First of all, let’s figure out if you’re better off switching jobs or if a career change is the right thing for you. Do you still love what you do, but an unhealthy work environment and company politics are dragging you down? Could you be happier doing your work at a different organization? Then it might be time to change jobs.
However, if you think that your career will always leave you feeling drained and undervalued, then you might want to consider exploring different career options. Here are some tell-tale signs that you need to make a career change now!
#1 You are not rising to your full potential
Are you doing the same mundane tasks day-in and day-out? Do you feel like you’re not making an impact because your strongest skills and talents are not being used?
Not being able to rise to your full potential can leave you feeling undervalued. Also, you might not be getting the recognition you deserve. Don’t waste your talent in a position where it’s not valued or needed. When you feel stuck and limited in your career progression, it’s either time to speak to your boss or find a new role where you can tap into your full potential.
#2 You are not passionate about your job
Are you asking yourself where all the excitement has gone that you initially had in your career? Have you mentally checked out and just do what absolutely needs to be done?
It’s normal that work sometimes just feels like work. Dreading going to work on a daily basis, however, is a warning signal you shouldn’t ignore. Earning a lot of money in a career that sacrifices your happiness is not worth it. If your heart is not in your job anymore, it’s definitely time for a change.
#3 Your job negatively affects your health and personal life
Did your job go from challenging and exciting to debilitating and draining? Do you find yourself working long hours, showing up at work while you’re sick and you can’t even remember when you took your last real vacation?
Experiencing chronic stress can be detrimental to your health and also impact the relationships with those around you. If you discover that your stress levels have been out of control for a long time, it’s worth exploring other opportunities that allow you to create a healthier balance.
Everyone might experience these signs at some point in their careers. However, if you feel like these red flags show up consistently, then it’s time to seriously consider alternative opportunities.
Leaving a steady paycheck can be daunting, but changing careers doesn’t have to be difficult.
A great first step is to examine your values and figure out what type of role might be the best fit for you. Find out what makes you feel excited and what you would like to achieve in your career and life. It’s totally normal that your values change over time, so reexamining your values is a good exercise to keep doing throughout your career.
Once you get more clarity on what your true passion is, explore how your current role overlaps with your ideal career. Find out what skills you already have and where some of the gaps might be.
After you went through an in-depth self-assessment, you can start creating a strategy and take the first steps towards a rewarding and fulfilling career.