When to Pivot: 5 Signs of Career Change
Statistics reveal that an average person will change careers 5-7 times during their working life. The reason can be anything from a better opportunity at another company to feelings of unfulfillment. But how do you figure out if you really need a change or are just having normal ups and downs? Keep reading as we explore the signs of career change for easy decision-making!
5 Signs of Career Change
It's not like one day, you wake up and decide that you no longer want to pursue your current career. Instead, these feelings build over a period of time, forcing you to pivot. Here are 5 signs of career change that you should look out for:
Body Breakdown
Know that occasional stress and breakdowns are part of the job. However, if you constantly feel burnout, it's something alarming. For instance, your mornings start with a feeling of grogginess along with “Ugh” or “Not Again.”
In the evenings, you just want to lie down with no energy left and wish this terrible cycle might end. You also feel extensive exhaustion, emotional detachment, and reduced performance.
Not only your work but also your family is suffering, which can further affect your critical thinking and well-being. When you feel all these things, you should step away from your current career for the sake of your health and happiness.
No Growth
Your career should involve continuous learning, acquiring new skills, and unique challenges. If your current career doesn't offer any of these and you are stagnant at one point, it's one of the signs of career change.
Every day, you wake up and perform the same tasks with no growth at all. Let's suppose you are a cybersecurity expert at a renowned company, and they aren't investing in your growth. You aren't updated with current industry trends or how to use advanced analytics.
It's alarming, as you are wasting your potential in a place where you are getting only money in return. Therefore, you shouldn't stay in such a work culture and opt for a career change to avoid complacency.
Lack of Recognition or Appreciation
We all know that a word of appreciation can go a long way. When your employer recognizes your efforts, you feel motivated and contribute more towards the organization's success. That's the reason 40% of employees rank recognition from managers as the most important.
However, if you are constantly undervalued or underappreciated, the feeling of dissatisfaction will come naturally. For instance, you may not be getting the desired reward for your hard work, or even be overlooked during promotions or salary raises.
This shows that your current company doesn't value your efforts, which can lead to a lack of morale. You should consider these signs of career change and explore other better opportunities. Statistics show that 79 percent of employees quit because they're not appreciated.
Longing for a Different Lifestyle
Sometimes, one of the biggest signs of career change is just longing for a different lifestyle. This can be anything from giving more time to your family to wanting to connect to your hobbies.
You aren't getting used to micromanagement or hostile behavior, as they don't suit your working style. On top of this, you continuously find yourself in conflict, all of which aren't things you want in your life.
So, when an opportunity comes up that offers you the perfect work-life balance, a well-coordinated workplace, and less stress, you should definitely grab it.
Feelings of “I'll Leave If I Could”
Well, sit down and ask yourself if life gives you the chance to leave your current job now. If the answer is yes, unfortunately, it's one of the signs of career change.
It shows that you aren't truly connected to your workplace and profession; rather, you are there just for the money.
You continuously search for new job opportunities and save up to leave the current company. In such a case, you should switch your career path and opt for an opportunity that excites you and aligns with your goals.
FAQs
How to make a successful career change?
To make a successful career change, you should select the desired company and goal, upgrade your skillset, and network with relevant professionals.
How to quit a job gracefully?
To quit a job gracefully, you should notify your supervisor, submit your resignation letter, work through your notice period, and return company assets.
How do I distinguish between a career slump and a need for change?
A career slump is temporary and can be addressed with a few tweaks. However, the need for a career change is permanent and more deeply rooted.
Conclusion
It's important to look out for signs of career change, especially if you feel bored, exhausted, or undervalued at the workplace. Visit National Louis University today to learn about our courses that can polish your skillset!
