Is It Time for a Career Change? 3 Signs to Watch For

career change
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Nearly everyone who gets a job desires career growth. Sometimes, this means evolving into other fields different from what you initially envisaged. Hardly does anyone have a clear vision of what their career will look like in three decades. Hence, change is constant in the job environment, which is one reason people change careers. However, when do you know the right time to change career? In this article, you will learn how to make a career change once the time is right.

Why Do You Need a Career Change?

The saying, “Change is the only constant thing in life,” is true. The average person is usually excited to start a new job. However, circumstances can make them weary of their current job and begin seeking a career change. A report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023 revealed that the average person has changed jobs at least 12 times by age 50. Some also change to different fields, hoping to find the perfect job, which is often an illusion.

People change careers for several reasons: boredom, challenges, toxicity, and growth. Therefore, if you are considering a career change, you are not alone, as numerous people feel the same. Career changes are significant and can impact every area of your life. Therefore, you must carefully make this decision so you don’t regret it.

When Is It Time for a Career Change?

1.  Professional Growth

Professional stagnation is one of the most telling signs that you need a career change. If you find no room for continuous learning and career growth, you need a career switch. Your career is meant to be fulfilling, challenging, and enriching. It should also provide opportunities for skill acquisition, development, and growth.

However, if you are limited and bored with no room for advancement, it may be time to find a new job. Failure to change careers can hinder your personal and professional growth, leading to complacency and loss of reputation. Therefore, you should never joke about this kind of situation.

2. Toxicity

Another indication that you need to switch careers is a toxic work environment. Toxicity is damaging and should never be condoned. Toxic work environments can manifest in several ways, including micromanagement, lack of trust, yelling bosses and co-workers, aggressiveness and passive aggressiveness, and poor communication. Suppose you find it difficult to relax at work, tread softly to not upset anyone, or hate interacting with others because of office politics. In that case, you may be in a toxic environment.

Another sign of toxicity that may not be obvious is dealing with condescending attitudes from co-workers and bosses. If you also find that you are constantly overlooked or unappreciated, you may be in a toxic environment. In such cases, you need a career change; otherwise, your self-esteem or self-worth will take a hit, affecting your productivity and efficiency.

3. Burnout

A third sign that you need a career change is that you are burned out, under chronic stress, or mentally destabilized. Every job has seasonal periods of tension. However, if your job constantly puts you under considerable stress and is starting to affect your physical and mental health, it may be time for a career change.

Burnout is dangerous because it can affect concentration and cognitive function. It can also cause physical and psychological exhaustion, emotional detachment, and a lack of productivity. Therefore, if you are experiencing burnout and chronic stress, consider a career change.

Changing your career can be scary, especially if your current job offers stability and some coveted benefits. However, there can be no growth without risks, and it is dangerous to endanger your health because of money. Therefore, it may be time for a career change if you experience any of the signs mentioned in this article.

#Clique, have you ever changed careers? If so, what caused you to do so? Let us know in the comments.

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