“I hate my job!”
“I can’t stand working with my colleagues for one more day.”
“The only thing keeping me from being happy is my career.”
How many times have you heard (or said) similar exclamations as the ones listed above? Since there are twice as many people who are dissatisfied at work as there are individuals who enjoy working, it’s probable that you’ve heard such comments many times. No doubt you’ll agree that hating your job is no way to live.
Is It Time for a Job Change?
Are you one of the many people who are unhappy at work? If so, it may be time to leave your current position for one better suited to you. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether or not you’re ready to make a career change:
1. What does my gut tell me? – Believe it or not, your gut is a reliable messenger. By saying, “I had a gut reaction,” or “I have a bad feeling in my gut,” you are actually making reference to your intuition, which is a type of intelligence that overrides logic. If you consistently have a deep sense of unrest about your job, that’s a prime indicator that a career change would be beneficial.
2. Am I sick or tired (or both)? – Are you constantly in a state of fatigue? Do you have to drag yourself out of bed every single morning? Do you experience a considerable amount of sicknesses (colds, infections and more serious problems)? If so, your job may be to blame. According to Forbes’ Kathy Caprino, “Most of us spend more waking hours working than doing anything else, and I can tell you from firsthand experience that if you don’t like your work, it won’t like you back, and overly-stressful, misaligned work can very easily make your body break down.”
3. How long have I been with my employer? – This is one of the most important questions you should ask yourself before seriously thinking about a career change. If you’ve only worked for your current employer for a couple months, you may want to hang in there a bit longer—perhaps give it a year—before you throw in the towel. However, if you’ve been at the same job for years and find yourself fantasizing daily about quitting, do yourself a favor and start looking for a new position.
4. Do I get along with my coworkers? – Few things make life more miserable than experiencing discord with one’s coworkers. After all, many people spend more time with colleagues than with family members. Jada A. Graves, writer for US News and World Report, says, “Not finding at least one kindred spirit at your workplace is a smoke signal that you’re not a good culture fit.”
What did your honest answers to these questions reveal about your readiness to make a career change? After reading this post, are you fired up about beginning a job search? Or, are you feeling like your current position may be the best one for you (for now)? Whatever decision you make, try to be 100 percent dedicated to it. Indecision about changing jobs may cause more stress than staying in the wrong profession.
Share this Post