In career conversations, one of the most common questions I hear is: “How do I know if it’s time to move on from my company?”  The real decision often comes down to a mix of factors that influence job satisfaction and long-term career growth. That’s why I use the CLAMPS framework.

CLAMPS is simple acronym that highlights six common pain points that lead to job changes. If you can identify at least two of these in your current role, it may be time to consider a change.

Enjoy a 1:30 video that outlines the CLAMPS framework.

C – Challenge Are you under-challenged or over-challenged?

Under-challenged: The work feels repetitive, easy, and uninspiring. You crave growth, but the role no longer stretches you.

Over-challenged: The workload is overwhelming, expectations are unreasonable, and the effort isn’t matched by compensation.

Both extremes can drive restlessness. The key is to find that balance where you’re stretched, but not stretched thin.

L – Location Sometimes it’s not the job, it’s the geography.

• A brutal commute.
• A territory that feels impossible to cover.
• Or too much travel.

Location is often overlooked until it