Are you a CFA charterholder staying in your current job because you are worried there is nothing else out there? Consider this: according to CFA Society Toronto, only 4.3 percent of active members classified themselves as unemployed vs. the current 7.1 percent national unemployment figure. CFA Institute (NY, NY) also stated that, of the current 100,000 CFA charterholders globally, only 4 percent of them are unemployed at any time. While more and more CFA charterholders consider themselves underemployed, it’s a fact that well-regarded Canadian employers seek out financial professionals who have earned the CFA designation (just read our publication, “Why Hire a CFA?” on cfatoronto.ca).

Yes, big insurance is still finding its way in a persistent low interest-rate environment, and the capital markets businesses of large financial institutions need to accommodate lower volumes and tighter margins. At the same time, however, the changing regulatory environment for financial institutions, the global search for alpha at Canadian pension funds and among institutional money managers, as well as the managing of associated risks, are creating new employment opportunities for CFA charterholders. There are brighter times ahead. Here is a five-step guide to evaluating whether it’s time to make your move, as well as how to do it.

1. Take the Emotion out of it

If you have been overworked or passed over for promotion for the last few years and feel undervalued, be on your guard. Make sure your reasons for making a change are based on what’s best for your career and not about a bruised ego. Try to forget about past grievances and approach each work day and situation as a clean slate. Take a walk before going into meetings you think may be difficult. When you are consistently putting your best foot forward and your efforts are not being recognized, it’s time to consider making a change. Change should be viewed as an opportunity and embraced with optimism. Fear of change might be what is holding you back in your career.

2. Talk to your Boss

The good news about being a CFA charterholder is that you have industry-specific knowledge and experience. The flip side is that it’s a very niche, competitive job market for CFA charterholders looking to truly use their expertise. For this reason, a first step should always be to have a frank discussion with your boss to see if it’s possible to make things better in your current organization. Smart managers will make accommodations for valued employees because hiring someone new is disruptive and expensive. If you don’t get the answers you’re looking for, your manager doesn’t have the power to change things or has another agenda. In either case, this may indicate that it’s time to move on.

3. Make a Plan

Okay, you’re thinking with a clear head, and you’re pretty sure you’re not going anywhere in your current job. Now what? The best-laid career plans start with the end in mind and a plan to get there. Decide what you want to do, envision yourself in that role, and then write a to-do list and timelines to hold yourself accountable for getting there. Such a to-do list should include: meeting with a recruiter who knows your industry, defining key skills and attributes, updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, identifying target jobs, and scheduling networking events and informational interviews.

4. Don’t Limit Yourself

When deciding your next career move, don’t limit yourself. If you managed to pass the CFA exams, you have tenacity that can be applied in any job. What other transferrable skills and qualities do you have? Are you a visionary who inspires people? A leader who helps teams work better and more efficiently? A mediator who can build bridges? All of these skills are applicable across the board. Yes, you may very well end up in another CFA-related position. For example, someone feeling lost and uninformed about the big picture in a larger organization might transition to treasurer or CFO of a smaller shop. However, a new beginning in a field, such as corporate development or strategy, might also be a welcome change.

5. Work your CFA Network

Although social media strategies are fashionable, probability dictates that you will find your next job through good old-fashioned face-to-face networking. CFA Society Toronto offers many networking opportunities to its membership. You can also build your LinkedIn network with other CFA charterholders and seek out informational interviews through the same channel. Getting introduced by another connection is preferable, however. Once you meet people, and if they like you, they will spread the word about you to their own networks. Long story short: if you’re a CFA charterholder, there’s a good chance that a fellow CFA charterholder will lead you to your next job.