Is it is Time for a Career Change?

Millions of people go to work each and every day; and most of them do not enjoy it!  Does this sound like you?  Would you like to be one of those luck few who love their jobs?  Read on…

Are you in the right job?  Have you found your calling? While sometimes it is relatively easy to tell if you like your job it is not always the case.  Few people discover that the formula for finding your career calling is to contribute in an area that you enjoy the most.  For many, the process is not obvious and requires taking a look inward to find what you truly do enjoy doing.

As odd as it sounds, many people cannot verbalize what they actually enjoy doing. They can tell you what they DON’T like (overbearing bosses, long commutes, low wages, mundane jobs, etc.) but have never stopped to articulate what they DO want.

Here is a list of factors to think about before you make a change:

1.        You feel stagnant in your current role. Before making a change, make absolutely certain that your current role, employer and even industry does not offer you a chance to demonstrate your unique talents. Remember, it is YOUR responsibility to explore and promote yourself. Often, just asking for more responsibility or joining an internal task force to solve a critical challenge can re-energize your career. Stop blaming your boss, the employer, the industry or the economy and take control. If you are not moving forward, you are falling behind!

2.        You often feel physically or mentally ill. If you have reached the point where you dread going to work, it is time to re-assess.  Do the people, environment or culture of your current scenario fill you with uncertainty or unhappiness?  Before you find yourself taking medication for physical ailments like headaches, stomach problems or acid reflux, consider the cause of you discomfort. Is there excessive pressure, deadlines and stress causing these problems or have you simply lost enthusiasm for the day to day functions you perform?  There is an old saying that “when the mind hurts, the body suffers.” Often, a change of scenery can eliminate these symptoms overnight!

3.        You feel excluded from important decisions. If you have reached a point where you no longer feel like you have a say in the future direction of your job, and the company and you perceive that you are being excluded from important meetings or decisions, it may be time to move on. It is a lonely feeling to be “on the outside looking in” and to observe others getting raises and promotions ahead of you. Honestly assess if you have the passion to remain competitive or if there is a good reason for why you are being overlooked. Do you need to work harder, smarter, or get some new skills?

4.        Your purpose and work functions are going in opposite directions. Sometimes people find themselves in a situation where their job duties begin to change and move away from their goals.  If you are having trouble linking your passion and purpose to what you do each day, it is clearly time to assess your employment situation. As often we do not notice these subtle changes a regular monthly check-in with yourself may help you chart what is going on.  Changes occur gradually until one day a person wakes up and realizes they are working in a job that does not fulfill their internal needs.

5.        You have lost pride in sharing what you do for a living. If you get to the point where you are ashamed, embarrassed or no longer take pride in your job, title, employer or industry, it is time to reconsider your career choice. When you love what you do you is should feel like being in love…shout it from the rooftops!

Does this sound all too familiar?  Then DO SOMETHING about it.  Order Chris’ Career Coach today and start changing your life.