10 Signs You Need a Career Change
The days of a job for life are long gone. Indeed, on average, people now stay in a position for only 3-4 years. Even so, the decision to move to a new employer is a big one. So how do you know when it’s time to move on to new challenges? Here are ten signs that the time is right for a career change.
- You are Bored at Work
Once you have mastered a role, a job can become tiresome. There is, of course, nothing wrong with being proficient in a position. However, most people like to stretch themselves and tackle new challenges. So, if you have begun to feel stuck in a rut, it might be time to look for new opportunities.
- Your Earnings Are Not Increasing
Inflation eats away at real earnings every year. And most people want to improve their financial position over time. But, if your pay raises have been minimal, your disposable income is likely to be falling. And the longer you stay in your job, the worse off you will become. So, look at what other companies are offering for your role. You might be surprised at how much more you could earn by moving to another company.
- You Are Not learning Or Growing
Some people thrive on learning new skills. And, if your current role provides no opportunity for learning or growing, you are potentially in a dead-end job. In this situation, it will begin to feel like you are going through the motions every day. A change of employer may be what you need for both professional and personal growth.
- It Feels Like Work No Longer Matters
Getting the work/life balance right is essential. Even so, work shouldn’t feel pointless. People need to feel their work has some meaning and purpose and that their work is valued. So, you shouldn’t feel like you would be barely missed if you didn’t turn up for work. If you think that your work doesn’t matter anymore, your skills could undoubtedly be put to better use elsewhere.
- You Don’t Get Along with Your Boss
You don’t need to be your boss’s number one fan. Nevertheless, it helps if you can get along and have some respect for your supervisor. Indeed, if you never see eye-to-eye with your boss, that will demotivate you and prevent you from achieving what you might. Or perhaps you know that you could do your boss’s job better? In that case, you can’t wait forever for the opportunity to take on that supervisory role. You’d be better off applying for a more senior position in another company.
- Your Talent Is Being Wasted
If your current employer is not making use of your skills, your talent is being wasted. This situation can occur when a boss is unwilling to delegate. Still, you can be confident that there are companies out there somewhere that need your skills. And those companies will likely pay you a handsome salary for the right person with those skills.
- You Want to Take a Different Career Path
It’s never too late to take a different career path. So, if you long for a complete change in direction, why not explore your options? Perhaps your existing skills could be put to better use in a different field? Or maybe you could retrain for another role? Either way, if you are frustrated with your current career, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t branch out into something new.
- You Are Uncomfortable with the Values of Your Employer
It can be hard working for a company with values not aligned with your own. In some cases, it can feel like you are betraying your principles. And that is guaranteed to play on your conscience and make you dissatisfied at work. You may not be able to change the values of your employer. But neither do you have to support them by working for the business. You’d probably be better off working for a company in which you can believe.
- The Company at Which You Work is Failing
If your employer has been laying people off, you could hang in there and hope for the best. However, if the writing is on the wall, you’d be better off getting out on your terms and when you are ready. Quitting a failing business can feel like you are being disloyal. However, you don’t win anything by being the last person to switch off the lights.
- You’ve Had a Better Offer
If you have been contacted with a better offer, that’s an opportunity worth exploring. Perhaps a competitor of your employer has approached you, for example. Or a headhunter has touched base with you on behalf of a client. In that case, you can be sure that there is a demand for your skills. So, even you don’t accept the immediate offer, at least it demonstrates that there are other opportunities for you in the job market.
If you recognize any of the above signs, it may be time to explore your career options. Changing jobs can mean a bit of upheaval. And it may take time to settle into a new company. But moving forward will help keep you motivated and help you develop as a professional and an individual.