We have all had those moments where we wonder if we chose the right career path and the right company. Maybe you’ve been in your field for 20 years, or maybe you just graduated and have been at your new job for three months. Either way, it’s normal to question your professional path from time to time. However, there are certain signs that may indicate it’s time to make a change, rather than brush off the idea as just a fleeting thought. If you have been thinking of changing companies or job roles time and time again, or you have other passions you want to pursue but are scared to make the leap, then we can help you make that change. Here are four signs it’s time to reroute your career path, and the exact steps to doing just that.
1.You are feeling stagnant in your current role.
Maybe you have been doing the same job for five years and you can’t see yourself growing within the company. It’s hard to continue putting the work in and trying to achieve results when you feel like you hit a dead end. This isn’t what you dreamed of doing, but you’ve been stuck in the same routine, and the thought of a new job with new tasks seem daunting. What’s it going to take to make you branch out and try something new?
2.You feel underappreciated by your company.
You work late weekly, and you are willing to take any task that’s given to you, even if you feel it’s below you. You don’t feel your company is grateful for your hard work, yet you know leaving would create chaos. Alternatively, maybe you have a certain set of tasks that you complete and know you excel at. However, your company hasn’t let you take on more responsibility, and you are frustrated because you know you are capable of more. You know you deserve to be at a company that appreciates you while challenging you, and wants to help you grow. Where do you go from here?
3. You are consumed by work and are wanting more time for everything else in your life.
When you first started this job, you were willing to work 12-hour days and do whatever it takes to impress your boss. But it’s been a few years, and the demand has just been too much. You are looking to enjoy every aspect of your life, and not be consumed by work. Maybe you are scared to talk to your boss about lessening your work load, or you don’t want to find another job that’s less demanding for fear of a pay cut or demotion. How do you scale back when you are looking for a work-life balance?
4. You want to explore your passions.
Picking a career when you’re young is daunting, and once you forge your path, it’s hard to turn away and pursue anything else. You have always been passionate about other things, but never saw a way to turn your hobbies into a career. You feel it may be time to finally pursue those passions, and you are in the right place emotionally and financially. Where do you start?
If you feel any of these apply to you, we are here to help. You want to minimize your risk while still taking the leap into the unknown. Taking these steps will help get you there!
4 Steps For Transitioning In Your Career
Before making any moves, figure out why you dislike your current position, and why you are looking for something new. Identify what your ideals would be for a new job, company, or career path. You may already have a new career in mind, or maybe you know you need a less demanding role, but don’t know where to look. Being able to identify what and the why are key to making sure you want to leave for the right reasons, and you are clear on what your next role needs to be. You can’t take the leap without having a clear direction for your path ahead.
Maybe you already have contacts in your next field, or you have a list of dream companies you want to work for. Alternatively, maybe you recognize a gap in your company where you could create the job you want. You should also consider if you have the skills and transferable experience for another role- maybe you need to make some new connections, or go back to school to gain the skills you need. Once you identify what it will take to make this leap, you can now create a plan to get there.
Identify your goals and build out a plan from there. Break down your tasks to complete week by week, such as acquiring certain skills, making connections, starting interviews. Figure out the best time to speak with your current employer on this change, and make sure to approach the conversation with your goals in mind. This change is a process, not a destination, so be sure to give yourself grace and celebrate your success along the way.
When you finally start new, whether it be your new role, your own company, or new field, do it with confidence. Be sure to also understand there will be speedbumps, and you may backtrack or need to pivot along the way. Check in with yourself weekly and track your progress continuously. You have made the big leap, but that doesn’t mean more changes won’t be coming along. Be ready to take on anything that comes your way, and give yourself the flexibility to make the changes as needed.
A career change might be complicated, but it is possible. We are here to help you through this transition and make it easier with these steps. If you are looking for a space in Mt. Juliet to start pursuing your passion and work on your own schedule, while still having the amenities and office space you need, come check us out! We have desk spaces, private offices, and even a conference room. Book online today!
Meghan Spellman
Community Engagement Coordinator
Meghan is the Community Engagement Coordinator here at Success Lab HQ. She focuses on marketing and social media, office management, and connecting with our community. She enjoys reading, hiking, music, and any outdoor activities in her downtime!
