It's that time of year where many begin to think about what comes next. With 2023 right around the corner, what does that mean for you?
Were you someone who quit their job in the last year or two during The Great Resignation (TGR)? If so, how is the new one going for you? Earlier in the fall, according to Joblist, "42 percent of those who quit their job say that their new job hasn’t lived up to expectations but returning to their old job is not really an option for most." Now they're saying TGR is losing steam but is it? "The number of quits has now exceeded the pre-pandemic high for 19 consecutive months, as more than 4 million Americans voluntarily left their jobs in 17 of the past 19 months. Meanwhile employers, especially in low-wage sectors, are still struggling to fill open positions." Maybe you're not a fan of charts but after the big deal of "the great resignation', how does this resonate with you?
During a survey in 2021, almost one-half of working Americans were considering a change. Why? Well, the pandemic helped shift attitudes and perspectives about work. Many Americans report that the past couple of years have provided perspective into what they want out of their career and profession. With TGR people decided they could live without their jobs for a period of time to find 'the right one' and with quiet quitting, we saw people set boundaries, many of which had never felt they could previously. In other words, a lot has changed for the average worker and not only do they realize it, they're taking control of their futures.
In many cases, this led to a massive amount of workers quitting their jobs, retiring or starting their own business. Check out these 10 (potentially recognizable) signs that you may need to consider in reevaluating your career.
1. Limited Mental Stimulation
Do you feel like you are doing the same, monotonous task day in and day out? Mental stimulation and growth within your job and career are crucial to professional fulfillment.
If you feel that your job is limiting your learning, then it might be time to consider changing career paths. Your career and job should provide new learning and growth that helps you grow and develop as you progress.
It is typical to see new learning in the first months or years of a job. Keep in mind, that if you have been at the same work for years, you should still see significant growth or development.
2. All You Do Is Complain
Do you come home from work and immediately start complaining to anyone with ears? Maybe all you have is your dog to complain to - nevertheless, that is not indicative of a healthy work and home balance.
Maybe your friends and family have mentioned how much you talk about the negative aspects of your job. Don't brush off those closest to you.
It is likely that they are seeing the signs that you need a career change before you even recognize it. While it can be challenging and even scary to branch off into the unknown, your mental health will thank you for it.
3. Career Change Is on the Mind
Probably the most obvious indicator for starting a new job is if you are constantly thinking about it. Sometimes, it is not an obvious and conscious thought. You might just have it in the back of your mind how amazing it would be to work for yourself.
If you have that constant, nagging impression then you likely won't be satisfied with the work you are doing under someone else. Pay attention to what you really want out of your career and job.
Even though it may be more work upfront, if you have the passion and drive for it - it will pay off in the long run.
4. Your Interests and Work Don't Match
It is common to have hobbies and interests outside of work. However, pay attention to what you enjoy researching. If you love to learn about a certain topic, then consider specializing in a career within that field.
If you aren't finding fulfillment out of your current job, it could be that you just aren't interested in that field of work. In that case, find out what you are really passionate about and look at jobs that cater to it.
You might find that something completely different provides more fulfillment than you initially expected.
5. Decreased Enthusiasm
You get it - waking up early for work is hardly anyone's most enthusiastic part of the day. However, if you lack significant enthusiasm and dread going into work, you might want to consider a career change.
This daily dread is different than Monday mornings or your alarm clock going off at sunrise. It is important to recognize any changes in your mood or motivation to go to work.
6. Limited Time at Home
Are you in a job that is high-pressured with limited time to enjoy your home life? Not everyone is cut out for constant work. If you find that your hours spent in the office are increasing, you're probably starting to feel burnout.
While a lot of jobs are transitioning to work from home, it is still important to have a balance between your job and your life with family and friends. If you are finding your mental and emotional health suffering because of long work weeks, then look at trying out different jobs.
If you favor working from home, then gear your searches to something that is conducive to the environment you work best in.
7. Low Pay
Many people are leaving their jobs because they feel that they aren't valued at their job. Sometimes a high-paying salary is an incentive for people to move on from a job they have been at for years.
Surprisingly, this is one of the biggest reasons that people move on from their jobs. Almost 80% of workers report that this lack of value is why they quit.
Along those lines, having a good relationship with your boss allows for more effective communication. This communication is critical to a healthy work environment.
8. No Opportunities
For most individuals, having opportunities to move up in their careers is a big sticking point. If you have reached the peak of progression at your current job, then you might start having signs of burnout.
Jobs with growth and development can provide more stimulation and motivation for career opportunities.
9. Jealousy
Are you looking towards your friends or other people and feeling jealous of what they have?
Maybe they own their own business. Or maybe they have more flexible hours. If you are envying other people's lives, then pick out characteristics of their jobs that you would prefer to implement in your dream job.
10. Low Self-Esteem
Stress correlates with self-esteem. If you are under high pressure and stress at work, you could find yourself with lower self-esteem.
If you lack the usual confidence you once had in your job, then look at the reasons for this change. Sometimes, it is the nature of the job. Other times, it could be the specific work environment or boss that you have.
Poor self-esteem can bleed into other areas of your life and affect your mental health.
Reevaluate Your Career
If you recognize more than one of these characteristics in yourself, it might be time to reevaluate your career. You are not alone.
Many people want the freedom to explore their passions and interests. Entrepreneurship provides a unique opportunity to explore a variety of career paths while you are your own boss.
Contact us today and let us help you in the exploration of entrepreneurial ventures, whether you've started and need help, starting from scratch or looking for something established, whatever it is that you need to check the boxes you’re looking for that meet your personal, professional and financial goals, there is something for everyone.