There often comes a point in life where you feel you should be doing something different. You may be wondering, is it time to have a career change? Career changes are becoming more common among those in their 30s and 40s, as there are still many years left until retirement, and people want to be in a job where they can be happy. So, what are the signs that it’s time to change career?
- You’ve got your eye on another career
Some people who dream of a career change have a very specific career in mind. Whether you’re looking to go back to university to do a Bachelor of Nursing and become a nurse, or are thinking of going into management in your current role, it’s worth looking into making the change. This could be the time to make your dreams come true.
- You lack direction
Everyone reaches a point where they feel they lack direction. Whether you’ve been doing the same career for a long time, or you’re simply bored with your industry, it’s worth thinking to yourself, where is your career headed? If you don’t see yourself working in your current role in five or ten years, it may be time to take decisive action. Take a career test online to determine your personality traits which helps you decide your next career move.
- Your industry is dying off
One lesson we took away from COVID is that many industries are on the decline. There are a few signs that the industry you’re in may be on the decline:
- There have been a lot of redundancies
- Technology has replaced your core business – for example, cable companies are losing out to streaming services
- Fewer jobs are being advertised with your skillset
- Salaries are stagnant and promotion opportunities are few and far between
The good news is, it’s never too late to move into a different industry. Most people have transferable skills, so you can do a similar role in a new industry, or you can look into retraining. You can look at the outlook for different industries before you decide to move somewhere new, as this can help you make an informed decision.
- You want to earn more
While you may have got into your current role because you have a passion for it, if you’re in a role with a wage ceiling, then you may be feeling frustrated that you can’t earn more. In this case, you have two choices; either try to get into a management role and accept the lower wages or move into a career with potentially better pay. However, it’s up to you to decide whether this will work for you. Some people need to do a job that they are passionate about, while others are happy to do a nine to five as long as it’s well paid, as they can pursue their interests out of work.
There’s not one definitive sign that it’s time for a career change. Everyone has a different motivation for wanting to switch careers, depending on who they are and what they like to do, so you should draw up a list of pros and cons before you decide.
