Guest Author:
Perhaps you need to push yourself to the next stage of your career, or perhaps you simply need a change before you go mad from boredom. Either way, it’s important to recognize when you are due for a career change. Below are some things to test if you are happy where you are, or if a career change is in order.
You Wouldn’t Pass the ‘Hire Test’ if You Had One Today
Whether it’s through a change in attitude or a change in focus, it’s important to evaluate if you are meeting the company’s hiring standards. Think back to your job interview, the sorts of questions you were asked, and the style and energy of the answers you gave. If there seems to be a significant disparity between what you said and what you would say now, that might be a sign that things have changed dramatically and it might be time to move on. You may have even undergone some sort of testing process to check if the job was right. You can undergo a similar testing process yourself through agencies like Revelian (click here to find out about their psychometric tests) to determine how your priorities, behavior and aptitudes may have adapted.
You Daydream About Other Work
It’s normal to daydream about holidays, weekend plans and loved ones, but if you find yourself staring blankly at your computer screen, imagining yourself happily working in a different role or company, your brain might be trying to tell you something. If you find yourself continually pondering one particular role, you might have developed a serious interest in this, and it could be worth pursuing. Just make sure that it is something you genuinely want before you leave your current job, as what your mind pictures and the reality of the situation can be two very different realities.
You Dread the Start of the Working Week
Have you ever met those people who work Monday to Friday and see to be constantly grumpy, very forlorn or simply lacking any sort of motivation? Perhaps you are one of those people. A significant change in mood (and a negative change) when returning to work after even a short break can indicate that your body or mind is not happy about returning there. This in itself could be your body’s way of telling you to find something else that makes you happy.
You’re bored
It might be that you love your colleagues, the organization and the general nature of the job. But if you’re bored, it’s a sign that something needs to change. It might be a matter of taking on more responsibility, but it’s also a good opportunity to re-evaluate your position, and determine if there is genuine room for growth for the next year, three years or even five years. If you don’t see a future there, it’s time for a career change.
These are just a few things to think about when considering a career change. Have you changed careers? What inspired you to look for work elsewhere? Share your tips for considering a change in the comments section.
