Have ambitious professional goals for the new year? You’re in good company.

Nine percent of Americans reported wanting to get a new job this year, and 21% committed to making more money, according to a recent survey from market research and data analytics firm YouGov. 

Quitting a role to accept a new one, also known as job hopping, often allows people to increase their salaries and advance in their careers. 

Related: Everything You’ve Heard About New Year’s Resolutions Is Wrong. Use This Strategy From a Harvard-Grad Psychology Expert Instead.

However, in a precarious labor market, it pays to make sure that you pivot in the right direction — and at the right time.

A new report from AI career tool Kickresume unpacks how to determine if your new year should start with a professional overhaul. 

Laura Tipping, a career coach with more than a decade of experience, shared a simple self-audit that can help you decide. 

Related: This Red Flag Reveals If You’re Stuck In a Job That’s Going Nowhere

Answer these five questions to figure out if you should take the leap and quit your job in 2026:

1. Do my tasks at work energize me or drain me? 
2. Is the issue workload, lack of recognition or lack of direction and purpose? 
3. If leadership were to change overnight, would I stay? 
4. If the conditions improved, would I stay? 
5. Does this job bring me closer to my goals?

Tipping’s quick self-audit can help you avoid making the hasty decision to quit your job before fully understanding the reason behind your desire for change. 

Related: Psychologist Adam Grant Says Paying Employees ‘Extremely Generously’ Can Actually Benefit Employers, Too. Here’s Why.

If an insufficient salary is the biggest pain point, Tipping encourages employees to research industry benchmarks and pay scales, then have an open conversation with their manager about their expectations and achievements.