Is a Career Switch Right for You? Four Things to Ask Yourself First
Are you thinking about switching careers and wondering if it’s a smart idea? It’s a fairly common debate that many people encounter at some point in their lives, and there’s no need to be overly concerned. After all, nearly every working person has gone through a period of restlessness and a desire for change in their career life.
Changing occupations is something that many people do for a variety of reasons. This might be because of a shift in your values, new hobbies, desire for more money, more flexibility in your work schedule, and other similar considerations. As tough as it is to change, the rewards may be enormous – both professionally and emotionally – for those who decide to change careers.
In order to help yourself make an informed decision, you must first assess your current position, look into job possibilities, and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the current and expected job. If you’re still debating whether or not to make a career change, then here are a couple of things that you should ask yourself before making the switch.
A Stale Job Is Making You Crave a Change
As time goes on, you can begin to lose touch with your original motivations for working in the industry that once enthralled you. You’re slacking off, your deadlines are getting pushed back, and you can’t generate the energy to pretend to care about the company’s aim any longer. If your current job doesn’t challenge you and doesn’t utilize most of your abilities, you should look for a new one.
But, as the saying goes, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Having bad days are normal, and while you may feel the need for a change, what you may genuinely need is an extended break to freshen things up to help you get back to your core principles. If you have doubts and can’t recall the last time you were enthused about a new thought or eager for the next project, then it may be time to make a change.
You Work Even In Your Dreams
Does “employee of the month” feel like just another trophy to you? Are you a highly competent employee who does your own tasks, your boss’s work, and your colleagues’ responsibilities altogether? Then you’re likely in the wrong place at the wrong time… and in the wrong position, too. Your work shouldn’t necessarily be easy, but it shouldn’t be boring you to tears, either.
There are several signs that you need to be on the lookout for that might indicate that your current position is not ideal for you. This can include exhaustion, insomnia, and ongoing headaches. Stress may negatively influence your personal and professional relationships, as well as your health and well-being. If you’re showing signs of overwork, then it’s time to look at measures to improve your work-life balance or hit the switch.
You’re Underpaid and Undervalued
If your hard work and time aren’t recognized and remunerated appropriately, then it’s possible that your company might be taking advantage of you. Salary isn’t the only factor that motivates us to work, but without a doubt, it’s one of the fundamental reasons why we work. In order to determine your worth, you first need to know the average salary for your position.
If you’re uncomfortable or unsure if your colleagues provide fake information, you can ask people working in different organizations or use websites like Glassdoor to find the current salary trend. If you work hard and give your all in every project without being praised or receiving a raise, the company might just be using you. So, better join a company that values its employees.
Will AI Take Over Your Job?
As a result of the rapid advancement of technology, the future holds great promise and uncertainty. Because of technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) can take away your job, like they already did for several jobs like typists, receptionists, or data entry, to name a few. In addition to increasing productivity and improving our lives, we expect these new technologies to replace certain human jobs.
Sometimes having a job replaced by a robot can be frustrating, but other times, having a robot do your job for you can actually make it safer. Robots, for starters, have made several complex jobs a breeze. This includes tasks like rescue operations or using a pipe inspection robot to inspect faulty pipes. If you work in a field where automation has the potential to take over, you should consider changing careers.
Looking for a new job might be difficult, but it is necessary if your present employer is no longer worth working for. Transitions in employment can often be a source of stress, but they can also serve as a springboard for creating a better version of yourself in the future. If you recognize even one of the signs listed above, then it might be time to consider a job change. Remember, it’s never too late to make a switch to a more rewarding career!
