but feel depleted rather than fulfilled. Work feels like running on a treadmill: exhausting, but going nowhere.
It’s not about working less. It’s about doing work that gives you something back — intellectually, emotionally, and energetically.
# 2. You’re starting to fantasize about doing something else
Maybe it’s a side project. Or that other job you saw posted. Or even going back to study. You’re not sure what it means, but there’s a persistent whisper: There must be more than this.
These thoughts aren’t random. They’re signals. And if they’re recurring, it’s worth paying attention.
# 3. You’ve stopped learning (and you miss it)
Urbanism is a fast-evolving field. The people who thrive in it long-term are the ones who keep evolving too.
If you feel like you’re not growing — not learning new skills, not stretching your thinking — you’re not just stagnating; you're slowly disconnecting from your potential.
# 4. Your values have shifted, but your job hasn’t
We often choose careers in our 20s that reflect who we were then. But people change. And so do our definitions of success.
If you’re now craving more purpose, autonomy, creativity, or even a healthier work culture — but your current job doesn’t align with those values — it’s no wonder you’re feeling unsettled.
# 5. You don’t see a future here
Maybe the ladder above you looks uninspiring. Or the projects you’re working on don’t reflect the kind of urban future you want to build. Maybe you’ve hit a ceiling — or you simply don’t want to climb this particular ladder anymore.
Whatever it is, if you can’t picture a future you’re excited about, it’s a sign to pause, reflect, and reimagine what comes next.
# Now what?
Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It often means *you’ve evolved*.
The real question is: how do you move forward?
That’s exactly why we created the **[Career Compass ](https://careercompass.allthingsurban.net)**— a 6-week course for urbanists who want to design a career that truly fits. Whether you're early in your journey or rethinking your direction mid-career, this course helps you clarify your path, explore your options, and build a career that aligns with who you are now — not who you were years ago.
👉 **Learn more and join the next cohort [here](https://careercompass.allthingsurban.net).**