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How to Know When it’s Time to Switch Careers?

by Louise W. Rice
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The Great Resignation that occurred back in 2020 highlighted the number of people across the world who were unhappy with their work. Millions of people quit their jobs and decided to change their direction.

Yet in 2022, there are still millions of workers who are unhappy in their roles and wish to pursue a different career path. If you’re one of the millions of employees who dream of something better, it might be time for a career change.

Nowadays, it’s extremely unlikely that an individual stays in the same job throughout their entire career. By the age of 50, the average person has had 12 different jobs in the hopes of finding the perfect one.

How to Know When it’s Time for a New Career Path

Some of you might be reading this article and wondering whether it applies to you. Maybe you’re comfortable in your current job and would feel content continuing in the same position for years to come.

However, when you take a step back and think about it, is feeling ‘content’ in your job really enough? What if you could find a career path that excites you and fulfills your passions instead?

If you’ve been feeling unhappy (or indifferent) in your job for a while, there’s no better time than now to finally take the leap and jump into a new career. Switching fields can be scary, but it’s necessary if you’re not feeling fulfilled in your current field. You should research your new career. For example, to become a nurse, one should be aware of the fastest states to apply for NCLEX.

Consulting a career transition service will make your decision easier. They can provide expert advice and guidance on how you can smoothly transition into a new field.

Not yet convinced? Here’s how to identify when it’s time to switch to a new career.

1. You’re Feeling Burnt Out

Your body will signal to you when it’s had enough in the hopes of getting you to slow down. Burnout can occur if you’re overworked or disengaged in your work and it’s an important sign that your career choice might not be ideal for you.

The signs of burnout include:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Muscle aches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Anxiety
  • Low mood
  • Irritability

2. Your Salary is the Only Positive

Some people are happy working in a job they hate for a good salary. But if you’re feeling dissatisfied with your role and feel that you aren’t being fulfilled, the wage might not be enough to keep you in the job.

Staying in a job that you don’t enjoy (or hate) can severely impact your physical and mental health over time. As great as it is to earn a decent salary, you should never sacrifice your happiness and well-being.

By switching to a new career, you can find a job that provides both professional and personal satisfaction.

3. You Aren’t Earning Enough Money

The opposite can also be true. You might enjoy your job and feel engaged, satisfied, and passionate about what you’re doing…but unhappy with the salary.

With the rise in the cost of living being seemingly endless, we’re all looking for ways to make more money. If your job isn’t offering a competitive salary, it might be time to switch to a new career path.

Even if your pay is slightly above average, you might still be yearning for more. If you have a special skill set or a university-level degree, you might be able to earn a much higher wage than you currently receive by braving a career change.

4. Your Passions Are Not Being Fulfilled

If you feel that your current job doesn’t allow you to express yourself, be creative, or satisfy your passions, it’s time for a career change.

Your job might once have met your personal needs and preferences but has since changed. Perhaps you spend more of your time answering emails or filling out paperwork than interacting with customers and patients, and you’re dreaming of a career path where you can help people of all ages and backgrounds.

Consider the reasons why you started your job and why you no longer feel that it suits your passions. If your job is no longer aligned with your values or you feel that it has negatively impacted the way you feel about your work, you know what to do!

5. You Dread Going to Work

We all have those days when we can’t bear the thought of going to work. We might feel tired because we had a late night or irritable because it’s ‘that time of the month’.

However, you should not dread going to work every day. You shouldn’t feel anxious, worried, or fearful of getting up and heading to your workplace. Even feeling indifferent or neutral about going to work is a sign that you’re in the wrong career.

If you’re dissatisfied with your work or find that the thought of going into your workplace fills you with anxiety, it’s time to find an area of work that is better aligned with your needs.

6. You Find Yourself Dreaming of Something Better

Do you find yourself sitting at work and drifting off into a daydream, thinking about something better? Maybe you sit and wonder about starting your own business or switching to a job that allows you to work from home.

Perhaps you find yourself scrolling on job websites or sending emails to different companies asking about their open job vacancies, instead of doing your work. When people ask you what you do for work, you might feel embarrassed to tell them what you do.

All of these things are clear signs that you’re not happy with your work and want something more from your career. Instead of daydreaming about a better job, take action!

Update your resume and apply for lots of jobs in your dream field. Contact your dream company to enquire about their intern programs or vacancies. Research how to set up your own company if that’s your ultimate goal.

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