Maybe you’ve been thinking about making a career change for some time now. Perhaps you’ve even gone to school for it, but things haven’t turned out like you thought they would. Or maybe you’re just tired of your current job and know you want something different. Whatever the reason, a career change might be in your future.
Like most job seekers, you’re frustrated after you’ve submitted your resume to dozens of companies, only to receive no response. And if you’re like most people, you’re frustrated by that question: “When is the best time for a career path change?” The truth is there is no perfect answer.
It will depend on your specific situation. But it can be beneficial to know the signs of when time to change jobs.
Signs That It’s Time to Change Jobs
- Your Body is Screaming at You to Stop. Your body is telling you that you need to change jobs. It may be a sharp pain in your back, neck, or shoulder, burning in your leg, or any of a number of other symptoms. These signs could be your body’s way of saying it has had enough.
- Your Job Affects Your Self-esteem. Maybe you dream of starting your own business, quitting your job, or working for a well-known company. No matter what your aspiration may be, ultimately, your work affects your self-esteem. And while you certainly shouldn’t quit your job on a whim, if it starts to affect your self-esteem, it is probably time to make that change.
- You’re Only Interested in the Money. When it comes to changing careers, it’s easy to look only at the financial benefits. After all, what’s not to like about a new job with more money? But with the cost of living rising, you must think about whether a career switch will impact your financial situation, so this is something to look at before jumping into a job search.
- You Wish to Pursue a Different Career. Suppose this sounds like you; consider applying for a part-time or graduate-level position with an international organization. By working in an international organization, you can get the opportunity to travel to new places and gain experience working in a different culture, which may help you stand out in the job market.
- You’re Exhausted and Bored All the Time. Work experience may seem like a waste of money. You may be old enough to get by without work experience, but work experience gives employers a better image of you. It is your way of showing employers what you can do, and it can also make you more employable. It is a good way of proving your motivation and intelligence.
- You’ve Lost Touch with Your Interests. If you pursued a university course because you were interested in a certain field, you may expect to have a career in that for the rest of your life. However, you soon realized that you were not interested in your degree, and your career options were limited. It was not long before you found a job, but this job was not what you expected, either. If this sounds like you, then it may be time to look for a new career that will leave you fulfilled.
- You’re Envious of Your Friends’ Jobs. Have you ever had that feeling? That feeling when you tell friends about your job, and you think they envy you? Perhaps your friends talk about what they wish they could do instead. But envy isn’t always a bad thing. It can be a good thing. While it may be hard to admit, we all envy things about other people’s jobs and careers.
How to Make a Career Switch
- Choose Your Next Destination. If you’ve dreamed of making a career switch, now’s the time to get moving. Most people who experience career burnout or feel unfulfilled in their current jobs see one overarching pattern: they fall into a rut and never leap to something new. Before you throw in the towel, try making small changes that might lead to a career change for you.
- Improve Your Skill Set. Sometimes, you have to change your job to change your life. It can be challenging, but it’s possible. You might be forced to learn a new skill set when you change jobs. You shouldn’t think of it as being forced to, however. Learning can be fun, especially if you’re learning from the right people. Skills that teach you to deal with people, conduct investigations, and involve other exciting opportunities could be helpful to you beyond the job as well. Doing a Home Inspection training course, for example, from a reputed training company could not only be a lot of fun, but it could also open the right doors for you. So, if it’s the right move for you, then you should take a step forward and do it, no matter how hard it may seem.
- Look for a Mentor. Changing careers is a big step; if you do it at the wrong time or without support, it can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Find someone you admire in your chosen profession and reach out to them. Find out their secrets to success, ask for advice, and, most importantly, ask for their help. For instance, if you want to make a switch to the law field, then working with someone like Alex Gotch who is aware of the ins and outs of this particular field could be in your favor. Similarly, you can find a mentor in the area of your particular interest.
The best time to consider a career change depends on several different variables. Why? Because there are good times and bad times for virtually every career and field. So, think about your goals, motivations, and needs before you change careers. Although there is no “best time” to change careers, the information contained in this article can help you make an educated decision.