Is it Time for a Career Change?

For the past 18 months, we have observed the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on many of our lives, but let’s look at the silver lining. One positive thing that I have observed is people have done some deep reflection and personal introspection. This deep reflection have caused so many to make positive changes in their lives. So many have re-invented themselves because the pandemic caused them to pause to think about what they really want in life.

The discussion I would like to open up is a personal one. Is it time for you to pursue a different career? That question largely depends on your finances and other current situations. Forbes reported that more than half of the American workforce is dissatisfied with their work. A Gallup Poll revealed that only 15% of the American workforce is truly engaged in their work. You may be represented in those statistics and it may be time for you to consider another career. Obviously, you will want to look at practical things such as finances if you are considering a career change. Let’s put that aside and look at some other factors.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Is your current career causing you too much stress? All jobs and careers come with their share of stress. Some careers cause more stress to certain people than others. Excessive stress can lead to serious health problems and emotional problems. Burnout is at an all time high. Burnout is a condition that comes from prolonged stress. If you are approaching burnout, then it may be time to consider a change.
• Do you feel apathetic and unmotivated? You have lost all motivation or you feel your motivation declining. As each day passes, you feel disconnected from your original reason for entering your chosen field. You have checked out and you are simply going through the motions. You are underperforming and frankly, you don’t care. The loss of motivation may be a sign that it is time to move on.
• Do you feel stagnant professionally? You are no longer growing in knowledge and skills. Your work no longer challenges you. Your work is boring, routine and mindless to you. You feel that you could do your work without even thinking about what you’re doing. Another characteristic of feeling stagnant is you dread going to work every day. You are dissatisfied with being complacent.
• Is your career affecting your personal life? It is so important to have a healthy work/life balance. All work and no play is a dull life. If your work is negatively impacting your family, relationships and pursuit of other things that you love, then you need to consider what is really important to you.
• Do you want to make a greater impact? There comes a time in life when money is no longer the top priority. In our younger years, we chase success, but as we grow in age and wisdom, we begin to chase significance. We want to make a difference in the lives of others, make an impact and build a legacy that will outlive us. Sometimes, that goal cannot be achieved in your current career and you have to move in a different direction.

You may be one, who for a long time, has constantly daydreamed about a new career. It may be time to step out of your comfort zone to pursue your dreams. You can’t be unwise about how you navigate that. You need to do some serious thinking and planning about how to go about it. Identify what you really want to do, consider your core values, assess your strengths, develop a written plan and execute it. In 2020 I left a comfortable 32 year career to pursue my professional dream. My plan called for me to launch a new consulting business. It was the best decision of my life. I love what I am doing and I find fulfillment in knowing that I am building a life-long legacy by helping others achieve their personal and professional goals.