Have You Lost Your Passion?
Changing careers is a scary idea, but sometimes the signs are so clear that you need to just go for it. The trick is to recognize the signs when they are present, even though some might be tough to detect. To help get the ball rolling, here are 20 signs that it's time for a career change.
1. Experiencing Physical Symptoms
If you're experiencing headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue regularly at work, then your body might be telling you that it's time to switch careers. Our bodies can react negatively as a warning that we're struggling, and it's best not to ignore it.
Danielle-Claude Bélanger on Unsplash
2. Low Self-Esteem
If your self-esteem is being attacked every day at work, then you should immediately begin a job search. Your career shouldn't make you feel undervalued and cause dissatisfaction. Feeling underappreciated will hurt your self-esteem.
3. Lack of Passion
If you feel a lack of passion for your job, then it's recommended to at least start perusing job boards. Your passion made you want your career in the first place, so if you no longer feel passionate about what you do, it could be time for a change.
4. Chronic Stress
A classic sign that a career change is in order is if you are constantly feeling burnt out or are dealing with chronic stress. Your job shouldn't make you feel mentally and/or physically drained, and you shouldn't go through each day feeling overwhelmed.
5. Boredom
You should feel some level of enthusiasm for your work, but if that enthusiasm has been replaced by boredom, then consider switching careers. You deserve fulfilment, and if you're not getting it from your current career, then look elsewhere.
6. Envy of Others' Careers
Consistent jealousy of your friends and family who enjoy their jobs can reflect your unhappiness with your own. Instead of letting this envy rule you, use it as motivation to find a new career that excites you.
7. No Growth Opportunities
Everyone needs to feel as if they have a shot at a promotion to be happy in their career. It's motivating and helps prevent professional stagnation. It might be time to start networking if you don't see a path at career growth in your current role.
8. Not Aligned with Company's Mission and Values
One warning sign that it's time for a career chance is if you no longer believe in what your company does and what it is trying to achieve. This can happen if your values shift or the company undergoes cultural changes.
9. Disconnected from Colleagues
It's never a good sign if you feel isolated and distant from your colleagues. This can happen over time, and make you feel lonely and dissatisfied. Healthy workplace relationships can help you engage with your career.
10. Talents Are Ignored
Start looking for a new career today if your role doesn't leverage your abilities and talent. Your boredom and frustration at work will only grow the longer your talent is wasted.
11. Low Pay
Money is probably the biggest motivating factor for switching careers. It's a distinct sign that you need to consider a career change if your lifestyle and financial goals are outpacing your salary.
12. Desire to Make an Impact
If your career goals involve making a social impact, you need to search for one that will afford you this opportunity. There are lots of careers that can help you make a difference, so get out there and apply to them.
13. Sunday Night Dread
You know the feeling. Sunday night hits, and you can't sit back and relax because you're worried about work the next day. This means you are unhappy with your job, and a career change might be in order.
14. No Room for Creativity
Roles that are inflexible or allow for no creativity will disengage you over time. If you're a creative spirit, then you should pursue more creative-based professions.
15. Career Doesn't Align with Priorities
Your career needs to reflect your life priorities, and if it doesn't, then start your job search. You're better off accepting that your career won't evolve to match your priorities, so why wait for something that won't happen?
16. Frequent Daydreaming
If most of your workday is spent daydreaming about another career, then why not make that one your actual career? Take this as a sign that you're not just fantasizing, but that your brain is telling you that you're unhappy in your current role.
Daniele La Rosa Messina on Unsplash
17. Declining Mental Health
You should consider a shift to a new career if your current one triggers your anxiety, depression, or persistent negativity. These feelings are dangerous to your overall well-being, and you should prioritize your mental health over a paycheck. You should also seek professional help until you can land a new career.
18. Pressure to Compromise Ethics
Your job should match your ethics; it shouldn't force you to compromise them just to make a buck. Consider speaking with a career counsellor if you are uncomfortable with the way your company is operating and you are asked to do things that feel wrong.
19. Dread New Projects
Getting a new work project doesn't have to send you over the moon, but it should be perceived as an opportunity to prove your worth and make an exciting contribution to your company. If a new project assignment feels like a burden, then you should take this as a sign that it's time to move on.
Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
20. More Excited By a Side Hustle
Who doesn't have a side hustle these days? It's not a great sign, however, if your side hustle is bringing you more happiness than your day job. If this is happening to you, then see if you can make your side hustle a permanent thing.
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