Can’t stand the thought of another day at your boring, exhausting job? These feelings may be a sign that it’s time for a career change. More people than ever are choosing to change careers in their 20s, 30s, or 40s, finding options to study and explore careers in what they truly love. Here are five signs your time has come – and how to make the most of the opportunity without too much risk.
It can be difficult to pick up on the signs telling you your job is not for you when you’ve grown used to it. If you’re bored, stressed, trapped, lacking in a sense of accomplishment, or you constantly think about what might have been, it’s possible you’re overdue for a self-evaluation. Get the scoop below on these five tell-tale signs.
Use This Guide to Determine When it’s Time to Change Your Career Path.
You’re Bored of Your Job
Maybe at first you thought your career choice would be something you’d enjoy, but as time went on, you found yourself bored or easily distracted. This is nothing to be ashamed of, but it may mean that it’s time for you to start rethinking your goals. No one wants to go to work and spend all day doing something they have no interest in. To fix this problem, you may not even need to completely change your career path. Maybe you just need to try a different job in your field and a change of scenery.
The Stress is Getting to You
We aren’t talking about your occasional high-demand afternoon in which you have too many deadlines popping up or a few rude clients. We’re talking about a constant, hovering feeling of stress that weighs you down throughout each week. You shouldn’t feel like you have to dread going to work every day for any reason. You deserve better.
You Feel Trapped
People often find more fulfillment in their careers if they feel like they have something to look forward to or work toward. However, feeling like you’ve been stuck in the same place at work for an extended period of time can drain your energy and motivation. Find a career that will allow you to set short-term and long-term goals and climb the financial and skills ladder. Don’t be afraid to take the steps you need to move ahead.
It Doesn’t Bring You Accomplishment
Whether you don’t enjoy your work or you feel like you aren’t that good at it, what may be missing from your work day is a sense of accomplishment. A satisfying career should help you feel like you have a purpose and a greater reason for what you do. It’s easy to fall into a routine you think is meaningless if you lack passion for your field. In this case, it might be time to start seeking a career that will give you the chance to hone your individual skills and use them for a cause you think is worthwhile.
You Often Think About Other Paths You Might Have Taken
It’s true that we all play the “what if” scenario now and then. You know it’s a problem when you spend a large portion of your day doing it. If you’re sick of your current job, it’s likely that you’re prone to start thinking about other life paths that interest you more. You can go to bed more fulfilled each night if you have a job that encourages you enjoy the moment rather than focus on what might have been.
If you can identify with one or more of the scenarios on this list, it might be worth your time to start thinking about other career options. Enrolling in a college program online can allow you to continue making a living while working toward a degree that fits you. Don’t settle — take action and find your calling in a new field of study.
