If you’ve worked in the same career for a long time or only a few years, it might be time to ask yourself if it’s because you are doing work you genuinely love or because you’re afraid of making a change. If it’s the latter, you might want to consider a career change.
Changing careers could be something you’ve thought about but aren’t sure where to begin. Or, you may have considered some options and just need a nudge to help you move forward. Read on for questions to ask yourself when it may be time for a career change.
It’s time for a career change when:
1. You’re Mentally Checked Out or Bored at Work
If you feel like you are just going through the motions and constantly checking your watch, hoping it's close to quitting time, you're probably checked out. If the thought of getting to work and sitting through another long meeting makes you exhausted, you likely need to make a change. You’ll also know when it’s time to make a career change when you stop feeling challenged or interested in your work.
2. You’re Only at Your Job for the Money
If you only show up to work every day to get paid, then it's probably time to make a move. We all have bills to pay, but it's crucial to find a job you like and doesn't drain you. When you are unhappy at work, it can affect your health and outlook on life.
3. Your Career Is Making Your Relationships Suffer
If your job takes a significant toll on your personal life and you're losing friends and romantic relationships, it may be time to move on to another job. Take the time to re-evaluate if it's the right fit for you. Even if you like your job but are working long hours and your relationships are suffering, it's become a lose-lose situation; maybe it's time to pursue other opportunities.
4. Your Job Isn’t Bringing You Closer to Your Personal Goals
It's important to consider how passionate you are about your work and how excited you are to get up in the morning. However, there's a difference between waking up unexcited and knowing that your day-to-day activities are bringing you closer to a larger goal and dragging yourself to work knowing that your work is meaningless.
For example, if someone's goal is to save for a down payment on a condo, it might be worth staying in a high-paying but less fulfilling job for a few more years rather than embarking on a passionate self-employment venture. If your current job goes against your principles and values, doesn't support your life/career goals, and is emotionally unfulfilling, it's likely time for a career change.
5. You No Longer Take Pride in Your Work
If you no longer take pride in what you do or feel uninspired to push yourself to achieve your goals, you’ll probably feel even less motivated over the long haul. Unfortunately, the situation is unlikely to resolve itself, so you need to take some positive steps to turn things around.
6. Your Career Has Stagnated
If you feel you aren’t moving ahead with your career goals or haven’t received a promotion, it’s probably time to consider a career change.
7. You Get the Sunday Night Blues
When Sunday night (or whatever the start of your work week is) comes around, and you feel anxious, upset, or nervous, this is something known as the "Sunday Night Blues." Nearly 81% of people experience anxiety on Sunday night, with 59% saying they know it’s caused by the upcoming work week. Wouldn’t you rather be excited about returning to work that you love?
How to Transition Careers
If some of these signs resonate with you, it's time for a career change. Forging a new career path can be daunting, but if you follow these steps, you can successfully make the transition.
1. Self-Awareness & Introspection
Remember that who you are today may not be who you were when you started your career, which is why self-awareness is a critical step in the process. Personality assessments that measure values, interests and motivation can provide insights into your strengths and the challenges you may not have considered. Compare what you learn with your prior experiences, feedback, and self-perceptions. Many individuals find that a career coach can help with this process.
2. Spend Some Time on Self-Reflection
Reflect on what you know about yourself and explore what you might want to do next. Career transitions not only include practical growth into a new set of responsibilities but can also impact your salary. As you reflect on your current situation, make sure to explore finances. A career transition might mean a lower position or salary for a period of time, before advancing to a higher pay grade.
Also, consider how much time and money you will spend on additional education or training, as well as the skills you currently possess that could be easily transferred into a new role.
3. Explore Your Possibilities
If you know you want to leave your current career, make sure to explore all of your options. Finding the right career could require a lot of research. It's important to explore career options by industry, education, responsibilities, etc. You will also want to know how in-demand the job is, its physical requirements, required education or training, and pay range. A career coach can support you with your research.
4. Tap Into Your Network
Once you have a list of possible careers, share them with friends, family, and your networks. Ask for ideas, recommendations, and feedback. Attend professional conferences and seek networking opportunities with groups that align with your goals. People in your network may know of opportunities that you don't.
You should also seek out people who do the work you are considering. Ask for an informational interview to understand more about what they do and how they do it and for any suggestions. It's an excellent way to learn more about the role and demonstrate an interest in learning and growing with someone who may be able to open a door for you.
5. Get the Skills You Need to Succeed in Your New Career
Work on educating yourself to fill in any skill gaps and expertise required for your new position. Ask yourself what additional skills, education or training you need and if you are up to speed with the current technology necessary for the work you want to do. There is a plethora of online courses available for you to advance your skill set at a fairly low cost.
6. Find Non-Traditional Ways to Boost Your Resume
Sometimes you need more than education or training to be qualified for a new job. If you lack specific experiences that could help you transition to a new role, find non-traditional ways to grow. Volunteering is an excellent option for developing skills and expertise. Try joining a board or a committee within an organization. If you are looking at becoming an entrepreneur, work part-time to learn more about the business from someone who is doing it.
7. Plan & Track Progress
To prepare for a career transition, create a plan with the steps you will take to reach your final goal. Identify your goals and estimated period for completion. Continuously track your progress against the plan and adjust your plan when necessary.
8. Implement Your Plan
Consider your career transition like it is a job or work it like a business. Hold yourself accountable. Seek mentors who can guide you and help keep you on task. With research, networking, and some skill development, you’ll be well on your way.
Career Counselling in Vancouver
If you're looking for career counselling in Vancouver, we have helped countless women establish a solid foundation for personal and professional success. We can help you illuminate your path to a meaningful, sustainable career that works for your specific wants and needs.
Get in touch with me today at 604-818-7626, or email kimhempler@careersyncservices.com!
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