The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Choosing the right career is an important part of finding satisfaction in life. While money can’t necessarily bring you happiness, it can bring you greater comfort and confidence. However, you should never choose a job based solely on money alone. The right career for you is a balance between fulfillment, money, and skill.
The idea is to reach retirement age feeling proud and fulfilled with how you spent your working years. However, many of us find ourselves in a rut, wondering if the career we chose was right for us. If this sounds like a crossroads you may be facing yourself, here are some of the telltale signs that you may have outgrown your current job and should start looking for a new career.
You Dread Going to Work
This may seem like a no-brainer to some people, yet some people may believe hating your job as the norm. Believe it or not, if you find yourself dreading going to work, know that this is not something that everyone experiences.
Some people may not love waking up early in the morning, but they would hardly describe the feeling of going to work as dreadful. It’s entirely possible to not only be okay with going to work but even look forward to it! If you start to feel like going to work is the worst part of your day, then it’s time to start asking yourself whether you might be better suited for something else.
You’re Not Harnessing Your Strengths
Everyone was born with strengths in life. That’s why some of us are better suited for jobs than others regardless of how much training or education we have. If you’re in a job where you constantly feel impostor syndrome or like your boss doesn’t assign you projects that are best suited for your strengths, then this can be more than just unfulfilling, it can lead to feeling completely useless. Everyone deserves to feel like their skills and strengths are leveraged and they contribute in a meaningful way.
You’re Not Advancing
At some point in our careers, we realize that we can no longer advance any further than we’ve already made it. For some people, this doesn’t pose a problem as they’re okay staying exactly where they are.
However, other people may desire greater advancement and growth. If you’ve hit a wall at your current job and there’s no chance of advancement, then this could be a big indication that you’re not where you’re meant to be.
You Can’t Pay Your Bills
Some people may love what they do, however, the paycheck doesn’t add up to the passion. If you are to the point where your current paycheck can’t cover your basic living expenses, then it may be time to be honest with yourself about whether another career would be best suited for your budget. A healthy balance between salary and fulfillment is essential for a successful career.
