Is It Time for a Career Change?
You just reached 10 years at your job. It’s a big milestone. But you don’t feel like celebrating. In fact, you don’t even know if you want to spend another 10 years at the same place of work. You just feel like the job doesn’t fit you anymore. But is it the right time to make a decision as momentous as changing careers?
Whether you feel stuck in a job that no longer excites you, crave new challenges, or seek better work-life balance, it’s important to recognize the right time to change paths, no matter how long you’ve been at your workplace. It isn’t just about switching roles; it’s about making sure your work aligns with your passions, skills, and goals.
7 Telltale Signs You Need a New Career
There are a lot of signs that could be telling you that you’re ready to switch careers. Some of them might be nagging at you more than others.
1. The pay and benefits don’t meet your needs.
Your paycheck is important. So, when you experience a pay cut or don’t get that raise, it hurts. In 2022, low pay was the No. 1 reason why people left their jobs. If your pay isn’t up to par, consider ways to convince management to spend more on keeping you.
2. You don’t feel recognized or appreciated.
If you work hard and produce excellent results but are constantly overlooked for raises, promotions, and leadership opportunities, it might be time to move on from your current role. It doesn’t just make you feel invisible; it makes you feel underappreciated. And in the workplace and everyday life, feeling valued is critically important.
3. You’re unmotivated and disengaged.
Maybe you just aren’t interested in sharing your ideas anymore. It could be because your ideas have been shot down in the past. And maybe you’re just going through the motions of doing your everyday tasks. It might be time to find a job that motivates you more.
4. You’re in a toxic work environment.
If your workplace is lousy with hostile co-workers or miscommunication, but short on management transparency or a general sense of trust, you’re probably in a toxic work environment. This can make working difficult and stressful and may lead to you dreading going to work every day.
5. Your work-life balance is, well, imbalanced.
Good work-life balance is essential to many people. If your current job puts too much pressure on you and doesn’t let you have much of a personal life or time away from the office, it might be time to walk.
6. You’re burned out.
Stress is normal in any workplace, but job burnout isn’t. If you feel constantly burned out, it could be time to leave your current place of employment. Physical illness, mental problems, emotional issues, and more are all indicators that your current job has you overworked and overstressed.
7. Your values don’t fit with the organization’s values.
It’s important that your values and ethics match your organization’s. For example, if you don’t like to tell people where you work because they aren’t environmentally ethical, but you are, it might be time to look for a new job.
How to Begin Your Next Career Journey
If you think it’s time for a career change, consider what you need to do to land your next job. Research what career aligns best with your goals and ambitions. It might also be time to explore degrees to pursue in order to grow your skills and expand your knowledge. For instance, a master’s degree can significantly improve your chances for career advancement, leadership opportunities, financial growth, and more.
Excelsior University has many programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and graduate levels that can help boost your skills and industry knowledge so you can make your mark in your next career. And if you’re not ready to take the leap from your current (dissatisfying) role, Excelsior’s online courses offer you the flexibility to pursue new educational opportunities while keeping up a full-time work schedule.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to your current job and change careers, consider expanding your knowledge with a degree from Excelsior. Talk to an admissions counselor to get started on your path toward a more rewarding career.
