2026 Career Decisions: Raise, Upskill, Or Job Change?

January is through, and just as you’re moving past the post-holiday blues, you find yourself in that weird limbo. Somehow, you’re back at your desk, inbox piling up, and wondering if anything’s really changed, a feeling most of us seem to go through every year. Not exactly burnt out, not exactly inspired, just somewhere in between, quietly wondering what comes next. It’s a weird little phase, but one that almost all of us seem to go through every year.

Maybe you’re cruising through tasks on autopilot, or maybe you’re quietly thinking, “Is this all there is?” Or perhaps you’ve slipped back into your usual rhythm so comfortably it almost feels… safe. Whatever it is, don’t panic. It’s the perfect time to hit pause and ask yourself the tough questions. The ones you usually push aside. And lucky for you, we’ve put together a simple interactive guide to help you figure out what’s next in your career and draw out the path that’s right for you.

Reflection time

Now that you’ve paused to reflect, let’s figure out what comes next. Answer each question honestly, and follow the path that matches your situation. If you aren’t exactly sure where you stand just yet, maybe give the whole article a read and consider all your options. Once you get a clearer picture, come back here and answer these questions again and see if your answers change at all. 

1. Do you enjoy your current job?

• Yes → Go to Question 2
• No → Go to Question 5

2. Do you feel fairly compensated for the work you do?

• Yes → Go to Question 3
• No → Go to Section A: Ask Yourself About a Raise

3. Do you feel like you’re still learning and growing in your role?

• Yes → Go to Section B: Continue Building on What You Have
• No → Go to Section C: Explore Upskilling Opportunities

4. (Optional: Are you looking for new challenges without leaving your current job?)

• Yes → Go to Section C: Explore Upskilling Opportunities
• No → Go to Section B: Continue Building on What You Have

5. Have you tried to address the issues you’re unhappy with?

• No → Go to Section D: Try Internal Solutions First
• Yes → Go to Question 6

6. Do you realistically see your situation improving this year?

• Yes → Go to Section B: Continue Building on What You Have
• No → Go to Section E: Consider a Job Change   

Section A: Ask Yourself About a Raise

Feeling like your work isn’t reflected in your paycheck? This section helps you pause, evaluate your contributions, and consider whether now is the right time to discuss a raise with your manager. It’s not about pushing blindly,  it’s about knowing your worth and planning your approach.

• Reflect: Ask yourself how you would rank your performance in the past year. And be BRUTALLY honest. This is a safe space, no need to sugarcoat or embellish anything. List all the projects you handled or any big milestones you achieved. It could be something like closing a big deal or even getting a compliment from a difficult client. 
• Research: Check market rates for your role in Malaysia: are you being paid fairly? Look up typical raise percentages for your industry to set realistic expectations.
• Plan: Think about timing: is your company reviewing salaries soon? Get your talking points ready and have someone from your team (likely a long term co-worker or manager) to give feedback and, if appropriate, back you up.
• Tip: Approach the conversation with confidence, backed by data and concrete examples. Ask yourself: “Am I ready to advocate for myself?” Don’t be discouraged if you face some pushback, you just need to be clear of what you want and decide what you’re willing to accept. 

Section B: Continue Building on What You Have

If you’re feeling content in your current role, that’s a signal in itself. Your work still brings purpose and engagement, and you’re motivated by what you do day to day. This is a moment to lean into that satisfaction, rather than question it. Use this time to reflect on what aspects of your job make you feel fulfilled, and consider how you can build quietly on those strengths. Sometimes the most valuable growth isn’t about chasing the next opportunity, but about deepening what already works, sharpening your skills, and clarifying what you want from the year ahead. Recognising that staying put can be a conscious, strategic choice, not just falling into a default, is one of the most empowering steps you can take in your career.

Section C: Explore Upskilling Opportunities

Upskilling is something a lot of people fail to consider or forget. When your job is going well, it’s easy to stick with what you know and fall into a comfortable routine. But noticing that subtle itch for growth is actually a good sign. It means you care about your development and want to keep moving forward.

This is your chance to think about what skills, knowledge, or experiences could make your work more interesting or open new doors down the line. Even small steps such as learning from a colleague, experimenting with a new tool, or exploring a certification course, can create momentum and help you feel more confident about the path ahead. The good news is, there’s plenty of free, short courses online if you don’t want to commit to a full formal programme, so taking the first step doesn’t have to feel daunting.

Section D: Try Internal Solutions First

If your role isn’t giving you the satisfaction it once did, leaving isn’t the only answer. Here are some ways to take control and explore options internally:

• Identify the gap: Figure out exactly what’s causing dissatisfaction: lack of challenge, unclear career path, or insufficient recognition.
• Be mindful of morale: How you feel at work can influence your team’s energy and motivation. Addressing issues internally not only helps you, but can also positively impact the people around you.
• Propose new projects: Take initiative by suggesting work that aligns with your strengths or passions. It shows value and can refresh your day-to-day experience.
• Consider lateral moves: Explore other departments or roles within your company where your skills can shine differently.
• Seek guidance: A mentor or trusted colleague can provide perspective, help you navigate challenges, and open doors internally.

Section E: Consider a Job Change

You’ve reflected, explored growth opportunities, and tried adjusting things internally and you still feel like your current role isn’t right for you. That’s okay. Sometimes, the most empowering step is to start looking outward and exploring new opportunities. The start of the year, from January to March, is actually a great time to do this as many companies begin new budgets, launch projects, and look to hire fresh talent for the year ahead. This doesn’t have to be rushed; it’s about clarity, preparation, and understanding what you truly want next.

Take time to define your priorities, research the job market, and reconnect with your professional network. Updating your CV and LinkedIn, and gaining insight into what other roles offer, helps you make a thoughtful decision when the right opportunity comes along. And even if you don’t decide to make the jump now, surveying the market informs you of what’s out there, helps you understand your value, and gives you a clearer picture of potential opportunities when the time is right.