Ways To Tell If You Need A Career Change?

Did you know that, on average, a person will switch careers 5-7 times over their working lives? Adding to this, in today's context, it is expected that 30% of the workforce will change vocations or jobs every 12 months because of the ever-increasing variety of employment options available.

While this may come as a surprise, career changing is more common than you think. Life is all about a journey of exploration, which is no different to careers. This is why most of us spend years in a specific job role or industry before we realise this is not what we want - or that we want to take up a new challenge.

Embracing this uncertainty with positivity requires you to identify when exactly you need to switch your career and get on the right track. But this is what most people struggle with. This article will list down 4 ways to tell if you need a career change, according to expert insights from a certified executive coach in Dubai.

You're Apathetic And Complacent

If you feel you are getting disconnected from your original reasons for getting into the field you are in now, it's a strong sign that you need a career change. This is where you have mentally checked out, are underperforming, miss deadlines, and just can't find the energy or enthusiasm to work towards the organisational goals set for your job role.

It is important to remember that we all tend to burn out or get emotionally withdrawn at some point, even if we love doing a job. While this temporary demotivation is pretty normal, if you can't remember the last time you felt energetic about a new idea or excited about your next project, it might be time to reevaluate your role.

You Don't Feel Like You're Making An Impact

If your job responsibilities look the same day in and day out with no progress, then it is important to assess your career goals. When every day looks and feels identical, it goes without saying you are performing the duties of an autopilot. Sometimes, this can also provoke emotions like being undervalued or that your time, talent, and best skills are not being used at their potential.

If this has, over time, made you stop actively seeking out new opportunities to contribute and demoralise, then it is best to switch your career to a new role that utilises your strengths and provides enough opportunities to develop yourself and make meaningful contributions. Remember, your career should boost your self-esteem, not diminish it.

Even Your Salary Can't Make Up For Your Dissatisfaction

You may be in a high-paying job role, but despite this, you feel mindless and dreadful about going or doing your work. Sometimes, you may have thought to yourself you are staying because of the paycheck, but now, even that isn't enough to convince your thoughts.

This is where you appreciate the financial stability the job provides, but at heart, you feel like you are wasting your potential. All these are clear signs that you don't like your job and it needs a change.

Your Job Is Affecting Your Personal Life

Career and executive coaching professionals say that a job, in general, should not be debilitating. If you are chronically exhausted, losing sleep, and experiencing physical symptoms, it's a way your body says your career is not right for you.

This can come from a toxic work environment or just because you don't enjoy doing your job. Always remember that your professional life shouldn't seep into your personal life. In fact, being too stressed about your work life can impact your family and close relationships.

In other words, if your work is turning you into an unhappy or bitter person, it's time to explore other career options that can bring back your old self.

Where To Start With Your Career Change

The first step to begin your career change is to begin with a self-assessment :

What are you passionate about?
Can you make a change within your current organisation?
What would make you excited to get up in the morning?
What strengths do you have?
What knowledge gaps do you need to fill?
Do you know anyone with any interesting job that you would like to learn more about?
Is there a way to leverage your past experiences with other interests?

Having the answers to these questions should help you put together a picture of your next career step. If you are still confused and need some guidance, then a reliable career coach can be the best option to consider. They have all the expertise and proven strategies to get you on the right track with sustainable progress in your career path.