Considering that we spend a third of our lives at work, it’s not surprising that an unfulfilling career can lead to feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, resentment, and even debilitating depression and anxiety. This blog aims to shed light on the signs that indicate you’re ready for a career change, a topic that could potentially transform your life, and provides a fun career quiz!

Yet, as creatures of habit, we must summon a truckload of motivation and enthusiasm to change careers. Perhaps your career path is on track, but you want to advance your skills, apply for a promotion, or move into a different department. This may be enough to renew your passion for what you do. Or maybe you’re one of many who absolutely need to head in a completely different direction right now!

Identifying with one or more of the following ‘signs’ is probably a good indication that it’s time to find a new career. Recognising you’re ready for change can be liberating, empowering you to take control of your career path.

1. Lack of passion

While the initial excitement of any job wears off somewhat, if you have no enthusiasm left for your career, that’s a sign it’s not a good fit for you. So, it’s time for a change if your work life is always an obligation rather than a fulfilling activity.

2. Feeling fatigued

Getting out of bed in the morning leaves you feeling exhausted. You muster all your strength to drag yourself into work. It’s more than Monday blues. It’s feeling tired almost every day at the thought of the workday ahead. If you experience this exhaustion, your work isn’t for you, and it’s time to change.

3. Your skills/interests have changed

Over time, your skills have evolved, and your interests have changed. If you find yourself drawn to new fields or have acquired skills that don’t match your current role, it is probably an indication that you’re ready to move on to something new.

4. Lack of direction

If no professional development or training is on the horizon, you most likely feel stuck. A lack of opportunity or advancement in your career can lead to frustration and demotivation. A career change can offer you a fresh start and exciting new opportunities for growth that are no longer possible in your current role, sparking a sense of hope and optimism.

5. You’re irritable

If you’re irritable with work colleagues or your bad mood infiltrates your home life, it indicates that you’re ready for a change. Finding a job that feels significant and aligns with your values will lead to greater job satisfaction, feelings of accomplishment and better mental health.

6. You have situation (at the workplace) depression

If your weekends can’t come quickly enough, but you’re tired and depressed at work, blame situational depression. It’s as though you’re asleep until Friday afternoon and suddenly come alive. But come Sunday night, the dread descends in anticipation of the work week ahead. It’s called situational depression, and a career change is a must to protect your mental health and relationships.

7. You have anxiety

A bit of stress is healthy, as it motivates you to push through challenging work tasks. But it’s time for a change if you have a mountain of negative thoughts that threaten to overwhelm you at work and feel stressed when you think about work.

8. Your work environment is toxic

A negative or toxic company culture significantly affects your emotional, mental and physical well-being. If efforts to improve your situation at work have failed, moving to a healthier, more positive, supportive workplace might be necessary.

 

Quick & Easy Career Quiz

Take this quick and easy career quiz to get you thinking about your preferences and strengths. It’s a fun starting point for exploring potential career paths!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

1. Building or fixing things
2. Reading and researching
3. Creating art or music
4. Helping people with their problems

 Which of these activities would you prefer?

1. Organising an event
2. Conducting experiments
3. Designing a website or poster
4. Volunteering at a local charity

 Which of these subjects did you enjoy the most in school?

1. Technology and Engineering
2. Science and Mathematics
3. Arts and Humanities
4. Social Sciences

 What work environment do you prefer?

1. Hands-on and active
2. Quiet and full of data
3. Creative and dynamic
4. Collaborative and community-oriented

 How do you handle tasks?

1. I like to plan and execute in detail.
2. I enjoy solving complex problems.
3. I prefer tasks that allow for self-expression.
4. I thrive on tasks that help others and make a difference.

If you could start your own business, it would be

1. A tech or construction company
2. A research or consulting firm
3. An art studio or creative agency
4. A non-profit or community service organisation

 

Career Quiz Results:

If you got mostly A’s, you might excel in technical and practical careers such as engineering, carpentry, IT, or architecture. You could explore technical courses or apprenticeships that allow hands-on work.

If you got mostly B’s, analytical and investigative careers such as science, research, finance, or data analysis might be a great fit for you. To start your journey, consider looking into specialised courses in your area of interest.

If you got mostly C’s, you could find your path in creative and artistic careers such as the arts, design, writing, or music. Developing your creative skills through courses or self-taught practices could open many doors.

If you got mostly D’s, social and helping careers such as teaching, counselling, social work, or healthcare might be a fulfilling option for you. professional development in these areas can provide the qualifications you need to succeed.

 

Please note that this career quiz is a quick and fun way to consider your general preferences and potential career paths. However, it’s not an in-depth analysis that matches your skills, interests, and values. For a more thorough exploration of your options, seek guidance from a career counsellor and take advantage of professional development opportunities. You can also take the Career Change Readiness Test for a reliable indication of your readiness to change your career.

If you’re concerned about juggling study with your busy schedule, you can talk to one of our Course Counsellors for advice. We offer flexible study options, unbeatable prices, and unparalleled student support that won’t disappoint.

Our comprehensive courses are developed in consultation with industry experts, so you can be confident that you’ll acquire the skills and knowledge required to excel in your current job, pursue new roles, or achieve your career dreams. our state-of-the-art eLearning platform allows you to study wherever and whenever you want.

So, don’t delay; enrol today and gain the skills and confidence you need to make a career change.