Most people want the American dream. That typically means going to college or trade school and finding a good-paying career as quickly as possible. But the unpredictability of the economy and uncertainty of global health is throwing a wrench into many plans.
Living our very best lives, on our terms, means choosing a career we love and finding the perfect balance between work and personal life. If you aren’t where you should be right now; you still have options. Here are four great reasons to change careers.
Feeling More Fulfillment and Self-Worth
If you’re at a job where your boss doesn’t value your time or effort, it can weigh heavily on your psyche. Sure, the money’s good — but you’re just an employee ID number to them at the end of the day. You may even feel disposable.
Working in a toxic environment with people with whom you don’t mesh well can absolutely cause this feeling. Finding a new job where you have the chance to experience happiness and growth can change things around.
Now is the time to assess your skills to see if another career would be a better fit. You are worth it!
Time vs. Money
You put in a lot of hours each week, appeasing a boss who compensates you well. That fat paycheck allows you to drive a new car and have a wardrobe filled with nice clothes. But there is a problem: you feel hollow inside like life is always passing you by.
There’s no time for vacations with the family or a personal spa retreat. You’ve even missed out on traveling to your parent’s house for the holidays. In fact, the thought of even taking a mental health day terrifies you because of how far behind you’ll become.
Maybe it’s time for a change? Explore a job opportunity with set hours that offers a well-rounded employee PTO program.
Stress and Health
Job-related stress can creep up on you and have negative long-term effects. If you’re experiencing job burnout, feel depressed, are overwhelmed, or are unable to concentrate, now is the time to take action.
Struggles like these can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, substance abuse, insomnia, and a weakened immune system. Take them as a signal that it’s time to slow down at work — or possibly even look for another job.
The Distance Factor
You received two job offers around the same time. One was a few blocks away from where you live, and the other was 100 miles away in the city. The city job paid much more, so you decided to go with it. Now you’re constantly on the road and exhausted when you finally get home. Maybe you’ve even missed parent-teacher conferences and family dinners.
All of that time away causes a strain on personal relationships, which is unacceptable. If work-life balance isn’t there, it’s time to make a change.
Prepare Now
You’ve realized it’s time to make a career change and reclaim your life. Now it’s time to prepare. Consider these strategies:
- Research your dream job first. What are the average hours and pay? Choose something beneficial, but be sure you can still survive financially.
- Pay off debt now, before you possibly lose a chunk of your income.
- Start or expand your network. Waste no time reaching out and building relationships with others in your industry.
- Polish your resume and put your best foot forward before leaving your job.
Take some time to sit down and talk with your current employer. You may be able to switch positions within the company instead of finding a job with someone new. Or, they may even offer you a promotion to a job that lets you feel more fulfilled.
Achieving that perfect life-work balance doesn’t come easy. You have to ask yourself if being away from your personal life, family, and the things you love the most is worth the bigger paycheck. If your job is causing too much stress and mental anguish, it’s time to re-evaluate. Making the change is possible, and your inner-self will thank you for it.
