A Change for the Better

As we head into the end of year holidays, we’re sure to get the same question from friends, family and new acquaintances: What do you do for a living? Many of us love talking about what we do because we genuinely enjoy it. Others cringe at the question, because they don’t. This column is for anyone thinking about a career change.

When is the right time to switch jobs, or even career fields? My answer is whenever you want, provided you find something that will make you happy. But, the prospect of a career change is never a decision that should be taken lightly.

However, moving on may be the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. I changed my career COMPLETELY – moved to a different state and into an industry I knew nothing about – in my mid-forties. And it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

There are many reasons why people seek a career change. Here are a few for you to consider.

The Sunday Night Dreads. It is unrealistic to think you’ll wake up every day excited and eager to get to work. We all have days that seem harder than others to get out of bed and be motivated for work. But if you consistently get the “Sunday night dreads” or feel the need to constantly compensate for the pain of your working life by buying things, or self-medicating with food, drugs or alcohol, it’s probably time to pivot.

The 90-Day Dreads. Feel worse than the Sunday Dreads? Dread going to work every day? You definitely need to start looking for a new job. The rule of thumb is that you’re unhappy or miserable for more than 90 days in a row, it’s time to leave.

Money Over Everything. Making a lot of money but hating every second of your job (or worse, feeling indifferent to it) is just not worth it. Money doesn’t buy happiness, remember? A career change could give you the chance to land a job that brings both personal and professional satisfaction and still pays the bills.

Low Self-Esteem. A fulfilling career should provide a boost to your confidence and self-esteem, not make you doubt yourself or the work you do. Enduring a toxic workplace culture or a career you no longer enjoy can grind you down and impact your long-term physical and mental health. If that’s how you feel, then it’s time to get out.

You’re Stressed. High stress jobs – healthcare, public service, law enforcement or public safety – have high burnout rates. But any job can be stressful given the right circumstances. So if seeking a less stressful life is the goal, leaving a high pressure career is vital.

You’ve Stopped Learning. Some jobs have long learning curves and provide meaningful experiences for years. Others simply don’t. Wisdom says it’s time to think about a new job or change in career entirely when there’s nothing more for you to learn. Every aspect of your job should not be mind-numbingly dull, but if you don’t feel quite ready to take the leap to a new career, a good step would be asking to work on a project or task that excites you. If you’ve learned everything you can from your current career and want to learn more, it’s time to move along!

You Need Flexibility. These days, many jobs can be done from home as easily as in an office. If you need more flexible hours to care for family, go back to school, or deal with other circumstances, and your current workplace won’t accommodate you, don’t feel bad about finding another position that will give you the flexibility you need.

Boss Energy. If your dream is to run your own business or turn a hobby into a career, there might never be a better time than now to do so. That holds true for whenever “now” is! Because there’s never a more perfect time than when you decide to make it happen.

So whatever the motivation, if you’ve identified with one, several or all of these telltale signs, start the process of moving out of your current position and into a new one. Just sayin’.