5 signs it is time for a new career

There’s a saying “If you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life”. And it’s true. If you have yet to discover what enjoying your career is like, then it could be the time to make a life-changing decision and switch paths to something you have always wanted to do. The pandemic and lockdown have given us all time to think about where we work and how we are spending our time. If you were delighted to be furloughed and dreaded the thought of returning to your current role, then it could be a sign that it is time for a new career. Before you make this important life decision, here are some other tell-tale signs that could give you the nudge you need to make that move.

Feeling unfulfilled

Whether you have been in the same career for years, or have worked in a number of different roles, you may be feeling unfulfilled. If you wake up in the morning and coast through the working day without feeling fulfilled or engaged, then you really must question what you are doing and why.

Not being happy

No one feels happy in their role every moment of every day, but overall, are you happy with your career choice? If the answer is no, and you come home feeling stressed and irritable, and dread the thought of going to work the next day, then it could be time to look for another opportunity that will put a spring back into your step – particularly on Monday mornings.

Not earning enough

The majority of us feel like we are not earning enough, but a survey in 2019 found that 37,000 Scots are paid less than the minimum wage, while one in 10 workers in Scotland were unable to pay their fuel bills. Retraining and enrolling on a training course could boost your earning potential and give you a helping hand to a better paid job. Time to find out your true potential?

Not feeling skilled Whether you stay with your current employer, or leave for a new opportunity, there are many options to up-skill ourselves through in-house training courses or through online platforms like LinkedIn learning, or by taking it a stage further and signing up for a full or part-time colleague course. The Open University also allows you to fit your studies around your life, so start thinking about how you will add to the skillset you already have.

Feeling undervalued

If you do not feel appreciated at work, by your manager or even your peers, perhaps it is time to take yourself and your skills and attributes to a new role, one where you will be valued. Think about the qualities, skills and experience you already possess – many of these are transferable and could be your way out.