Career Change on the Cards? Top Signs Now Is the Right Time for a New Job

Between the ages of 18 and 52, the average person will hold 12 different jobs. And while not every one of those job swaps involves a career change, it’s safe to say that changing direction in your professional life is perfectly normal.
Be that as it may, changing careers isn’t something that should be taken lightly. It’s a major life decision and you need to be sure that you’re making the right choice before taking the leap.
So how do you know when it’s the right time to find a new career? Well, this is going to look a little different for everyone, but there are certain circumstances in which quitting your job should be a strong possibility.
Read on to learn a few sure-fire signs that indicate it’s time for a change.
You Feel Unfulfilled and Uninspired
Chances are, you’ve heard someone say something along the lines of, “yes, my job is unfulfilling, but that’s what hobbies are for.” And yes, hobbies are great, but if you find yourself thinking like this, remind yourself that it’s incorrect!
Your life should be fulfilling overall, meaning you find joy and purpose in both your work life and your free time. We’ve been made to feel that “being bored” is an immature or invalid reason to quit a job, but it truly isn’t.
If you don’t find your work challenging, engaging, and fulfilling, it’s time to find something new.
You’re in a “Dead End” Job
The primary reason to stay with a single job long-term (aside from getting enjoyment from your work) is the promotional opportunities. Being in a career for decades should mean that you make more money and have better benefits than you did when you started. If there’s no room for growth, it isn’t the job for you.
The best jobs to consider are those that allow for career advancement, as it will make you feel more excited and focused on your work. You’ll feel good knowing that your hard work is going to pay off down the road.
You Notice Frequent Colds and Headaches
Stress is a normal part of life, and there are even some circumstances in which a little bit of stress is a good thing. However, chronic stress is another thing entirely, and something that can have detrimental effects on your mental and physical health.
If you notice that you seem to get colds more often than your friends and family, or you have frequent headaches or changes in appetite, you could be experiencing physical manifestations of poor mental health.
Now, sometimes you’re going through a rough patch at work and the stress you’re feeling isn’t indicative of your overall experience. But if you’re unable to alleviate the stress and it’s been a long-term issue, consider looking for a new job.
You’re Having Trouble Sleeping
The importance of high-quality sleep cannot be overstated. Sleep is the foundation upon which every other facet of your health is built. If you’re having trouble sleeping, take an honest look at what might be causing it.
Are you waking up in the middle of the night worrying about your job? Do you have a hard time falling asleep because you’re stressing about work the next day?
One of the best pieces of career change advice we can give you is to never allow your job to negatively impact your health. Even if the job you’re in pays well and has great benefits, it’s not worth destroying your body and mind.
You Feel Unmotivated
We all have days where we just don’t feel like ourselves and can’t explain it. Waking up on the wrong side of the bed is a real thing! But on these days, you know that once you’re able to go to sleep again, everything will seem better in the morning.
While you shouldn’t base a decision as large as finding a new career on one bad day, stringing enough bad days together could be a sign that you need a change.
There are going to be some days where you don’t want to go to work and that’s fine. However, if you find that getting yourself to work in the morning is a constant struggle, or worse, you dread the next workday before it even comes, you need to look into your career change options.
You Daydream About a New Career
Just as we’re told being bored isn’t a good enough reason for a career change, it’s considered normal to daydream about a different career while working your current job. And sure, maybe you can’t be an NBA player or the next Justin Beiber, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t pursue slightly more realistic dreams.
If you spend 40 hours a week at your current job daydreaming about opening your own coffee shop or starting a blog about baking, you should do it! No matter what your dreams are, if there’s any chance that you can make them come true, you should follow them.
Start a New Chapter of Your Life With a Career Change
Making a career change can be a tough and often frightening decision to make. But sometimes, it can be the difference between living your best life and being completely miserable.
At the end of the day, life is too short to spend decades in a career that you hate. Whether you just finished your first year on the job or are making a midlife career change, it’s never the wrong time to better yourself and your life.
In need of more advice and ideas for finding the perfect career for you? Take a look at our blog!