12 SIGNS IT MAY BE TIME TO CHANGE CAREERS
There are a number of indicators that it may be time to seriously consider a career change. Some of them are external: things in your work environment are changing with bad ramifications for your particular job or opportunity for growth. Others have to do with your work and life values: your current position pays the bills but it doesn’t fill the job satisfaction bucket in your heart and mind.
If any of the following are gnawing at you, it’s probably wise to start considering your options – either within your company or with another firm.
External Indicators
1.Your job description is changing. The skills that you were hired for are no longer necessary. You’ve been told that technology is more efficient and only needs cursory management. The result is your revised responsibilities are no longer a fit for what you’re good at or enjoy.
2. Your company’s needs have changed. The redefinition of your position is no longer in line with your long-term developmental goals.
3.There are rumors that your department/division is going to be shut down. [Don’t wait, run to the nearest job postings.]
4. Your work environment is toxic – lack of authentic communication, back stabbing, bullies who rise to leadership.
5. There are no growth opportunities where you can learn new skills.
6. The company lacks an effective mentoring or sponsor program to help talented people get ahead.
7. Economic indicators for your industry are showing serious signs of strain.
Internal Indicators
8. You’re bored. You can do your job well, but you no longer feel a sense of satisfaction or have an opportunity to learn something new and interesting.
9. You do your job well, but something is missing. You’re not working in an area that is interesting or in keeping with your values and beliefs.
10. You do not enjoy communicating with the people in your work group. Not only are they not the type of people you’d want as friends, but you have very little in common with them.
11. You don’t feel comfortable in the corporate culture or leadership style. Instead of wanting to help your company grow you feel disparaging of its leaders
12. You can’t ethically stand behind the company’s products or services.
Most important: avoid being blindsided, particularly by changes that are happening in your field. It’s always a good idea to be looking at developments in your industry that may affect your career. It’s also critical to continually assess your job satisfaction in order to keep it alive and growing.