Navigating Career Transitions

Salling Search
Apr 29
2 min read

At some point in your career, you might find yourself wondering... "Should I stay and grow where I am, or is it time for something new?". You're not alone! Career transitions are one of the most common (and often nerve-wracking) decisions professionals face. But with the right mindset and strategy, they can be the turning point for something better.

At Salling Search, we support maritime professionals at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, changing sectors, or stepping into a leadership role, we’re here to guide you through the transition.

Here’s how to recognise when it’s time to move — and how to do it smoothly:

Listen to the signs

Sometimes, your current role stops serving your growth. These could be subtle or loud:

You feel stuck or uninspired
There’s little room for advancement
You’re not learning or challenged anymore
Values no longer align with the company’s direction
You're constantly drawn to explore what’s out there

Being honest about how you feel is the first step towards making a meaningful change.

Clarify what you really want next

Don’t just run from a job — run towards a goal. Ask yourself:

What are the skills I want to use more often?
What kind of culture energises me?
Do I want more autonomy, impact, or stability?
Am I seeking better compensation or work-life balance?

Once you have clarity, you can evaluate your options with purpose.

Explore your options with guidance

Talking to someone objective, like a career consultant, can help you reflect without the bias of colleagues or family. At Salling Search:

We help you map out realistic next steps
We share openings that match your goals and strengths
We provide honest feedback on how ready you are to make the move

And when the time’s right, we help position you for success in your next role.

Prepare before you leap

Once you decide to move on, get your essentials in order:

Update your CV and LinkedIn profile
Get references ready
Set clear criteria for the roles you’ll consider
Have a polished elevator pitch to explain your reason for leaving

Think of it as preparing for your next voyage. You want a solid ship before leaving shore.

Growth doesn’t always mean leaving

Sometimes, the change you need is within your reach... a lateral move, new project, or open conversation with your boss might reignite your spark. Explore internal paths before making an external leap. A good recruiter will help you weigh both.

Career transitions are more than job changes, they’re identity shifts. It’s okay to feel nervous, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Salling Search, we’ve helped hundreds of maritime professionals make confident and successful career moves. Whether it’s a small shift or a big leap, we’re here to help you navigate change with clarity.

✨ Stay tuned for our next issue