There’s nothing wrong with sticking with a less-than-stellar job, especially if it pays the bills.
But if you’re stuck in a dead-end job with no room for growth, it can be extremely demotivating to put on your best face every day and be reminded of how much you dislike what you do.
A career change isn’t going to be easy, but sometimes, it can be beneficial to chisel away at that wall of familiarity and try your hand at something new.
Here are some reasons why you might want to consider making that career change you’ve been thinking about for so long.
1) The money isn’t good enough
If you can’t meet your or your family’s basic needs with your salary, or find yourself taking a second or third job just to have a roof over your head, it might be time to find a better-paying career.
The stress of living paycheck-to-paycheck with no room for saving money can be detrimental to your quality of life. There’s nothing like coming home every day after a long, hard day of work and having to take on another job you can barely stand just because you need the money.
If this is how you feel, considering other career paths might be beneficial for you. It not only gives you the option of being in a stronger financial position, but it also minimizes stress by freeing your time from two jobs, improving your mental health.
2) You’re not adequately challenged
Think about how many times you’ve been to work and thought, “I wish I could be doing something else right now.“
If you can’t count the number of times you thought of that statement with your hands, it’s a telltale sign that your job isn’t right for you.
It’s normal to feel some boredom from time to time, but a lack of ambition or a sense that nothing ever changes will eventually wear you down.
You might start showing up late to work out of sheer boredom, make small mistakes on the job due to a lack of motivation, and even suffer from burnout due to a lack of stimulation.
While many of us see our jobs as a means to pay the bills, having to spend 40 hours a week on something you agonize over isn’t ever going to be good for you.
If you relate to this sentiment, it might be time for a career change.
3) You can’t stand the working conditions
When dealing with an inflexible boss and mounting deadlines, it can be tough to maintain a pleasant demeanor. Moreover, if any attempts to seek help or ask for better conditions are also often shut down, it might be a sign that it’s time to go.
While this may seem like it’s time to look for a better job within the industry, a career shift may be ideal too. This is especially true if the industry you work in is small and well-connected, as looking like a bad employee can spread to other employers, tarnishing your career prospects.
Often, it isn’t worth spending 40 hours every week with a coworker who makes the day-to-day grind feel like something you can’t escape. You know you deserve better, and sometimes handing off that resignation letter is all it takes to grant you a well-deserved break.
4) Your personal goals have changed
Humans are adaptable. It’s natural for us to outgrow things we formerly considered beneficial to us. People, places, and especially jobs are examples of this.
As such, don’t feel indebted to stick to a bad job at the expense of your wellbeing. No one but you is in control of your life, so you have every right to prioritize yourself.
If you have a different idea of your future in comparison to where your current employment can take you, why not start looking for something else? It can be very easy to ride the momentum of sticking to a cozy job, but nothing good comes from remaining stagnant.
5) You want more time with your kids
One of the most common regrets of older people is that they don’t spend enough time with their children while they’re still young.
Think about how rewarding it is to come home every day after work, pick up your kid from school or a childcare center, and not have to worry about putting in overtime at the office. Not to mention, child care centers like Raising Stars ELC know how to implement learning approaches like dramatic play, so that your child is as productive as possible while you are gone.
If your work condition doesn’t allow that sort of arrangement, it’s not too late to change that. Don’t let your work interfere with what matters most. Sometimes, it is worth sacrificing income for more time with your kids, so don’t forget to consider why you’re working in the first place.
6) There may be better opportunities out there
While there are no guarantees in life, the right choices can give us better chances to reach success.
To make sure you’re always moving forward, it’s important to think about your current position and assess whether or not it will help you reach your ultimate goal.
Some may be lucky and make a successful business or move to a new city with a better job prospect. Others may have to work harder to achieve their goals, sure, but success is only possible if you make the most of what you’re given instead of incessantly complaining about it.
While it can be tempting to stay in your comfort zone and work with what you know, it can be exponentially more rewarding to take the leap and change your life for good.
At the end of the day, no one is stopping you from charting your own path to success. So if the thought of changing your career frequently crosses your mind, silence your inner critic and give it a try. A decision is all it takes to change your life forever.