Top 5 Signs it's Time for a Career Change

We've all been there. Tired. Burned out. Unplugged. But sometimes that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you pull into the office parking lot is more than just job fatigue. Sometimes, it's career fatigue.

So is it your job, or is there something bigger to blame? Knowing the difference between the two will help you decide what to do next-either go on a job-hunt, or embark on a safari for a bigger animal: a brand-new career.

Know the Signs

Here's a few helpful tips on when to know to change your career.

1. The grass isn't greener
Here's a good head-check: If you're unhappy at your current position, what if a company in your same industry offered you more money and better benefits to do the same job? If you're ready to write your letter of resignation, then it sounds like your job's the problem, not your career. But even if this new prospect doesn't get your pulse pounding, then you may require a bigger change.

2. You can't see the long view
Is there a discernible ladder of progression in your current field? Do you know what steps to take next? Do you know how long it will take you to get there? If you answered "yes" to any of these, you're still only partway there. The biggest question is this: Can you see yourself at the top of the ladder in your field? What's more, would you like yourself if you were there? If not, you might want to jump off the ladder before you go too many rungs higher.

3. The seasoned ones seem bitter
A good way to forecast your future in an industry is to chat with the old-timers in the field. The seasoned vets have valuable perspective for where you are nowand where you could be going. Look at the kinds of individuals they aretheir level of professionalism and motivation. Now, ask yourself if this is the kind of person you want to become.

4. Distraction instead of satisfaction
Are you seeking diversions throughout the day to keep you from your job duties? Sometimes this activity is the product of a non-challenging work environment specific to one company culture. Other times, it may be an indicator that you'd be dissatisfied with the tasks no matter where your office (or cubicle) was located.

5. Work isn't the reason you go there
If you find that the highlight of your day is lunch, or talking to an office-mate or surfing the net, then chances are you're not happy with how your skill sets are being utilized. Optimum career satisfaction means showing up every day, excited about the work at hand. Lunches, water-cooler chats and surfing the net should just be bonuses along the way.

So What's Next?

If any of those signs seem all-too familiar, then it's time to act. But acting begins with careful research. A complete career shift is exciting- but it's not to be taken lightly. Think about what your core interests are. Decide how you can leverage them into earning a living. And then develop a practical plan to make it happen. These are your first steps to turning career fatigue into career fascination.

Chris Smith

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