6:30 am Monday, your alarm goes off, you hop out of bed, excited for the work day! As you drive into work you happily hum to yourself; enthusiastic about what the day might bring. Walking into work you smile as you think about how your work really resonates with you, it is your true calling.
The passion and joy you feel for your career shows up in other areas of your life, resulting in happier relationships and energy to pursue your hobbies and passions.
Does this sound like you? Does your work bring you energy and joy? If not, why not? Have you given up on the idea of being happy at work and loving your job?
It is possible to discover your true calling and love what you do. Not sure if things are bad enough to consider exploring a career change? Here are 7 signs to help you figure it out.
You’re only there for the paycheck
I get it, you have responsibilities and bills to pay. Money's great, but, if your weekly paycheck is the only thing keeping you from exploring a career change, explore a change. If you didn’t get paid for your job, would you still do it in some capacity?
You fantasize about winning the lottery
I remember when I was working as an accountant I would often daydream about winning the lottery. I knew who I would give money to, what I would buy and I knew I would give my two week’s notice the second I found out I had won. I currently don’t play the lottery, but if I won or was given a lot of money, I would continue life coaching. Why? Because I love it and it’s what I’m meant to do. Would you keep your job if you won the lottery?
You’re working for the weekend
Your dread for Monday morning creeps in around Saturday night and you spend the work week focused on Friday. You count the days until the next holiday or three day weekend. You watch the clock daily, every fifteen minutes seems like an hour. If you are dreading work this much and only look forward to your days off, it’s time to figure out what career is more aligned with your passions. When does your Monday morning dread start?
You’re super stressed & your health is suffering. Stress can take a major toll on your mental and physical well-being. If you find yourself constantly stressed around work, it’s time to reexamine your career. One study links workplace stress to numerous health issues, including cardiovascular disease and decreased mental health. Is your job stressing you out to the point it’s affecting your health?
You’re drained, everyday
If you are mentally and emotionally exhausted at the end of each day and all you want to do is go home and veg, it’s time to reevaluate your current career situation. Doing what you love energizes you, you should feel great at the end of the day not like you want to curl up and take a nap. How tired are you at the end of the workday?
You complain about your job & profession all the time
People complain from time to time, even about things they love. But if you are constantly complaining about your job and your profession in general, it may be time to figure out what type of career you would actually find enjoyable. How often do you complain about your job? If you don’t know the answer, ask your friends ;-)
You don’t feel a connection with your coworkers
Are the only people you’re connecting with at work also people who are stressed and unhappy? Do you not ‘get’ your peers and supervisors who are happy and enthusiastic about the tasks at hand? If you lack a connection with your coworkers who actually enjoy work, it may be time to think about a career change. What are your work connections like?
Did any or all of these signs resonate with you?