The New Year signifies new beginnings, and for many of us that includes taking stock of our current careers. Are you doing something you love, or at least something you’re interested in? Or are you slogging in to the office day in and day out, doing the bare minimum just for a paycheque? Taking the leap into the unknown of a new career can be intimidating, if not outright frightening. Yet the rewards can be exponential, not only for your bank account but also for your sense of wellbeing and satisfaction. If you’re not sure whether a new career could be in the cards for you, take a look at the following signs that you’re overdue for a change.
1. Your energy is flagging.
It’s important to be realistic; no job offers non-stop excitement. It’s normal to feel a bit bored some of the time when completing mundane yet necessary tasks at work. However, if you feel bored most of the time, it can impact your energy levels. Dissatisfaction at work can take a serious toll on your health, producing anxiety, an inability to concentrate, and fatigue. If you feel tired all the time and find every Monday morning a struggle, ask yourself if your job could be the culprit.
2. You don’t like to talk about what you do.
When you meet new people, do you dread the obligatory “so what do you do” question? If you try to dodge the question or are embarrassed to answer, this is a tell-tale sign that you need a change. Individuals who are satisfied with their careers can’t wait to share details about the new project they’re working on or the achievements they’ve just wrapped up.
3. You’re only in it for the money.
There’s nothing wrong with being motivated by money. Let’s face it, we’d all love to retire early and focus on our hobbies or travel! Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy security and some level of contentment. However, if you have little time for anything but work or if money is the only reason you drag yourself into the office each day, it’s time to think about your other needs.
4. You don’t see any room for growth.
If you enjoy your job but have already reached the end of the line in terms of growth, this is a sign that it may be time to strive for something more. Make a change while you’re at the top of your game, so that you can keep evolving in your career.
5. You disagree with your company’s values
Finally, if you fundamentally disagree with the mission statement or values of the company you work for, this is a sign that you either need to switch jobs or careers entirely. Compromising your personal values for a paycheque is a sure-fire way to end up unhappy at the end of the day. Work for a company that you believe in, or launch your own business that aligns with your values!
If you identify with any of these signs, it may be time to take stock of your situation and start thinking about what you can do to make a change. Career experts recommend thinking about your personality and goals before speaking to experts in potential fields. Start putting the wheels in motion now to end the year on a new path of career fulfillment!
