There’s nothing like the feeling of doing something you love. Waking up every morning and getting excited to go to work, completing your tasks, spending time with your team and doing it all over again the next day. Having a rewarding career is something we all want and strive for but what happens when the career you were all enthusiastic about starts to lose its lustre?
No matter what career or industry you’re in, it’s normal for people to go through challenging times with their job. It’s when it starts to become constantly tough or emotionally draining that things start to look bleek, and you might be in need of a little change.
No one likes to admit that they might need a career change. Many feel like it’s a sign of failure or having not tried hard enough to succeed in the career path you’ve chosen — both of which are simply not the case. According to statistics, people change careers about three to seven times in their working life. So if you feel like you’re in need of a change, you’re certainly not the first or last person to feel this way. If you’re not entirely sure where you stand with your current work situation, here are five signs you’re ready to make the switch:
You’re Physically and Mentally Drained
Our bodies tell us more than what we want to admit ourselves. Do you feel tired and exhausted before you even get the chance to start your day? After the day is done, do you feel like all you want to do is go home and unwind? Maybe you’ve developed aches and pains in places you never have before or maybe you notice your immune system has gone down the drain and you’re constantly getting sick.
These could also be signs that you’re tired, stressed and even over worked at your job. We all experience this in varying degrees, especially during busy seasons but if this has become your new normal and you’re feeling anything but satisfied with your career, you might want to start looking for a job that lets you prioritize you first and the rest second.
You’re Only In It For The Money
Many people feel locked into their careers because of the money they earn. If it pays well and offers stability, who needs anything else? We live in a time where the cost of living is at an all time high and the housing and rental market have reached heights it’s never have before — so there’s a lot of pressure these days to get a job that pays well. But if you find yourself at your wits end and thinking, “I wouldn’t be here if this job didn’t pay so well,” you might benefit from looking at other options.
While having money is great, it’s not everything. Changing careers might mean a higher pay grade or a pay cut, but if you’re happier and doing something you love — should it matter? You can’t put a price tag on happiness. If you’re starting to think the money isn’t enough, it’s because it probably isn’t no matter how much you’re earning.
You’re Disengaged
When you mentally disconnect from work, it’s game over. You’re not as productive, you’re not on your A-game and you’re putting in a fraction of the energy into the role because you don’t have the drive or passion for it anymore. If this is something you’re feeling day in and day out, it’s time for change. Not only are you doing a disservice to your work team and potentially clients you take care of by not putting 100 percent into your work, you’re doing a disservice to yourself for not doing a job that helps you reach your full potential.
You Don’t Feel Challenged Anymore
Being able to constantly learn on the job allows for a lot of self and professional growth. But when you feel like you’ve learned everything there is to learn about your role and feel as if you’ve outgrown your title, things can start to feel boring and mundane. Suddenly the days start to feel longer and your favourite part of the day is when you get to check out of work. A little routine is nice, but when you don’t feel challenged with the work you used to enjoy doing, your career can feel stagnant. If personal growth matters to you, you might be in the wrong field or simply working within the wrong company. If that’s the case, begin looking into options where you think your skills and talents will be utilized best.
You Envision Yourself Doing Something Else
The truth this, our passions and values change as we get older. What you wanted to be when you were 18 years old might be different now that you’re older and wiser, and that’s totally ok! We’re shaped by our experience and sometimes you can outgrow a career or discover that career choice simply wasn’t the right fit for you. If you’re starting to envision yourself doing something else, what’s stopping you? Don’t ever think you’re tied down to the career you picked out after high school. Wherever you are now, think of it as the stepping stone to the career you actually always wanted, you just never knew until it now.
If you’re ready to make the jump from one career to another, the next viable step might be to start looking into a private college. Not only does their curriculum align with current industry trends, but they offer programs in some of the most lucrative and high paying fields. Cestar College is a private college in Toronto that offers a variety of programs in some of the most high demand industries today. Whether you’re ready to kickstart a new career, or supplement the things you’ve learned on your own — Cestar’s high quality education will make sure they set you up for success in the field of your desires. Contact us today to see how we can help you make the career move of your life!
