Lacking Pride in Your Work Means It’s Time for a Change
If you're feeling burnt out at work, have trouble picturing your future, or feel envious of others' professional success, then you should consider switching careers first thing in the new year. The key is to recognize that you're unhappy at work. Here are 20 signs that you should end the year with a career change.
1. You Dread Going to Work
If you feel a sense of dread every morning, then you should consider an immediate career change. Occasional dread is normal, but if it's persistent, then you might be experiencing a lack of fulfilment.
2. Your Professional Growth Has Stalled
If you haven't learned anything new in months or your skill development has idled, you are probably stuck in a cycle that limits your potential. This scenario also points to working at a place that refuses to invest in your professional development.
3. Your Work Environment Is Toxic
A work environment filled with daily gossip, weak leadership, and negativity is toxic. You can't simply punch in and punch out of these environments, as it will impact your mental and emotional health. If you work in a toxic environment, then you should be planning your escape before the calendar turns.
4. You Feel Undervalued
It's time to switch careers if you're constantly being passed over for promotions or not receiving the raise or recognition you deserve. Staying put could stunt your career in the short and long term.
5. Your Goals Don't Align With Your Job
Your goals have evolved over the years, and your job should have evolved with them. If your current role no longer supports your career and financial goals, then it is preventing you from achieving whatever it is you want.
6. You're Always Exhausted
Most people are tired after a day at work or after enduring a busy period. It's a different story if you're constantly exhausted or burnt out. This means that work is mentally, emotionally, and physically draining, and it's unsustainable.
7. You're Not Proud of Your Work
A clear sign that you should end the year with a career change is if you can't muster any enthusiasm for your work or avoid talking about your job. You should feel some joy in what you produce at work, so take it as a sign if you can't.
Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash
8. You Can’t Picture a Future at Your Current Job
Most people have a five-year plan, but if you don't, it may be because you can't envision a future at your job. This is your intuition speaking, and staying would only be out of complacency and is a type of self-sabotage.
9. You Feel Envious When Others Talk About Their Jobs
It's a big clue that you're craving a career change if you find yourself admiring the passion and success of your friends and family. Ending the year with switching to a new career you're more passionate about could help you feel more excited about talking about your work and future.
Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash
10. You Feel Sunday Anxiety
If your weekends always feel too short, and you waste your Sunday worrying about work, then something is off. Sunday anxiety proves that your work is taking its toll on you.
Jaturawit Thumrongkitcharoenkul on Unsplash
11. Your Health is Declining
If you are suffering from headaches, stress, or insomnia, then it's clear that work is affecting your health and well-being. No job should hurt your health, and starting the year with a new job or a career change can help you regain control of your wellness.
12. You've Outgrown the Role
Sometimes we evolve faster than our job does. If you feel like your work responsibilities are too easy, you're not being challenged enough.
13. You Daydream About a New Career
Frequently daydreaming about a new career is a sign that your goals and desires are changing. This is your mind telling you that you want something more exciting and aligned with your dreams.
14. You're Putting in Less Effort
You need a new career if you're doing the bare minimum to get by and not draw too much attention to yourself. It's hard to excel and be your best self when your heart's not into it.
15. You Work In a Declining Industry
If your field is less prosperous than before and on a steep decline, then staying is limiting your future. Monitor industry trends as it's crucial for your long-term security.
16. You're Not Respected By Leadership
Respect is imperative to enjoying your career. If your manager is ignoring your concerns and ideas or treating you unfairly, it creates a negative work experience. A healthy workplace should value your input.
17. You Can't Be Yourself at Work
Your workplace might not be the right fit if you feel like you have to hide your personality, values, and creativity. Authenticity matters, so consider leaving before the new year to find a job where you will be comfortable being yourself.
18. Your Salary Doesn't Match Your Effort
Your dissatisfaction will only grow if there's a gap between your effort and contributions and your salary. You are undervalued if your compensation isn't increasing at a good rate, and switching careers might be your only option.
19. You're More Excited About Life Outside of Work
Work-life balance is important, but your job shouldn't feel like an obstacle to living the life you want. You should evaluate if your job is adding value to your life or draining the joy you feel in other areas.
20. Your Intuition Says It's Time
Maybe there isn't a logical reason to switch careers. In some cases, it's your gut telling you that it's time for a change. Listen to it and trust the signal.
