Most of us think about changing direction and trying out a new career from time to time, but too few of us actually take the leap and do it. Why? Primarily because we are too afraid to take a risk on the unknown. What if it doesn’t work out? What if I end up jobless and penniless? These are the kind of thoughts that hold us back from living our full potential – they don’t need to. Changing careers can be scary, but when the time is right, taking the plunge is almost certainly the right thing to do….well it is if you don’t want to spend your life doing a job you hate wondering what could have been anyway!
Okay, but when do I know the time is right? Here are a few signs that you should be thinking of a career change:
Sundays are Filled with Dread
If you spend your Sunday evenings stressed out, anxious and with a sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach, because you know that Monday is on the way and you’ll have to head back to work pretty soon, it is a huge sign that something needs to give. I mean, your job is literally making you sick if this is happening to you on a regular basis!
Your Job Makes You Feel Bad About You
If the job you do makes you feel bad; if it makes you feel like a failure; if you are always telling yourself that you can’t do anything right, then it isn’t a job worth staying in. Sure, it might be tough to leave, especially if you don’t have anything lined up, but is it worth risking your self-esteem – your emotional wellbeing – for the sake of a measly paycheck? Perhaps not!
You Only Show Up for the Money
Which brings us to…money. If you are literally only doing your job for the money, and your heart really isn’t in it anymore, then although you might be financially secure now, and that’s important, you’re probably pretty unhappy, and that is a sure sign that you need a change. Obviously, you don’t have to quit immediately – working while you get your engineering mba or train to be a proofreader is probably quite sensible (money is important) – but start thinking about what you can do to improve your situation. Take a class, apply for new roles and try to satisfy your need for happiness as well as your need for a paycheck. Your whole life will be so much better if you do.
You Know Exactly What You WOULD Like to Do
If you aren’t happy with your current career, but you have a pretty good idea what kind of job would make you happy, that’s a major sign that it’s time for a change, especially if you spend most of your day at work daydreaming about that dream job! Time to set the wheels in motion!
Have you noticed any of these tell-tale signs in your life? It might be time to start researching that new career path right now!
