The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Are you miserable at work? Is your career affecting other areas of your life? Are you experiencing incredible distress, mental health concerns, and physical pains throughout the workweek? Then it sounds like it is time to leave your job.
Many people cling to jobs as a way to hold onto stability and security. Despite hating where they work, they think it is far easier to stay put than take the risk to find something better. However, staying in a miserable job can destroy your health and rarely brings any substantial benefits. So if you’ve been feeling miserable at your job lately, then check out these signs that prove it is time to change your career.
6 Signs It’s Time To Change Careers
You Dread Going Into Work
Everyone has bad days or weeks at work. And we have all had days where we don’t want to deal with our boss or go in to give a presentation. However, if you’ve dreaded work every day for a long period of time, this may be a good indicator that it’s time to get out. If you still enjoy some aspect of your job, you will still either look forward to work or feel neutral about clocking in. On the other hand, if you’re dreading your workday, then that means you don’t enjoy any aspect of your job and need to find a more fulfilling career.
Your Mental Health Is Declining
No job is worth destroying your mental health or well-being. Even if you tell yourself it is temporary, the truth is that mental damage that occurs over a long period of time can create significant problems later on. That means that if you “suck it up” for a few years to deal with a dreadful job, you may still have mental health challenges years on down the line. No job is worth that pain.
Your Body Physically Rejects Being At Work
Do you ever feel a tightness in your chest as you head to work? Or maybe you feel your breath shorten and quicken? Or perhaps you deal with headaches that seemingly have no cause? This could all be indications from your body that you are not in a healthy work environment.
When ignored or untreated, mental and emotional conditions can manifest into physical symptoms. Therefore, if you are ignoring the emotional distress that your work is causing you, then your body may be using more extreme means to get your attention. Your body is rejecting your workplace and begging you to find a better career.
You’re Dreaming Of A Different Career
This may seem obvious, but if you are sitting at work daydreaming of a different career or life, then this is a sure sign you need to make a change. However, many people daydream of other career options but never take the first steps toward that new career. Many people will dismiss it as just a daydream or may never verbalize their desires. But the truth is that you will never be happy at your current job if you spend your work hours thinking about a different career.
You’re Looking At Other Jobs
Furthermore, if you are looking at other jobs, it’s time to move on. Though this also should seem obvious, many people will spend time looking at or updating their resume but never actually make the leap to apply to another position. Despite being miserable, they hold onto their job in desperation to keep stability and security in their lives.
Your Job Is Affecting Other Parts Of Your Life
We all go through periods where our job leaks into other areas of our lives. This most commonly happens during stressful times, such as time crunches before product launches or other significant events in the company. However, these periods are often temporary, and your work/life balance resumes once the status quo has been reestablished.
So if your work is taking over your life as a permanent feature, then the job is not healthy for you. There are two main ways that work can take over your life. The first is that your work pushes you to work extra hours that deplete you of any time off to relax or have fun. The second is that work is so miserable that it stays on your mind when you come home. Your misery affects your relationships and prevents you from relaxing. If any of these situations are occurring, then you need a new job right away.
Tips For Changing Your Career
Career changes are major transitions for many people. Even if you don’t like your job, leaving a position that you have become accustomed to and once thought was your dream job can be challenging. Luckily, many people navigate career changes with great success. Here are some tips to help you navigate this change more smoothly.
- Do your research: If you plan to transition to another job or industry, research the necessary skills to make this possible. In some cases, you may be able to transition to another role with little additional experience or skills. In other cases, you may need to go back to school for another degree. It’s important to know what’s required before making any drastic changes.
- Contact your network: If you’re prepped and ready to start looking for new jobs, then let your network know. Your contacts may know of some openings you are unaware of or can give you some insider knowledge and tips for a smoother transition.
- Be discrete: However, you should be discreet with your desires and plans when you are at work. You never know when someone may rat you out to a superior about your ambitions. It’s better to quit on your own terms than to be ousted by your boss because they found out you’ve been looking at other jobs.
- Get some experience: Try to get your foot in the door with some similar experience. Depending on the field you plan to go into, this can include volunteer work, freelancing, or learning essential skills by taking a class. This will not only give you the experience you need to look good for your future employers, but it will help you determine for sure if you will enjoy this new career path.
- Be patient: Though you may want to quit your career right away, don’t do anything hasty! Come up with a plan, ideals jobs, and industries, and ensure you have the money to make the change.
Final Thoughts
Chances are, you already know it’s time to make a change. However, it’s reassuring when you find confirmation through other sources. If you are experiencing any of the issues mentioned in this article, then it is surely time to move on to a more rewarding career. Hopefully, this article gave you the confirmation that you seek as well as some tips to start making this transition.
For more career advice, you can find more resources at the link below:
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