Have you been wondering if it's time for a career change? Many of us experience moments of doubt and dissatisfaction in our professional lives, but how do you know when it's really time to move on?
This guest post provided by Liza Griffen, co-founder of Tyler Griffen (a boutique EA, PA, and administrative recruitment agency in London), will help you identify the signs that it might be time for a career change, and provide guidance on making an informed decision about your professional future.
One of the most telling signs that it might be time for a career change is a persistent feeling of unfulfillment and lack of motivation. When you wake up every day dreading the thought of going to work, it’s a clear indication that your current role is not aligning with your passions and interests. Career changers often cite a lack of fulfilment as a primary reason for their transition.
Unfulfillment can manifest in various ways, such as a lack of enthusiasm for your projects, feeling that your work lacks purpose, or simply not feeling excited about what you do. This sense of disconnection can lead to decreased productivity, and a general sense of dissatisfaction with your professional life.
If you find yourself questioning the value of your work and are feeling unmotivated regularly, it might be time to consider a new career path that better aligns with your passions and goals.
If you’re frequently daydreaming about a different job or career, it might be time to take those thoughts seriously. Dreaming about other careers can be a way your mind signals that you are not in the right working environment. You might imagine yourself in roles that seem more exciting, fulfilling, or aligned with your skills and interests.
This constant daydreaming can indicate a deep-seated desire for change and growth. While it's normal to have occasional thoughts about different careers, persistent and recurring dreaming suggests that your current job is not meeting your needs.
It’s a good idea to explore other opportunities that may be more aligned with your interests and skills, and consider whether a different career path could bring you greater satisfaction.
Professional growth and development are crucial for career satisfaction. If you feel there are no opportunities for advancement or skill development in your current role, it might be time to move on. A lack of growth opportunities can leave you feeling stuck and unchallenged, which can lead to frustration and disengagement.
Consider whether your current job allows you to gain new skills and experience that will be valuable to prospective employers. If you find that your role is not providing the professional development you need to advance in your career, it might be worth exploring other opportunities that offer more room for growth.
Being in a stagnant position can hinder your future career prospects, so it’s important to seek roles that challenge you and help you develop your skills.
One such career that often has a plethora of growth opportunities is an Executive Assistant role. Check out this blog post on what an executive assistant is and how they add value to a business, as well as this EA job board for current vacancies.
Job dissatisfaction can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression related to your job are serious signs that it might be time for a career change.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for your overall wellbeing, and a toxic job environment can severely disrupt this balance. Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to juggle career success and personal happiness.
Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances can also be linked to job-related stress. If you find that your job is negatively impacting your health, it’s important to take action. Perhaps consider shifting to a part-time role while you change careers.
Prioritising your wellbeing might mean seeking a new role that offers a healthier work environment and better work-life balance. Your health is invaluable, and no job is worth sacrificing your physical and mental wellbeing.
When your job responsibilities or company culture don't align with your personal values, it can create a sense of discord. This misalignment can lead to a lack of motivation and job satisfaction. Reflect on whether your job aligns with your core values and life goals.
For example, if you value creativity and innovation but work in a highly rigid and structured environment, you might feel constrained and unhappy. Similarly, if you are passionate about social responsibility but your company does not prioritise ethical practices, it can lead to a significant internal conflict.
Assessing your personal values and comparing them with your job’s values can help you determine whether it’s time for a career change. Transferable skills might help you transition to a role or sector that better matches your personal values.
Passion is a significant driver of career satisfaction. If you no longer feel passionate about your work or find it tedious, it’s a clear sign that it might be time for a career change. Passionate work keeps you engaged and motivated, making your professional life more enjoyable and rewarding.
Think about the aspects of your job that once excited you. If those elements no longer bring you joy or if you struggle to find any part of your job that you’re passionate about, it’s time to consider other options. A lack of passion can lead to burnout and a decline in performance, so finding a career that reignites your enthusiasm is crucial for your overall happiness.
Sometimes, those closest to you can provide valuable insights into your career happiness. If friends and family notice that you are unhappy or stressed about your job, it might be worth considering their observations. They can offer an outside perspective and help you see the bigger picture, making it easier to decide if a career change is the right move.
Loved ones often notice changes in your mood and behaviour that you might overlook. If they express concern about your job-related stress or unhappiness, take their feedback seriously. Their observations can help you reflect on your current situation and consider whether a career change would improve your overall quality of life.
While your career might not necessarily be the problem, take stock of the different facets of your life and evaluate where you could make improvements that will lead to greater happiness.
While a career change might involve a pay cut initially, it’s essential to consider your future financial and career goals. Sometimes, taking a step back financially can lead to greater job satisfaction and better opportunities down the line. Evaluate if your current job meets your financial needs and if you are willing and able to make sacrifices for a more fulfilling career.
Taking a pay cut can be daunting and not always possible, but it’s important to weigh the benefits of increased job satisfaction and better alignment with your goals against the financial implications. Consider whether the long-term potential of a new career outweighs the short-term financial sacrifices. Making a thoughtful decision about your finances can help you feel more confident about pursuing a career change.
Before making any final decisions about changing your career, read this helpful blog post: 4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Career Change
Recognising the signs that it's time for a career change can be challenging, but it's crucial for your happiness and professional growth. Reflect on these indicators and consider whether your current job aligns with your values, interests, and goals. If you’re ready for a change, start exploring new opportunities and consider career coaching to make this change easier.
Liza Griffen is co-founder of Tyler Griffen, a boutique EA, PA, and administrative recruitment agency in London. Over the years, Tyler Griffen has built many long-term relationships with clients across all sectors, a testament to their determination, integrity, and outstanding success rates. They’re the go-to experts for recruiting exceptional support staff.
Alice coaches those who want to change career but don’t know what they want to do instead. She offers Career Coaching designed to help graduates, early to mid-level career-changers, and parents returning to work gain a clear vision of what career is right for them, and how to achieve it. She is also an accredited Coach Supervisor, and host of The Career Change Diaries podcast.
