Many people changed their careers after years of gaining experience in a field or industry that at some point simply didn’t feel the right place for them due to various internal or external reasons. Some people changed their careers twice. Others were forced to change their careers after losing their jobs when their company or industry tanked. If you pay close attention to your daily mood, it’s easy to recognize whether a career transition is due for you too. What are the signs you should be on the lookout for?
Boredom and Apathy
It’s normal not to feel constantly enthusiastic about your job, but when boredom and apathy seem to be the dominant themes of your working hours, this is a sign you might be completely worn out with your job. Depending on how deep and frequent these states are, you might need to reconsider your situation and see where these feelings arise from. Going to work should not be a daily battle with your willpower. Professional burnout can affect your self-esteem, motivation and drive. When boredom and apathy ring true when you think about your job, changing your career might be the only solution.
Lack of Meaning
People take a lot of their job satisfaction from feeling that what they do is meaningful and matters. The desire to make a difference is deeply ingrained in us and if neglected, at some point, the lack of meaning and direction will take its toll on your mental and emotional life. If you feel that you’d prefer to do something with greater impact and help society more directly, a smart career transition can take you there. An advanced degree, either traditional or from an online institution like Norwich University, might be required to launch a new career in social work, public administration or another impact-focused field.
No Work-Life Balance
It’s easy to compromise your personal life for a satisfying career when your young and have no family or other major responsibilities in your life. As you progress in your career and your personal circumstances change, an unhealthy work-life balance is no longer an inconvenience but a major threat to your life satisfaction. A job that keeps you chronically exhausted with no time to invest in relationships, hobbies, fitness, or healthy living is not something you should hold on for long if you care about your mental and emotional health. If you already notice physical signs of exhaustion, your career might not be good for you. If you don’t transition to another position, you are simply taking years off your life.
Do you really want to be that apathetic and complacent person who always complains about their job? Do you want to see your friends passionate about their work while you dread waking up in the morning? Don’t punish yourself. You deserve to live an enthusiastic and passionate life, not just let days pass by you while you are on autopilot. A career transition does not have to be scary. What’s scarier is putting years of your life into a career that does not bring you any satisfaction.