Although it may seem daunting, changing careers may enhance your quality of life, give you a new purpose, and even boost your pay. Many individuals have reassessed their life and how to make the most of them since COVID-19, whether that means changing occupations to something they are actually passionate about.
A professional shift can sometimes be exactly what’s required, but it is critical not to impulsively quit your job without thoroughly considering the future and establishing some concrete plans.
Here are several signs that it’s time for a career change:
1.) Your values don’t align with the company
Many people find it difficult to continue working for a firm that does not match their particular beliefs, which can cause anger, unhappiness, and/or impatience. It is important you find a place of work whose values align with your own as this increases your motivation, and improves teamwork, communication and commitment!
"When a career isn't aligned with your values, you're 98% guaranteed to be dissatisfied at work because you're having to operate in ways that are counter to how you believe you should be operating in the world,"
1.) You dread waking up for work
Do you find yourself lying in bed in the morning, unable to motivate yourself and get up and go to work?
This is NOT a good indicator, and you should look for work you are genuinely enthusiastic about and therefore look forward to pursuing. When feasible, your employment should provide you joy and fulfilment. Before deciding whether a career change may be appropriate you should identify the reasons that are making you feel this way – can changes be made? Or you quite simply may be overworked and therefore you need a real break.
2.) You feel mentally and/or physically exhausted
This is one of the most important signs. If your present job is affecting your emotional and physical health, you should seriously consider changing jobs. Job burnout is a special type of work-related stress, symptoms should be taken seriously. No job is worth more than your well-being.
3.) You’re stressed all the time
Although it might be difficult to escape the stresses of daily life, your employment should never be so demanding that it is unpleasant. Negative connections with co-workers, excessive demands, and feeling out of control of a situation are all causes of professional stress. Stress is linked to a variety of unfavourable health effects, including anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression. It is unlikely that you will be able to operate efficiently and productively if you are anxious at work. Is your employment now doing more damage than good?
4.) There are no opportunities to move upwards
Promotions and opportunities for advancement are fundamental components of job satisfaction for many. We may become dissatisfied and demoralised if we do not have these opportunities. Today, many workplaces offer little room for advancement, and the only option to advance is to leave.
Some employees outgrow their existing positions and stop feeling challenged by their work; if you are no longer learning or growing, the role is most likely mismatched with your skills.
5.) You’re ready for a different kind of life
Many individuals reach a moment in their lives where they desire change; it may not necessarily be because they are unhappy, but they simply just want something different. Some people concluded there wasn’t enough meaning behind what they were doing and they wanted to have a bigger effect on the world. Perhaps you want to spend more time with your family, and friends, or you want to travel the world. Whatever it is you’re aiming for, your career can play a significant role.
If you have experienced any of the above, please contact Suzannah Carpenter (suzannah@plymtreecareers.co.uk) to explore what opportunities we have for you. Plymtree Careers is a specialised recruiting firm that has a proven track record of matching people with the right job.