We all feel stuck at times. But being stuck is a mindset, not a destination. If you have career doubts and feel that you’ve fallen into the wrong industry or position, it’s okay— It’s never too late to make a career change. It’s important, though, to listen to the signs for when it’s time to make that change.
How to know when it's time for a career change?
Sometimes you are operating in burnout mode and just need a break, other times, you simply need a job change due to a toxic work environment. And if you are unhappy with your job and neither of these reasons are the case, you might be in a career that isn’t meant for you. To evaluate if this is true, ask yourself the following question:
If I woke up in 5 years and I’m still doing the same job, how would I feel?
If the answer isn’t a positive one, it’s time to re-evaluate. The truth is, 5 years go by in a blink, and the best decision you can make is the one you make today.
It’s never too late to live a life you love that includes doing the work you enjoy. Here are 7 signs to pay attention to that may be calling you out of a job that’s not for you and into the career you’re made for.
1. You Dread Mondays
Sunday comes, and you can’t bear the thought of another work week. We’ve all been there, and often we’ve accepted this feeling as a part of life. But this Monday-dread we’ve come to endure? It’s one of the biggest signs it’s time for a career change.
You don’t have to feel this way. Imagine a life where you’re excited to go to work each day. Where you are aligned with what you love to do—where you live in the space of your passion, and you’re energized by the adrenaline of doing what you love.
Can you imagine doing your job in another work environment and still dreading Mondays? Then you know it may be time to consider another career.
If you often find yourself thinking, 'is it time for a career change?' This feeling might be a sign.
Your job is affecting your personal life
When your job starts negatively impacting your personal relationships, health, or overall well-being, it's a strong indicator that a career change may be necessary. This could manifest as chronic stress, sleep issues, or difficulty being present with loved ones due to work-related preoccupations.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that 65% of Americans cite work as a significant source of stress. If you find that your job is consistently draining your energy and affecting your quality of life outside of work hours, it may be time to consider a career path that allows for better work-life balance.
2. You feel like your work is meaningless
If you are experiencing that gnawing feeling inside, that you’re not making a meaningful contribution, that your work holds no purpose—You’re not alone.
Sometimes the solution is easy. You may just need to reframe your mindset. The truth is, you can make an impact wherever you go. You can be an encourager and supercharge your workplace with positivity—and this can be your impact. You can ensure customers’ days are brightened by their experience with your services. Believe it or not, one encounter can make all the difference in a person’s day.
There’s no such thing, really, as a meaningless job because, at the end of the day, you are providing for yourself and your family. However, if you are not serving in the way you were meant to, you will always have that empty feeling that leaves you unfulfilled.
If you haven’t yet found what gives you that sense of carer fulfillment, take out a journal and ask yourself the following questions:
- What problem affecting your world (family/community/or larger) would you love to solve?
- Who do you feel you can best serve and why?
- How can you use your knowledge and skills to serve others?
- How can you bring more meaning to the job you’re currently in?
Answering these questions can help you find a career that will allow you to serve in a way that provides you fulfillment.
3. There’s nowhere left to grow
Have you already spoken to your employer about opportunities for growth within your company, and there’s nowhere for you to move? Is there currently no place in your career for your skills and passions?
Then it may be time to head in another direction where you can put your passions into action and utilize your skill set.
If there is nowhere left to grow, there is likely nowhere left to go within your career. If growth is important to you, it may be beneficial to consider a career change because a lack of growth often leads to a feeling of unfulfillment.
How to prepare for a Career Change
Take a personal inventory
Before making a career change, it's crucial to take a step back and conduct a thorough personal inventory. This involves reflecting on your values, interests, skills, and long-term goals. Consider what truly motivates you and what kind of work environment you thrive in. Take time to identify your transferable skills - those abilities that can be applied across various industries and roles. This self-assessment will provide a solid foundation for exploring new career paths that align with your authentic self.
Assess your strengths and skill gaps
Once you've taken a personal inventory, the next step is to objectively assess your strengths and identify any skill gaps that may exist between your current abilities and those required for your desired career. This might involve taking skills assessments, seeking feedback from colleagues or career change coach, or researching job descriptions in your target field. Identifying these gaps early on allows you to create a targeted plan for skill development, whether through additional education, certifications, or on-the-job training.
Job search strategy
With a clear understanding of your skills, interests, and values, begin researching potential career paths that align with your personal inventory. Utilize online resources, industry publications, and professional networking sites to gather information about various roles and industries.
Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields that interest you to gain firsthand insights into the day-to-day realities of different careers. This research phase is crucial for making an informed decision about your next career move.
4. You stopped giving 100 percent
When we love what we do, we often give one hundred percent to our jobs. When we don’t, we find ourselves distracted, less involved, and on autopilot just getting through the day. This is one of the biggest signs it’s time to move on. If you don’t love what you do and no longer contribute your full effort—and especially if you despise it, it’s a big sign it’s time to move on.
5. You feel drained and depleted
Your job makes you feel like a roaming zombie. There’s no chance to take a break, your creativity is drained, and your soul feels depleted because you are going against the nature of what you were meant to do.
This is not a feeling we should accept. Your job should enliven you, spark your creativity, and get you excited about the future. Even though burnout and stress have become the norm, it doesn’t mean they should be.
If you are feeling this way, it’s important to take some vacation time and take a break. And if you feel you can’t get away, that’s all the more reason to take a vacation. Take time off to evaluate if burnout is clouding your vision. The truth is, sometimes we think we hate our job when really all we need is a break to stop and hit refresh.
If you still feel that dread and depletion when you return, it’s time to stop and evaluate if you are in the right career because your career should never drain you. Oftentimes it’s not the job that leaves us feeling drained but being in a career that’s not aligned with who we are.
6. Your intuition is sending you signals to leave
You have a subtle voice inside that quietly says, “This is not the right career for you.” Many of us have felt it, and so many of us have ignored it. Many of us are raised into the professions we are taught to do rather than want to do.
If this is the case, start thinking about transitioning to another profession and take out a notebook or journal and ask yourself the following questions:
- Think about the best day at work you’ve ever had. What did that day look like? What made it great?
- There are moments in most of our lives when we are so engrossed in a task that we lose track of time. Write about a time when this happened to you.
- What would you like to do more of?
- What would you attempt if you knew you wouldn’t fail?
- What wouldn’t have been accomplished if it hadn’t been for you?
- What are you proud of?
- What makes you unique?
- What are you so excited about that you can’t wait to get up in the morning and start doing?
- If you were stuck on a deserted island with a person who only had the capacity to speak on 2 subjects, what would those 2 subjects be?
Asking yourself these questions can help you evaluate if your career brings out the best in you. If it doesn’t, then you know it may be time to take a different career path.
7. You are not using any of your strengths
Not using any of your strengths and passions in your career is a strong sign that you are working in an industry that’s not for you. We all have certain talents and abilities, and if we don’t use them, we often feel completely unaligned and unfulfilled.
If you don’t know what your strengths are or if you need affirmation of your innate abilities, take these tests:
Once you’ve established what your strengths are, ask yourself if the career you’re in is best suited for your abilities. Because if you are not doing what you do best, chances are you will continue to have an empty feeling inside that you aren’t doing what you are meant to do.
Overcoming challenges in career transition
It’s not easy making a career change, and often the answer is YES to all of the signs above, yet we still ignore the feeling that we aren’t in the career that’s meant for us.
The truth is—you can find a career you love. You can wake up every day excited for what’s ahead, even on a Monday.
The first step is finding that career clarity. Finding what you were made to do, the job that will spark your creativity, use your strengths, and give you more energy.
FAQs About career change signs
How to make a career change at 30?
Making a career change at 30 can be an exciting opportunity to pursue what truly interests you. Start by identifying your passions and the skills you already have that could transfer to a new field. Research industries and roles that align with your interests, and consider gaining new qualifications or certifications if needed. Networking is important—connect with professionals in your desired field to learn more and find opportunities. Update your resume to highlight relevant experience, and be ready to explain your career shift confidently in interviews.
How to plan a career change effectively?
To plan a career change effectively, begin by setting clear goals for what you want in your new career. Assess your current skills and determine what you need to learn or improve. Create a step-by-step plan that might include taking courses, gaining experience through volunteer work or internships, and building a professional network. Stay organized and set realistic timelines for yourself. Seeking advice from a career counselor or mentor can also provide valuable guidance and support throughout your transition.
What should I do if I want a new job but don't know what to pursue?
If you're unsure about what new job to pursue, start by exploring your interests and strengths. Think about activities that make you happy and tasks you enjoy doing. Consider taking career assessments or personality tests to gain insights into fields that might suit you. Talk to friends, family, or professionals for ideas and inspiration. You can also try new experiences like workshops, online courses, or volunteering in different areas to discover what resonates with you. This exploration can help you find a career path that feels fulfilling and exciting.
About the author
I’m Theresa White, a Career Clarity Coach, Job Search Strategist, and President of Career Bloom. With a background in Recruiting, Human Resources, and Management
After struggling with career uncertainty and the fear of starting over, I finally discovered my true calling and found a job that makes me excited to wake up every day. This clarity transformed my career and filled me with joy, knowing I’m doing work that truly matters. How did I achieve this? By gaining crystal-clear insight into my purpose. It’s easier than you might think, and I’m passionate about guiding my clients through this discovery process to help them find their ideal career.
Connect with me on LinkedIn, listen to the Career Clarity Unlocked Podcast, or schedule your free 30-minute career clarity consultation.
Conclusion: Get Clear on Your Career
It’s not easy making a career change, and often the answer is YES to all of the signs above, yet we still ignore the feeling that we aren’t in the career that’s meant for us.
The truth is—you can find a career you love. You can wake up every day excited for what’s ahead, even on a Monday.
The first step is finding that career clarity. Finding what you were made to do, the job that will spark your creativity, use your strengths, and give you more energy.
If you’ve identified with some or all of the signs above, it may be helpful to reach out to a career coach who can help you find the clarity you need. They can help you identify your strengths, align with your passions, and guide you in figuring out the direction you were meant to go. They can even help you brainstorm ways you can transition slowly into the career of your dreams.
Don’t hesitate to make career clarity a priority. You can find a job you love, and you can build the career of your dreams. The first step is the belief that it’s possible.
Related resources and help
- How To Change Careers… Without Starting Over (Or Taking A Pay Cut)
- 5 Tips to Help You Transition from a Job you Dread to a Career You L0ve
- 10 Barriers To Making A Successful Career Change – And The Best Strategies To Overcome Them
- Find the skills that energize and motivate you. The ones that make you say, "I want to do this every day!"
- Find the 3 steps to successfully change your career
👉 Ready for career clarity in record time? Request a free consultation with me today.
