Sometimes, you find a job you love and want to stick with forever, and that’s great! Unfortunately, that’s not the case for everyone. Some people spend months, years, or even decades in a career that isn’t quite right for them. On the plus side, being in a job for a long time does not mean you can’t change it.
If you’re wondering if it’s time for a career change, here are five signs that it is.
1: Your Skills Outshine the Role
Do you feel like your skills are too great for the career that you are in? Being overqualified can leave you feeling drained and unappreciated, which is not what you want from your job. Maybe you’re an excellent leader, or perhaps your computer science skills could be put to use in a different role.
If you feel you’ve outgrown your career, it may be time to look for a new job or speak to your manager about your profession. Don’t forget to update your resume! Use some resume formats to ensure your skills and accomplishments get highlighted.
2: You Have No Work-life Balance
Do you feel like you’re always at work? That you have no time for your family or social life? If so, it might be time to ditch the job that overworks you and look for something new. You might even find a career that pays you even more while asking for fewer hours!
3: You Dread Getting Out of Bed for Work
It is normal to want to switch off your alarm and stay in bed for an extra thirty minutes. What is not OK, though, is having a severe feeling of dread every time you have to get out of bed for work. If you find that you actively dislike going to work, that is a sure sign that you need a career switch. If you stay in a job like that, you will only end up feeling worse and worse over time.
4: You Don’t Like the Way Things are Run
Do you dislike the way the company you work for gets run? Perhaps your managers don’t manage well, or you don’t receive the benefits you believe you should. The truth is, you can’t change the fundamentals of a company, especially if they are legal and have been that way for a long time. What you can do is change your career path and work for a company you feel more at home at.
5: You Dream of a Different Career
You might have an excellent job in a great company, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the right career for you. If you find yourself daydreaming about a different career, whether that’s being a politician, nurse, or data scientist, it may be time to boost your skills and switch careers.
Changing a career is not easy. It takes a lot of motivation and bravery. If you tick off the majority of these five signs, though, then it’s a choice you likely won’t regret.