It is natural to think about changing careers in light of job loss. However, we can change careers by choice too. Is it time for you to move on?
5 Reasons To Consider a Career Change
While a career change should always occur with careful consideration (of financial obligations, family commitments, etc.), it is acceptable to find a job that excites you and makes you happy!
So how do you know when it is time to consider a career change? While personalities range, and there is no comprehensive list, the following five changes are definitely signals it is time to move:
1.Your speech changes.
The things we say reflect how we are feeling. Pay close attention to your speech at work. Some phrases that may indicate it is time to move include:
- “I have to” instead of “I get to”
- “I feel stifled/bored/micromanaged/angry.”
- “I wish I were working _________ instead of working here.”
- “I know I can do/work/contribute better than this.”
2. Your behavior changes
The ways we act and react are indicative of how we are feeling too. Often our behavior changes without our realizing it. Has your behavior changed in the following ways?
- You struggle to do your best work, perhaps doing only the bare minimum that is expected.
- You interact differently with your colleagues, perhaps shutting them out or responding late or not at all.
- Your emotions become extreme: either you express them more freely or not at all. Either extreme can become dangerous and unhealthy.
- You begin working harder and longer hours in an attempt to do more, though it seems you can never do well enough.
3.Your environment changes
Change is constant in today’s workplace. However, not all change is good. The following cultural changes may indicate your workplace is no longer the best setting for you:
- Decisions are made without explanation, employee involvement, or understanding.
- You are prevented from doing your best work, moving ahead, or having input. Perhaps you even find your current work is taken away from you.
- You and your colleagues are coaxed, manipulated, or threatened into making decisions or completing projects.
- Your management sends mixed messages or does not follow through on promises that were made.
4. Your feelings change
While we cannot base our decisions solely on feelings, they certainly are not to be ignored. Are you suffering negative feelings, such as:
- Anger toward your manager/supervisor or the company/organization in general?
- Disappointment in the direction your career seems to be heading?
- Boredom because you are not given the ability to flourish in your setting?
- Sadness because you have been mistreated, misinformed, or misled?
5. Your energy changes
We utilize a tremendous amount of energy in our daily work. Therefore, we need the proper input to provide the needed output. When our work setting drains us, we suffer in various ways. Is it possible that the following changes are the result of your work setting?
- You are sick more often or are experiencing physical problems that you have never before experienced.
- You feel restless and unable to focus on your work or work successfully with others.
- You are experiencing noticeable symptoms of stress. It is important to acquaint yourself with common symptoms, as they are different for men and women.
- You are turning down opportunities to interact with others outside of work. You may even blame this reaction on busyness, tiredness, or even depression.
Taking the first step toward a new career can be scary, but it is doable. The alternative is remaining within a culture that is unhealthy for you…and possibly being forced to leave anyway. There are no guarantees in life, but there certainly is no better day than today to make a positive change. Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
