If you find yourself feeling unhappy or unfulfilled in your current job, it may be time for a career change. While the thought of transitioning to a new career may be daunting, taking the leap can lead to a rich and rewarding new experience.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 7 signs that a career change is right for you.
7 Signs that a Career Change is Right for You
- Lack of Fulfillment
If you’re consistently feeling unfulfilled and uninspired in your current job, it’s a clear sign that you might need to reconsider your career path. When you are unable to muster up motivation, it can become burdensome to you and those you work with. Discover what you are interested in and skilled at and begin searching for a career field that more closely aligns with those things.
- Underutilization of Skills
When your skills and talents aren’t being properly utilized, it can be discouraging and cause you to seek employment elsewhere. If you have taken the steps of communicating your concerns to upper management and continue to find yourself being underutilized in the skills you excel at, a change in job may be the next step. It’s important to seek out careers that can offer you opportunities to exercise your skill set appropriately.
- Dread at the Thought of Work
If you find yourself dreading going to work or having a negative emotional response to your work environment, a career change may be the right thing for you. In order to protect your mental and emotional health, it’s important that you find a job that excites, energizes, and/or aligns with your values and experience.
- Work-Related Stress
According to the American Institute of Stress, 83% of U.S. workers suffer from work-related stress. Not only is stress bad for your health and productivity, but it can also spill out into other areas of your life, including your relationships, both personal and professional. If you are experiencing excessive stress from your job, that is a red flag that it is time for a change.
- Lack of Growth
Throughout your career, it is a natural expectation that you will have opportunities for growth. If your current role does not provide the option for growth, it can hamper your long-term goals and signify a shift in your career. As you gain experience and sharpen your skills and expertise, it is a healthy desire to want to apply your skills in expanded roles, and a new career may be the pathway to achieving this goal.
- Your Values Don’t Align with the Company
If you find a disconnect between your personal values and those of your company or industry, it might be time to think about a change. While on the surface, differing values may appear to be a minor discrepancy, over time, these differences in values can lead to a poor attitude and work performance. Rather than being invested in your work, you may begin to detach and produce below-average results. To maintain a good work ethic and reputation, it is important that you choose to work for a company whose values are in alignment with your own.
- Poor Work-Life Balance
Your quality of life is an important factor to consider. If you find that your job doesn’t allow for a balance between your personal life and work, it may be a clear sign that you need to consider other careers. When employees are able to prioritize their health and well-being, they are better able to focus on their work and meet their goals. Today, many companies offer flexible work options to meet the needs of their employees, including hybrid and remote work options, as well as generous PTO to tend to personal and family needs.
While changing careers is a major decision and can seem daunting, by recognizing the above signs, you can make an informed choice that will lead you to the right career. By prioritizing your health and overall well-being, you will find a career that is best suited to meet your needs and skills. If you really want to bolster your skills and confidence, consider enrolling in a good online graduate degree program that will prepare the way for your next career path.