8 Signs That It’s Time for a Career Change
No matter how much you love your job, there are definite signs of a career change that will make you recall how unbearable it is.
You’ve been working for almost a decade without pause. But over the last few months, your quality of work has started taking a nosedive, and you’re not happy or excited about your career anymore. It’s high time you halted the decline and took action!
Career change stagnation is toxic to your professional success. This article discusses the signs that it’s time for a career change. Keep reading to learn more.
Table of Contents
1. Lack of Passion and Enthusiasm
It could signify a career change if you need more passion and enthusiasm for your current career. Unfulfilled goals cause you to be apathetic. You could be missing out on creative opportunities and experiences that could help you to excel in your current role if you are not passionate or enthusiastic.
It might be time to explore positions and opportunities more suited to your interests and skill set. If you’re a sporty type of person, you may consider shifting to becoming a personal trainer. If you’re more of an introvert type, then you may want to go freelancing.
The list goes on and you have many options to take, as long as you believe you’re meeting in between passion and fulfillment. A career change could bring out energy and enthusiasm that you may not be experiencing currently. Passion and enthusiasm will help you achieve your goals and motivate you to succeed.
2. Persistent Unhappiness or Dissatisfaction
It might be time for a career change when you’re persistently unhappy or dissatisfied in your current role. Being chronically unhappy or dissatisfied with your work could make the job a better fit.
You could be in the wrong role, have too many demands, or the job simply needs to be more fulfilling for you. Other signs that it’s time for a career change include feeling bored during work, dreading going to work each morning, or feeling frustrated or resentful towards your colleagues.
3. Lack of Personal Growth or Learning Opportunities
Suppose you feel like you are no longer learning and growing within your current career. In that case, it may be time to find a job that offers more professional development and learning opportunities. When each day feels monotonous, and you cannot see yourself developing new skills or knowledge, it could be time to search for another job.
Suppose your company does not have an effective system for the personal growth of its employees. In that case, it may be time to explore other options. A new job that sparks personal growth and learning opportunities can re-ignite your passions and boost your career.
4. Incompatibility With Values and Interests
Changes in one’s values and interests can indicate that it’s time for a career change. Are you no longer interested in the career path you’re on? Are there values or interests your current job role or organization does not coincide with?
It may be time to find work reflecting your interests and values if your current job role does not feel like a place where you can personally express yourself or aligns with your aims, consider seeking a new career path.
5. Feeling Undervalued or Underutilized
When one feels too comfortable in their current job, it could mean they are not challenged or need meaningful growth opportunities. Beyond feeling stagnant in the current position, feeling undervalued or underutilized is a sign that a change could result in increased fulfillment or more money.
One should step back and ask, “Am I making the most of my skills, and am I being utilized to the fullest?” A career change may be essential if you feel you could contribute more or need to be more fairly compensated. An online skills assessment is a great way to identify your strengths and target new roles that leverage them.
6. Persistent Physical or Mental Health Issues
Many fitness jobs have physical or mental components that can tax an individual dealing with health issues. It’s essential to be honest with yourself about how these health issues affect your ability to work, and if necessary, seek alternative employment.
In addition to physical or mental strain, environmental or emotional stressors at your current job could be relieved by changing your career path. If you can barely make it through the day or your health is taking a regular toll due to the demands of your job, consider a career change.
7. Lack of Work-Life Balance
When it comes to signs that it’s time to change careers, the most common involves finding a lack of work-life balance. People often find themselves working late into the night or sacrificing weekends for their job. This, in turn, can begin to take its toll in the form of physical and emotional exhaustion, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment.
Decreased job satisfaction, a lack of personal growth, and stagnant career progress are all signs that a new career may be in order. Understanding what you want in a job and redefining what success looks like is essential for finding an occupation aligned with your passions and which allows you to still enjoy life to its fullest.
8. Decreased Productivity and Performance
If an employee is no longer meeting the expectations of their role, then it is time for a reevaluation. If an employee’s workload becomes manageable, or if there is no growth potential in their current job, then it is time for a career change.
Changes in technology and trends can also be a sign that it is time to make a move. Sometimes a stagnant career means dissatisfied workers; it is time to find new opportunities and ways to grow.
Suppose an employee needs to be more motivated and engaged in their current role. In that case, they should look for something more meaningful and challenging. When moving, employees should be prepared to take charge of their careers and make the leap.
Guide When It’s for a Career Change
Having recognized your need for a career change and explored your options, it is time to start taking steps to make it a reality. Update your resume, start networking, and leverage your experience to open up a new field. It’s time to take the plunge – you won’t regret it!
We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading this post. Check out our other blog posts if you’d like to read more great content.
Last Updated on June 6, 2023
