Ask HN: Engineers, how do you decide when it's time to quit?

[wanderindev]

I've been at my company for a few years, and I've become a domain expert in many areas of the business that people rely on. I enjoy my coworkers and have great hours as an engineer, but I'm paid 20% under market rate and feel like I'm not really being challenged (unless I go out of my way to create a challenge for myself).

I feel as though I'm growing content with my position, and don't want to leave unless I find something perfect. Am I being naive in my desires?

How do you decide when it's time to leave a business that you, for all intents-and-purposes enjoy growing with? (this is a throwaway account as my coworkers know my normal account)

[GraySmith]

When I'm motivated enough to ask others what they think, it means I'm look for validation of either one or the other. So I say you should quit. Now you feel? there is your answer.

Don't look for perfect, but do look around for a while. Update your linkedin profile and the recuiters will come quickly.