If you’ve been feeling unhappy in your job and feel you need a change, first I want to say that you are not alone. These feelings, while frustrating, are totally normal. It may just be that you need to change jobs, or possibly you’re ready to transition to a new career field.
If that feels overwhelming to you I’m here to help you through it. Today we are discussing the signs to look for to determine if you are ready to make this big step. I’ll also leave you with some tips on what to do next.
Why Switching Careers is Normal, and Even Important
Being ready to transition to a new career, while it’s a big deal, it’s not unheard of. A survey from The Bureau of Labor Statistics documented the job changes of people born between 1957 and 1964 through the age of 52.
The survey found that ages 18-24 changed jobs about 5.7 times, and ages 25-34 changed jobs 2.4 times. So you are in good company if you are considering a transition into a new career.
There are many benefits to changing careers as well. It can be great for your professional development. By moving to a different career environment you’ll learn new skills, make new connections, a bigger salary, and more. Now let’s talk about the signs to look for when you think it may be time for a new career.
Signs That Mean You’re Ready to Transition to a New Career
It’s time to get introspective and determine how you feel about where you are now and where you want to be. If you are feeling a combination of any of the following, it may be time to transition into a new career.
You’re not feeling challenged
Your work should challenge you, in a positive way. It could be seeking new skills to learn or certifications to earn, going for a promotion, and more. If you are feeling stuck in the mundane, and feel there are no growth opportunities at your current company, it’s time to start growing again through a transition into a new career.
You dread coming to work
While there’s always the occasional bad day where you’d rather be anywhere else but work, you should like what you do. If you find yourself dreading coming to work day in and day out, it’s time to make a change.
Little things start to irritate you more
For me, I could tell when I was ready to transition to a new career when I started to get irritated by almost everything. Whether it was a coworker coming in late, tasks piling up, or even something small like not being able to find something right away.
Pay attention to how and why your mood shifts throughout the workday. If you notice irritation becoming a regular feeling, it’s time to leave that job.
Your job performance is slipping
Next up it’s time to look at your job performance. If you feel checked out from your current job it can be easy for your job performance to slip.
We obviously don’t want this to happen. The solution may be finding a new job that gets you excited again. Don’t take this sign as negative, rather transform it into the possibility of a transition into a new career.
You’re unhappy
Lastly, I want you to think about your mood. How do you feel when you are getting ready for work, or at work? What about when someone brings up work? We aren’t meant to live life being unhappy the majority of it. If work is making you unhappy it’s time to fix that.
What To Do When You Are Ready to Transition to a New Career
Now that you’ve determined that you are ready to transition into a new career, it’s time to take action. These steps will get you on your way to a new career. Let me know what you do to get ready to transition to a new career and job hunt in the comments below.
Get clear on what you want
Before you even start filling out applications, it’s time to do some reflection. Think about the skills that you have, the skills you want to learn, your hobbies, interests, etc. and get clear on the type of job you want now.
By taking the time to reflect you may uncover some things that you hadn’t put much thought into before. This could lead to a new direction in your job hunt or give you surprising realizations how a transition into a new career could be so beneficial for you.
Determine if you have any connections in the field
Once you have decided what new field you want to enter into, it’s time to take a look at your network. Do you have any connections that are currently in that field, or maybe knows someone that is? LinkedIn is a great resource for this step.
Update your resume
Now it’s time to give your resume and skills some attention. Make sure your resume is updated and highlights skills and experience that the new career field specializes in.
A great thing to do in this step is to get any certifications that you can for the career you want. This will help your resume stand out if you transition into a new career in which you don’t have experience.
Start searching
Finally it’s time for the job hunt to begin. Check out job boards, ask your connections, and browse social media now hiring posts. These activities are sure to get you that new career that you seek. It may take some time to find the position perfect for you, but don’t give up.
Final Thoughts on The Transition into a New Career
I hope you feel a little more confident in your decision to transition into a new career if that is what you choose. Come back to GenThirty for more career and life advice. Here are some other career posts you may have missed which could give you even more clarity on if you are ready to transition to a new career.
- How I Am More Confident at Work in My 30s
- 40 Mantras To Tell Yourself To Get Through A Hard Work Day
- Career Change at 30: 15 Must-Know Tips
- Ready For Change? Great Careers To Start at 30 Years Old
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