There’s a point in many careers where things start to feel flat. You’re still showing up, still getting the job done, but the spark that once fueled your work isn’t burning quite as brightly.

That feeling can be unsettling, but it doesn’t automatically mean it’s time to leave. Sometimes, it’s not about walking away. It’s about looking inward and asking: What would growth look like right here, where I am?

At U-SparkPeople, we often meet talented professionals who feel ready for a change but haven’t considered the possibility of evolving within their current company. If you’re feeling stuck at work, your next step might be closer than you think.

Here are five signs that you might be ready for more, and how to start exploring your next step from the inside out.

1. You’re coasting, but capable of more

You’ve got the day-to-day down. Maybe too down. If you’re not feeling challenged, take it as a signal, not to escape but to step up. Could you take on a new responsibility? Lead a project? Mentor a newer colleague? Career growth doesn’t always require a new title. It often starts with raising your hand.

2. You feel frustrated, and full of ideas

Not all frustration is bad. Sometimes it’s a sign you care deeply and see opportunities others might miss. Instead of letting that irritation build, channel it. Propose a solution. Offer to improve a process. Bring your insight to a team discussion. You might be surprised how much room there is for positive disruption.

3. You’re curious about what others are doing

You find yourself wondering what the marketing team is working on, or how product makes roadmap decisions. That curiosity can lead somewhere. Ask for a shadowing opportunity. Sit in on a cross-functional meeting. A lateral move to a new department might re-energize you more than a vertical promotion ever could.

4. You’ve stopped learning, but you want to start again

If you miss the thrill of a new skill or the stretch of figuring something out, it’s time to re-engage. Look for internal trainings, cross-team collaborations, or ask your manager about growth conversations. Sometimes all it takes is expressing that you’re ready to grow for doors to open.

5. You want your work to align with your values

It’s not just about skills. It’s about meaning. If you’re craving more purpose in your day-to-day, ask yourself:

• What projects feel most fulfilling to me?

• Where can I make a difference right now?

• How can I bring more of myself into this role?

Small shifts in focus can create big shifts in motivation.

Don’t wait for a job posting to grow

You don’t need to have it all figured out. But you do need to be honest with yourself, and ideally, your manager. Most leaders want to keep good people. And many organizations have more internal mobility than meets the eye.

A conversation today could lead to an opportunity tomorrow.