Do you think you need a career shift? This thought might have crossed your mind at one point in your career, even for a millisecond. However, what if this thought isn’t just for a millisecond, but you think about it constantly? Does this mean you need to change your career? Many people decide to change their careers for various reasons. These reasons range from health issues to finances and dissatisfaction, among others.
How do you know it’s time for a career shift? These are the telltale signs:
- You’re Struggling
It’s said that a career meant for you should get you excited to wake up daily. You’ll most likely experience this euphoria as you start a job. If you no longer feel this several years later in your career, it’s best to think about change.
Instead of euphoria, you’ll start dreading going to work. Just the thought of it makes you sick. Also, you look forward to the end of each day when it’s only an hour into work. These are some of the signs you’re struggling in your workplace. If this describes you, it’s time to check websites that job seekers visit to find the right career for you.
- You Feel Stagnant
A career is something you do for most of your adult life. Therefore, it must make you grow as a person. However, if you feel that your career is no longer challenging and is becoming a bore, it’s one of the telltale signs. In some cases, you might feel that your strengths and skills are being wasted where you currently are. If you feel stagnant in your career, it’s time to change it.
- You Lack Motivation
Motivation is an essential aspect of your career. It more or less gives you the drive or pushes you to do your job every day. Without motivation, you might find yourself becoming complacent. In the process, you often miss work deadlines and arrive late at work.
It even gets worse if you’ve tried your best to get the motivation. You might have gotten a mentor, read motivational books, and even attended motivational seminars, but to no avail. In this case, money is also no longer a motivation. These are clear telltale signs you need a career shift.
- You Lack A Work-Life Balance
A work-life balance is something health experts recommend since it greatly affects mental health. As the saying goes, all work, no play makes Jack a dull day. Concerning this, an ideal career allows you to have a life outside of work.
If it isn’t the case and you must sacrifice your life—family and hobbies—most of the time, it’s a sign you need a career shift. Your career should uplift you and not add to your stress. You should be able to take time off work, enjoy life, and fulfill your other needs.
- You’re Losing Yourself
At no given time should what you do make you lose yourself. Your career should contribute to your well-being. In most cases, people get into careers with a purpose, personal or community-based. Some hope to better serve the community, with others hoping to achieve personal dreams.
You can only achieve your goals if your career allows you to be yourself. If this isn’t the case, you need to change your career. It’s also time to change if your beliefs no longer align with your career. By not changing, you’ll lose yourself over time. Find a career that aligns with your old or new beliefs.
- You Think About A New Career
As you work in your current career, thinking about another one is a major sign you need to shift. You should do it if the thought constantly crosses your mind over a long period, be it months or years.
Also, if the thought of a new career excites you, you ought to change to it for better fulfillment. The excitement could result from a new interest in a career like technology. Interest is one of the ingredients of success in your new career; Therefore, proceed to shift.
- You Need Money
People get into careers for different reasons. Some do it for the money and others for passion; each of these reasons is valid. Suppose you joined your career because of the money. As time goes by, your needs grow, maybe due to a growing family. In this case, your career no longer gives you enough money to meet your current and new needs.
If this is you, it’s time to consider a career shift to one that’ll give you more money for a comfortable life.
Conclusion
Change at times is often shied upon by most. A career change might be what you need to change your current situation. The aim is to live a better, fulfilling life. The discussion above highlights the telltale signs that depict it’s time for a career change. Be sure to use these signs as a checklist to assess your career and make the necessary decisions.
