8 Signs It’s Time for a Career Change
If you've worked in the same career for your whole professional life, or even for just a few years, it might be time to ask yourself if you're sticking with it because it's something you truly love or if it's just because you're scared of making a change. If it's the latter, you might want to take the leap into a new career.
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Changing careers could be something you've already thought about but haven't taken the steps to actually do. Perhaps something is pulling you to explore new options, or maybe you just feel completely burned out or bored by your current career.
Whichever camp you belong to, there are some key signs that tell you it's time to make a major career shift. We spoke with career experts to identify what these signs are and outline the steps you should take if you decide to try something new.
You're Mentally Checked Out at Work
"If you feel like you're on a hamster wheel and your go-to response when asked 'How are you doing?' is a monotone 'Livin' the dream' with a corresponding eye roll, then you're probably checked out," said Elizabeth Pearson, an executive career coach. "If the mere thought of sitting at your desk or through another long conference call makes your energy plummet, you need to make a change."
You're Only at Your Current Job for the Money
"If the sole reason you show up to work every day is for the check, then it's probably time to move on," Pearson said. "Yes, everyone has bills to pay, but there are endless ways to make money, and it doesn't have to feel soul-sucking. When you do something with the only intention of making money, you'll have no chance of ever really being uber-successful or happy. You will always fear taking risks and following your passions when you operate from a lack mentality or out of a survival mindset. The money you're making will become a prison of complacency."
Your Career Isn't Bringing You Closer to Your Personal Goals
"While it's important to take into consideration how passionate you are about your work and how excited you are to get up in the morning, there's a difference between waking up unexcited but knowing that your day-to-day activities are bringing you closer to a larger goal, and waking up unexcited and knowing that your work is meaningless," said Jessi Beyer, a personal development coach.
"For example, if someone's goal is saving for their child's college expenses, it might be worth staying in a high-paying but less fulfilling job for a few more years rather than starting off on a passionate venture of entrepreneurship. On the other hand, if your current job goes against your personal values, brings you no closer to your life goals and is generally unfulfilling, those are all pretty good signs that a career change is necessary."
Sue Andrews, a human resources and business consultant with Lidl, concurred, stating that losing passion in your work can also be a sign that it's time to look for better pastures.
"If you no longer take pride in what you do or feel inspired to push yourself to achieve new goals, you're likely to feel even less motivated over time," said Sue Andrews, a human resources and business consultant with Lidl. "The situation won't resolve itself, so you need to take some positive steps to turn things around."
The Negatives of Your Career Outweigh the Positives
"If you can no longer think of more positives than negatives about your current job, then it's time for a change," Andrews said. "Make a list to focus your mind on the good and the bad points about your current career. You can then analyze what matters to you in a job, which can help you narrow down the types of careers that would inspire you."
If "you reach a place where you can't progress or receive any type of promotion," it's probably time to consider a career change, said Damon Nailer, a career consultant.
A Better Opportunity Has Become Available
Change is scary, but fearing the unknown isn't a good reason to stay in your current career.
"If a greater employment opportunity is presented that pays a greater salary, provides tremendous benefits and affords you the ability to advance, then you may want to consider making a career change," Nailer said.
He also told us that your current job or career isn't leveraging your strongest talents.
"If you stumble upon a profession that will make use of this skill and pay you an equal or greater amount, then it may not be a bad idea to pursue it," Nailer said.
You Have an Entrepreneurial Itch
If you've always worked for someone else but long had the desire to work for yourself, you might consider leaving your career to branch out onto an entrepreneurial path.
"Some people long to be their own boss. Others start a side hustle and then find it's paying most of the bills," said Karen Southall Watts, author of "Ask and Achieve: Questions in the Middle of a Woman's Life." "If you start thinking about what it would be like to rule your day or your side business suddenly takes off, it might be a sign that you should take the leap and go full entrepreneur."
Even if you don't want to work for yourself, you might feel the pull to do something different with your professional life.
"[If] there is something that you absolutely love doing, but you never followed the bliss [and] your regular job feels like it's dragging you further away from your dream, it is time for a change," said Michael Tomaszewski, head of content at Rezi.
Your Industry Is in Decline
One of the more pragmatic reasons to switch careers is that your industry is in decline, said Damian Birkel, founder and executive director of Professionals In Transition, a career support organization. These jobs include those facing extinction due to automation and AI, such as computer and telephone operators and machine setters.
You're Financially Stable and Able To Make a Career Change
"If you are wholly unsatisfied with what you're doing each and every day, and you have the financial stability to move on and find a new job, by all means, do so," said Jennifer Lee Magas, an assistant professor of communication at Nova Southeastern University and a former HR generalist. "Your career should be one that you find passion in. Don't let boredom take over your life until retirement."
How To Transition Careers
If some (or all) of these signs ring true, it's probably time for you to change careers. Starting a new career path can
Spend Some Time on Self-Reflection
"Reflect on what you know about yourself and explore what you might want to do next," Ishikawa said. "Career transitions not only include the practical transition of a new role, but they can also impact salary. As you reflect on your current state, make sure to explore finances."
She said to ask yourself the following questions before choosing to transition into a role that might come with a pay cut or lower title:
"How comfortable are you in moving to a lower-level role?"
"How much must you make?"
"How much time could you spend on additional education or training?"
"What skills do you currently have that could be easily transferred into a new role?"
If you know you want to leave your current career but aren't exactly sure what to do next, make sure to explore all of your options. Finding the right career could require some research. You should also seek out people who already have your dream job.
"Ask for an informational interview to understand more about what they do [and] how they do it, and to ask for suggestions," Ishikawa added. "It's a great 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."
Next, work on educating yourself to fill in gaps in the skills and expertise needed for your newly chosen career. Sometimes you need more than education or training to be qualified for a new job.
Ishikawa recommends asking yourself the following questions and taking the necessary steps to remedy any shortcomings: "What additional skills, education or training do you need? Are you up to speed with the current technology required for the type of work you are moving to?"
To ensure you're on track to make your career transition, create a plan for all the steps you will take.
"Identify your plan and clearly note the goals and estimated time frame for completion," Ishikawa said. "Continuously track your progress against the plan."
With some research, networking and skill acquisition, you'll be well on your way to a more fulfilling career.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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