Sometimes, it can be a real challenge to radically change your career. However, in your current position; if you are overwhelmed, your boss is constantly asking for more or your days are stretching and the items on your to-do list aren’t decreasing, it’s important to ask yourself, is this enjoyable for you or do you feel weighed down by pressure and the need to satisfy your manager? Is it time to think about switching careers?
It may be time for you to ask yourself some questions about what you are doing today, what you want to do tomorrow and whether you should really be considering switching careers.
Should you think about switching careers?
So, if you’re feeling stuck, here’s are a few questions to get you thinking about your current career and if switching careers to a new path is for you.
Do you still have fun in what you do today?
You can be overwhelmed and love that. Tackling multiple projects at the same time may bring you that sense of responsibility and satisfaction at completing many tasks. If so, go for it! Acknowledge this way of working suits you and you don’t want actually want to switching careers. You might consider getting help with some tasks and seeking support from your boss during peaks of activity and looming deadlines.
An intern, assistant or even a contractor could help you for some time, and your boss could count on you even more! And, if you are the boss, don’t neglect this opportunity hire someone, even temporarily, to help you. What if doing so could increase your productivity, creativity or even open you up to some new business?
However if, on the contrary, you are feeling drained of energy and you no longer find joy in your job, it’s probably time to consider something else. You may discover that leaving your job and trying something completely new is what you need, or you may find more satisfaction and joy in changing your position at your current job.
Talk with your manager and human resources department to see what position may be a better fit for you as a step to switching careers. Do you think you’ll be comfortable and less overwhelmed in a different department? Do you believe you’re deserving of a promotion? Do you need flexible hours? Or, is it doing something outside of work that you find nurturing, inspiring and re-energising?
What do you love to do?
Is there an activity you do that you enjoy so much that you don’t even see the time pass by, and you even forget to eat and drink? This activity is also something you do easily without the impression of working. Your team may even admire you for that (or they even feel jealous!) because they can’t do it as well and as quickly as you. There may be many things you do wonderfully well without recognising them until now.
If you have already found this talent or skill and utilised it in your job, congratulations! What more could you add to this work-passion? Would you like to diversify what you offer, add a partnership, conquer other countries or other types of customers? The options can be wide, plantiful and something you may not have considered before to switching careers.
It could also be sharing your knowledge and experience with junior team members or perhaps even students at a school. What else could you start today to take advantage of your passion, talents and skills?
Don’t be so quick to judge yourself if you haven’t yet discovered your hidden talent or passion. What if you could do a test? The choice you make will not commit you to your entire life. Allow yourself to be switching careers if the path you have chosen does not suit you.
Don’t limit yourself to the field you studied in. It is perfectly normal to change your career or not even work in the field you’re qualified in. Sometimes we go to school to please our parents or because we thought that’s what we wanted to do at the time. This can be true at one point and then change, and there is nothing wrong with that.
For example, my daughter, an engineer, worked for 8 years for a luxury company. She got tired of her job because she had no opportunity to change, challenge herself or move up in the company. She couldn’t develop her creativity and her artistic skills and it ended up weighing heavily on her. She resigned, took florist courses at a school, graduated, and now has her own florist business after switching careers.
There are many examples of successful career changes. Would you be ready to see your future from another point of view? Could you even consider creating it by taking into account your desires, even the craziest ones? And, are they really that crazy?
Conclusion
Don’t be afraid to reflect and ask yourself those tough questions about the job you’re currently working in. Is it time for switching careers within the company, or a completely new direction in your career? Whatever you choose, make sure it’s your choice and the one that brings you joy.
