Changing jobs is no longer the HR red flag that it used to be. Today, workers are encouraged to pursue upward mobility within their companies or other corporations. Whereas staying with one company for 20 years or more used to be viewed as admirable, today it may be viewed as a sign of stagnation.

But how do you know when to change jobs? Is now the right time to make the transition?

Clinical psychologist Judith Sills, Ph.D. offers some insight into the matter of when to change jobs in the most recent issue of Psychology Today. "Most of us are in the middle," she writes. We want more pay or more challenge, but at the same time are afraid to risk losing the comfort and stability of staying put.

5 Questions to Know When to Change Jobs

If you think it may be time to change jobs, Sills advises to first ask yourself these 5 questions:

• 1. How happy are you to get out of bed and go to the office?
• 2. How much are you learning or developing professionally?
• 3. How supportive or productive are your relationships with your current coworkers?
• 4. How closely does your salary and level of responsibility match your professional aspirations?
• 5. How much professional risk can you safely take at this point in your life?

Pay attention to the answers that come up. Now ask yourself again, should you stay or should you go?

When to Change Jobs and When to Go Back to School

Think it may be time to head back to school? The University of Phoenix offers accredited, online degrees in business, psychology, health care, technology, criminal justice, and more. Fill out this information request form to take the first step towards finding a program that's right for you.