We live in a world which constantly keeps changing.
During these tough economic times, everybody is looking for job security and a stable career. People are struggling hard in the market to gain employability, least caring about the job role they’re signing up for. However, some are very cautious about their choice of career and are adaptable about it.
Adaptability has been a unique trait among us humans since evolution. Due to the development of new technologies in the market, regular updating of skills has become imperative. It is important to take a break from your conventional idea of job security and step into something better when it doesn’t feel right.
One would, without a thought, repaint his entire house if it does not please his eyes. Similarly, one should never be hesitant in switching careers if it doesn’t satisfy his mind and soul. Although changing career might sound daunting at first, it can be the best decision you make in the long run.
After a bit of research, it has been concluded that holding onto something not good for you is riskier than stepping towards something new. We all have heard that change is the only constant. So, if you are someone who is apparently not happy with his current job role but is afraid of quitting it, these following points will surely help you in your dilemma.
Here is a list of 5 signs you to seriously consider if you are hesitant about a change of career –
1. You no longer feel passionate about your job role
It is absolutely normal to not be excited and thrilled about your work all the time. But if you feel like you are lost and stuck and see no meaning in pursuing the career you are in, it hints that you have lost the purpose in your job. Maybe you really wanted to pursue animal nutrition jobs but you decided to temporarily work in administration.
It might be a very conflicted situation to doubt the career path you chose with so much passion like it was the only thing you wanted to do all your life. And now you are stuck reconsidering the choice you made and no longer have any drive to work, innovate or come up with new ideas. Your job is more like suffocating than ever and you are tired of the mundane schedule.
It feels like you no longer believe in what you are doing and often get distracted.
Then ask yourself, why are you reluctant for a change?
Is it because of the allegiances you hold towards your employer?
Or you are doubtful about the new career and your present feelings?
Whatever be the reason which is making you hold onto something, you see no potential in your current job. Losing interest in your job midway and convincing yourself to work just for the security of it is in itself a BIG sign to quit your job and make a new start. Once you lose passion for your work it comes on as a burden to you which eventually leads to your professional downfall if not checked early.
Thus, it is important to emphasize these hints and take necessary actions as early as you can.
2. All you wait for is the weekend!
I am sure every one of you must have heard about the ‘Monday Blues’.
Monday Blues is a common workplace term referring to a dreadful Monday morning or a sad, tiring feeling about having a whole day at work or a work-packed week ahead. While it is absolutely normal to have Monday Blues once in a while but if you have this dreaded feeling often and lack the energy to start your day at work, then it is time to rethink if you’re at the right place.
You feel dejected all week and the only thing you look forward to is Friday night. If you are someone who is living for the weekend chill, then it’s pretty sure that you are at the wrong place. If you lack the drive to go to work and look forward to the next day with a cringe and frown, then it’s high time.
‘Panicky-Pitter-Patter-Attacks’ in the mornings accompanied by a depressive body language and an overall feeling of futility of the work you are doing are the unmistakable red flags hinting at a much-needed career change.
3. You feel physically exhausted at work
The clock just struck 2 in the afternoon and it’s a bright sunny day outside, but you already feel drained. It feels like you’ve been running a 5-mile marathon since morning when all you did was sit in your little cabin with a computer in front of you.
“Oh, I am so tired!” is what you tell your colleagues in the middle of a typical day at work.
You are having a body breakdown.
Does your back ache away too much that you contemplate taking off a little early?
Or you desperately try to steal some minutes during your work hours to take a quick nap?
If you can relate to any of these questions, then it’s not any biological ailment responsible for your usual lousy self; but it is the work schedule you aren’t able to keep pace with.
Your body always knows when you have just had enough of something. Continuing at a job not fit for you might actually make your body sick and it is important to pay attention to early signs before it gets too late.
The physical signs of an unhappy career often come off as some unusual pain and creaks in your body which you never had before. If you are getting ill often; be it usual cold, body aches or twinges, then you must watch out for the underlying reason behind it and take quick action.
4. You are not rewarded
One of the most undervalued reasons to quit your job and have a new start is not getting sufficiently rewarded at work.
You put all your heart and soul in the task assigned, burn the midnight oil to deliver work before the deadline, you’re overworked, you cut down your personal plans just to get the tasks assigned to you going without any glitches. But ah, all your extra efforts feel like going in vain and you aren’t even appreciated for it. If you constantly get this feeling of putting in too much and getting too little out if it, then you are not at a happy place.
Getting applauded for good work plays a major psychological role in making any individual stick to his job role.
If your employer isn’t willing to invest in your career by providing incentives, bonuses or promotions for good work, then it’s high time to rethink things. It is absolutely important to update your skill card in order to survive in this era of fierce competition, and keeping a check on what and how often you’re being rewarded for is a wise habit.
So, if you feel you’re being under-rewarded for the quality of work you deliver accordingly to your industry standards, then it’s time for a change.
5. You seem to be envious of your friends’ job
Is it often that you compare your life with that of your colleagues?
Comparing your life with another might be good at times when it is done light-heartedly but if it makes you feel miserable about yours, it is not a good indication.
Your friend John has been working hard all these years. He is finally settled in his life and has a stable career. He is a happy man and is full of gratitude. You meet him and start visualizing of what will it be to at work at his place. You like the idea of that vision and are jealous of him. You start dreaming of living like him and taking a similar job role. It should come as no surprise that you’re not happy with your situation at your current job.
If you are ready to trade places at professional front with every person you meet, then that’s a sure-shot sign you’re not at the right job in the first place. When you find yourself dreaming about your friends’ jobs, you know you need to reconsider your choice of career.
Conclusion
Changing a career might be a major life decision and it is justified to have mixed feelings about it, but the majority of the times it is the right thing to do.
There has been a myriad of people who gained massive success after changing their careers midway. After all, there is no point in not taking a risk for something new when the old thing you’re holding onto is already doing you apparent damage.
It is essential to introspect the above-mentioned points in relation to your career and carefully evaluate the consequences of the choices to be made. After a critical evaluation of these signs, if you feel like it’s time for a change, don’t be hesitant in making this one decision which can change your life completely.
Don’t delay it anymore; wind up, do your research and just Get Set Go!
AUTHOR BIO
Abhyank Srinet holds a Masters in Management degree from ESCP Europe & has an engineering degree with a specialization in Instrumentation & Control. His interest in the digital landscape motivated him to create an online start-up for Masters in Management application consulting (MiM-Essay.com), focused on spreading quality information about the MiM degree & performing application consulting services for clients. He is the chief consultant of the company and takes care of Business Development and Digital Marketing side of the company. He is very passionate about writing and marketing.
