*Collaborative post.
Are you suddenly wondering whether you may be in the wrong career? The fact that you’re even thinking about this could be an indication that you are. However, you shouldn’t go on this thought alone. Looking for other signs that you could be in the wrong career is a good idea. Below, you’ll find a list of signs that could indicate whether you are in the wrong career – take a look and see if it’s time for you to make a change:
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You Spend Too Much Time Complaining About Work
Do you spend a lot of your time complaining about work? If so, it could be a sign you need a change. Complaining every so often is ok, but if you’re complaining all the time and struggling to find things to be grateful for, then it could be a sign you’re in the wrong field, industry, or role. Examine what is making you unhappy and whether it is temporary or permanent.
2. You have Work Anxiety
Having work anxiety is not pleasant, especially since we spend so much of our lives in work. Are you anxious about the workplace, someone at work, or an element of your job? You may be able to speak with your boss and sort this out, but if not, it could be a big sign that you need to move on.
3. You’re Not Sure Why You’re There Anymore
Maybe you started this career with the best of intentions, sure that you were going to do some meaningful things to fill you with purpose. However, if you’re not sure why you’re there anymore, it looks as if you may have grown or evolved as a person. Just because a job once filled you with joy and purpose, doesn’t mean it will forever. This is why remaining flexible is key. Just because you’ve put a few years into something, doesn’t mean you should continue to plug away at it when you’re clearly not happy.
4. You Imagine Quitting
If you sit at work and daydream about quitting and going off to do something else, this is a huge sign. If you know there’s something else you’d rather spend your time doing, but you’re not doing anything to work towards that, maybe now is the time to get started on an action plan.
5. Your Lifestyle Isn’t One You Enjoy
Your lifestyle is hugely important, and the type of work you do can impact it. Your work will impact how much you make, how much time you have off, flexibility, and so much more. If your lifestyle doesn’t suit you currently, it could be time to explore roles that offer lifestyles that do. You could look into driving instructor courses, as this role often comes with more flexibility than a regular job. However, it’s up to you to define the lifestyle you would like.
6. You Know Your Skills and Talents Aren’t Being Utilized
In any job role, skills and talents should be utilized for your satisfaction and your best work output. If you know that your skills and talents just aren’t being utilized, then you likely need a role where they are. What are you really good at, and what sort of role would help to enhance that? When do you feel most alive, and happy? When are you focused and in the flow? Define these moments and skills so you know what sort of things you need to be doing.
7. You Have No Energy
Having no energy doesn’t always come from having a super busy job where you’re on your feet all day. You could begin to feel exhausted even if you’re sat down all day – jobs you hate can mentally exhaust you. Or, perhaps you feel exhausted physically and mentally because you’re giving everything you’ve got, but you’re not really getting anything back. In your ideal job, you may get tired from time to time, but you won’t mind much because you’ll feel purposeful.
8. You’re Sick All The Time
If you’re sick, either physically or mentally, it could be down to spending so much time in a job you’re not gelling with. Many people don’t feel mentally well in the wrong job. They can become riddled with anxiety and stress, amongst other issues. Plus, mental stress can lead to a lowered immune system, so the two go hand in hand.
9. You’re Just Bored
Maybe you’re seriously bored at your job. If it’s no longer a challenge for you and you want something you can get stuck into, it could be time to move on. Some people would never leave a stable job out of boredom, but where’s the fun in life if you’re going to play it safe constantly?
10. You Have To Focus On Extras Just To Get Through The Day
Maybe you’re not living in the present moment, and instead, having to focus on the extras just to get you through the day. Perhaps you’re looking ahead to a future bonus, a conference, a milestone anniversary, or a sales team trip. Maybe you constantly count the days until the weekend and dread Mondays. If you have to focus on extras to get through the day, you should definitely be elsewhere.
11. Your Values Don’t Line Up
Knowing your own personal values and what’s important to you can help you to pick the ideal job. You should work in a role that aligns with your values. Not only that, you should be working with a company that aligns with your values! For example, if you’re a vegan who loves animals, you wouldn’t want to work for a company that sells animal products. This would be at odds with what is important to you and would likely make you unhappy in one way or another. That’s just one example – make sure you know what your own values are!
Have you figured out whether you’re in the wrong career yet? If you find yourself thinking about it all the time, then this is enough of a reason to move on. You don’t need a big reason for taking a leap of faith and doing something new. Life is to be lived, whatever stage you’re at and whatever age you are. Thanks for reading and leave your thoughts below!