ANTALYA, Turkey — There comes a time in the cycle of life where change is inevitable, necessary even.

But achieving the ideal change and on one's own terms is usually easier said than done, especially in professional sporting careers.

Good or bad, change will come one way or another.

At least three Jamaican international footballers are looking for the elusive good change as they seek to conquer new frontiers in their professional careers.

Left-back Kemar “Taxi” Lawrence thinks the time has come to take his career to the next level, a step closer to the dream of playing in the prestigious and ultra-rich leagues of Europe.

“I have been looking to leave the MLS and I really think it's time as I have done well for club and country, but more importantly it's that next stepping stone for me in my professional life,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

But the New York Red Bulls star does not intend to leave solely for the sake of leaving. Any such decision must be a prudent business and career- lifting move.

“I just don't want to leave for just anywhere, it has to be in a bigger league. I have been hearing things here and there, but nothing solid yet and the January transfer window is near closing,” Lawrence said with a chuckle.

He made it clear that the intent to depart does not always mean something is wrong with what you are walking away from, and he gave testimony to this philosophy.

“I am happy at Red Bulls and I am always happy wherever I play and willing to give my best,” said the 25-year-old, whose game has improved leaps and bounds over the past four years or so.

Another US Major League long servant, Shaun Francis, 31, is also looking to find a new club after recently separating from Montreal Impact.

But that move to pull up stumps, he tells, was more driven by personal reasons rather than being influenced by a straight business decision.

“My wife and I just had a baby girl and it has been a tough situation where I am far away from family, so I am trying to find another team closer to home. By God's will, hopefully I will find something close by,” noted Francis, who lives with his family in Kentucky, USA.

Midfield toughman and seasoned Major League campaigner, the 32-year-old Je-Vaughn Watson is also weighing his options.

“I am looking out of the league right now, and playing these two games anything can happen, but if that doesn't work I can always stay in the MLS, but at the end of the day I am here to play for Jamaica and I am not putting that on my mind right now,” said the New England Revolution man.

The Jamaica trio is in Turkey as part of Jamaica's 20-man squad which face South Korea today.

— Sean Williams