Have you had it with your job? Does every day you spend at work feel like an eternity? You’re stressed and burnt out, but how do you know when it’s time to try something different? Looking for a new job can feel intimidating. You may worry that you’ll be stepping into something just as bad as where you are — or maybe even worse. There comes a point where you need to make a decision. Here are seven warning signs you could use a career change.
1. Your Body Is Suffering
One of the first ways to tell if you need a career change is to take stock of your physical health. Every Sunday when the time to return to work is nearing, you start to stress. You can feel it throughout your whole body. You’re tired, run-down, sore, or tense. Maybe you’re exhausted all the time or are experiencing headaches more regularly. Your body is sending you signals that something isn’t right, and you’re carrying the strain of your emotions.
2. You Feel Worthless
If you have a job that makes you feel bored, unsatisfied, or even worthless, it’s time to consider making a change. Doing something that isn’t emotionally fulfilling for a living wears on you over time. It can take a real toll on your self-esteem. Not only do you not enjoy what you do for a living, but the day in and day out exposure to your job might also be causing you to feel bad about yourself. If you’ve forgotten what you’re good at or what used to make you feel accomplished, that’s a push to move on.
3. You’ve Lost Your Spark
Because of the daily drudgery, you no longer find any joy in what you do. You can’t remember a time when work was fun. You don’t have passion about how you’re earning a living, and that can be soul-crushing. Take a look at what else is out there. Check out job sites or online forums for inspiration. You may discover the push you’ve been needing to take the plunge.
4. You’re Envious of Others’ Jobs
Do you look at your friends and feel envious of how satisfied they seem with their careers? This isn’t a reflection of your character and doesn’t make you a bad person. It’s an opportunity for introspection. Think about what it is you feel they are getting from their jobs and use that information to propel you toward finding a career that can provide you with that same thing.
5. You No Longer Care About the Money
Earning an income is often reason enough to stay at a job you hate. After all, you need the money to pay rent and put food on the table. If you’ve reached a point where the money doesn’t make up for negative feelings that come with the job, it truly may not be worth it. There are other ways to make a dollar. Perhaps it’s time to discover them.
6. You Feel Unappreciated
A toxic work environment can make work a dreadful place to be. Is your supervisor unreceptive to your ideas? Do they take you for granted? Maybe they have ridiculous expectations or micromanage your work. In these instances, you no longer feel like even trying. Why bother when your efforts won’t be duly recognized? This type of workplace can truly wear a person down. You should probably look for an alternative pronto.
7. You Dream of Something Different
Do you spend your work hours dreaming about what you’d do if money were no object? Are there tons of ideas spinning around in your head, but you’ve been too afraid to put them into action? As they say, there’s no better time than the present. Start doing some research into making those ideas a reality. If you’re a healthcare practitioner with a head for business, consider exploring ways to become a nurse entrepreneur. Ask others about their jobs. Brainstorm how you could put your unique experience, skills, and interests to use and earn a living while doing it.
Pay attention to these warning signs. You should take them seriously. Staying at a job you hate can have consequences to your health, emotional state, and relationships. You can make a change.
