Not Ready To Change Careers? Well, This Is Your Sign to Do It!

Feeling like you're not ready to change careers when it's time to make a transition can be tough. Too often, people stick to uninspiring jobs, going through the motions day after day. It's a paralyzing feeling that saps your motivation and drains away job satisfaction.

Part of the reason why people don't make the leap is that they lack clarity about their current situation. Not recognizing career change signs can be a costly mistake. This leads to increased dissatisfaction. Worse, it contributes to missed opportunities and delays your ultimate Career Success.

To help you get unstuck, we've prepared a list of sure signs that it's time to make a career change. We also give you tips on how to make the jump. Let's delve right in!

Download Uvaro's Official Career Change Guide

Signs you’re ready to make a change

1. You’re Not Meeting Your Career Goals

Career goals are vital to measuring your success at work. If you're not meeting any of your goals, it's a sign that something is wrong. Not only are you not progressing, but you may also be stuck in the same spot for years to come.

Sure, you can always set new goals and stay in your current job. But what if this still doesn't work? That's a sign that it's time to look for a new opportunity and change careers.

Take the time to reflect on your current situation. Ask yourself why you're not meeting goals and if a career change can help solve the problem. Not only will this give you clarity, but it may also help you find a new career path that is more rewarding.

2. You Feel Burnt Out and Unmotivated

It's normal to feel exhausted after a long day at work. But, when this feeling extends for weeks or months on end, it's a sign of burnout. 77% of workers admit feeling workplace burnout, according to a recent survey. That's SO high!

Career burnout is not something to take lightly. It can affect your physical health. It can also kill your motivation and lead to decreased job satisfaction.

There are many ways to address burnout. But if you try everything and are still feeling uninspired, a career change might be the answer. Not only will this help you regain energy, but it may also open up new opportunities for growth.

3. You’re Not Developing New Skills

Lifelong learning is essential for Career Success. Not only will it teach you new skills and broaden your knowledge. It can also increase job satisfaction and help you stay relevant in the job market.

Is your current job helping you develop new skills? If not, it's time to look for other opportunities where you can expand your knowledge. A change can advance your professional growth and prepare you for future challenges.

4. Your Relationship With Colleagues Has Changed

Teamwork is vital for any organization. It helps foster collaboration and motivate employees. But when things start to go south, and there is a lack of empathy between you and your colleagues, this might be a sign that you need to change jobs.

Look for feelings of disconnectedness. Are you unable to collaborate with your co-workers? Do you feel like you're not heard?

If that's the case, then it's time to consider exploring new opportunities... even if you feel you're not ready to change careers. Find a workplace where you can flourish and have a sense of belonging.

5. Your Career Growth Has Stagnated

Every employee deserves the opportunity to advance in their career. This provides financial security. It also keeps things interesting and helps build meaningful connections with other professionals.

If you feel like you have no room for career growth opportunities, it's a sign you need to move on. A new career may herald new avenues for development, giving you a higher chance of success, and a great sense of fulfillment.

6. You Lack Passion for Your Job

Passion and fulfillment drive many successful careers. Lacking this important ingredient can have serious consequences on your performance at work. It will make the job less enjoyable. It can also decrease productivity.

So how do you know you no longer have passion for your current job? Going to work starts to feel like a chore, and you dread doing your usual tasks. Time seems to drag on, and you can't find any motivation to get the job done.

If this sounds familiar, it's time to consider a career change. You're going to spend approximately 90,000 hours in your lifetime at work. It's only fair that you find a job that brings you joy and fulfillment.

7. Your Salary Is Not Competitive with the Market

Your salary is a reflection of your value in the job market. Not getting paid your worth can be discouraging and affects your financial security.

Research salaries for jobs like yours within your industry. Find out if you're paid market rates. If you find that your current salary falls below, it's time to start looking elsewhere. This helps close the wage gap and can secure a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones.

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8. You Aren’t Getting Recognized for Your Work

Everyone deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication. Failure to get proper credit for your wins could be a sign of dysfunction in the workplace. It could also be a sign that your skills are no longer valued.

If you're not feeling appreciated, it's time for a career change. About 66% of employees say they would do the same. Working in an environment where recognition for your work is common, will help bring out the best in you.

9. Your Values Are Not Aligned With Your Employer's

Your values are important and you should feel safe sharing them with your employer. If both of you are not on the same page, it can be a cause of uneasiness in the workplace. Not to mention, it could also disrupt team dynamics.

If you find yourself disagreeing with your company's values, it may be time to change careers. Not having any common ground could put a strain on your job performance and lead to bigger issues down the line.

How to Change Your Mindset When You Feel You're Not Ready to Change Careers

The main hindrance to making a timely career change is often a wrong mindset. Feelings of insecurity hold you back from exploring new opportunities. The key is to nip these feelings in the bud and take the leap anyway.

1. Ask Yourself Why You're Holding Yourself Back

It's easy to get in your own way and not make the necessary changes. To break out of this cycle, find out what's holding you back. What are the reasons preventing you from taking that first step?

Sometimes, people overthink and over prepare. This could be what's delaying your career change. The reasons you feel you're not ready to change careers could also be that it feels unattainable.

Becoming aware of the actual problem helps you move forward. Strive for clarity and purpose in your work.

2. Think About the Opportunities You’re Missing Out On

It's easier to stay in your comfort zone. But when it comes to making a positive career change, you have to push yourself out of it.

Thinking about the opportunities you're missing can be motivating. It gives you the momentum to take action. The success of your peers can also help you gain the drive to do something different.

3. Create a Career Change Roadmap

Create an action plan that outlines what steps and resources you need for success. This will remove some of the fear of the unknown and provide structure for your transition.

Are you looking to break into a career in tech sales, for instance? Create a plan that outlines what certifications, and skills you need for the job. Explore online learning programs that help put you on the path to success in this field.

4. Reach Out for Support

It's easy to feel like no one understands when making a career change. You don't have to go through it alone, though. Consider talking with a mentor or coach. They can provide valuable insight into the transition process.

Supportive friends and family are also essential during this period of life. They can help make the transition easier by providing emotional and financial support. They can also help you discern whether you’re actually not ready to change careers. You might feel surprised at how many of the skills you need you already have.

5. Get Started

The hardest part of any career transition is the first step. Once you get yourself going, everything else will start to fall into place. Take it one step at a time, and remember that it's okay to make mistakes.

The most important thing is to keep moving forward with your goals in mind.

Make a Successful Career Change With Uvaro

Making a career change should always start with careful consideration and planning. But remember: Not feeling ready to change careers doesn’t mean you can't do it. By heeding the signs mentioned above you will be able to make the most out of a career change. Take action today!

Let Uvaro help make this phase of your career journey a successful one. With our online Career Success programming, you have all you need to make a smooth transition into your new career. Download our Career Success Catalog today and kickstart your career change journey.