10 Signs It's Time to Change Your Career Path

Sometimes, a career that once felt right can start to feel like a bad fit. Maybe it's a gnawing feeling of dissatisfaction, or perhaps it's a sudden realization that you're not where you want to be. Recognizing the signals that it's time to change your career path is crucial for your professional and personal well-being. Here are 10 signs to help you understand whether you should start looking for new opportunities and level up your career journey.

1. Your Current Career Path Doesn't Inspire You

Understanding your ideal career path won't suddenly appear in your mind as a brilliant insight. Instead, we usually discover it over time through trial and error in a series of jobs. If you find yourself dragging your feet every morning, dreading the tasks ahead, it's probably one of those errors. 

Reflect on what once excited you about your job. Was it the daily tasks? The potential for career growth? If that spark is gone (or never was there in the first place), it's time to consider other career pathways.

2. You're Stagnating in Professional Development

In a fulfilling career path, there's always room to grow. But you may feel like you've hit a learning plateau, and your job no longer offers opportunities for professional development. That means you're not getting closer to your short-term and long-term career goals and may need a change. Look for growth opportunities through new skills, higher job responsibilities, or innovative projects. 

If you're thinking about a significant change, learning will play a major role in your career plan. Nearly 20% of adult Americans are either considering returning to school or have already done so to pursue a different career path. While it may seem daunting, remember that ongoing learning and skill development are key to career satisfaction.

Consider a Turing College career program to expand your knowledge and climb the career ladder without a full degree. With a healthy mix of technical and soft skills, a focus on practical projects, and a supportive community to help you stay on track, you'll be well prepared to tackle new challenges in months.

3. You're Always Daydreaming About Different Career Paths

Do you find yourself fantasizing about different jobs or industries, like pottery or data science? While occasional daydreaming is normal, persistent thoughts about a different career may point to deeper dissatisfaction. Take these daydreams seriously. They could be pointing you towards a career path that aligns better with your passions and strengths. Start researching and networking in those areas to see if a transition is workable.

Worried that it's too late to pursue your dreams? You shouldn't be. A successful career change is possible for anyone willing to acquire new skills and embrace new challenges. Remember, age or stage in life should never be a barrier to your career aspirations.

4. Your Work Is Taking Toll on Your Mental and Physical Health

Work should support, not harm, your well-being. If your job is causing chronic stress, anxiety, or health issues, it's a strong sign that something needs to change. No career is worth sacrificing your health.

Note that burnout can sometimes stem from a challenging manager or toxic workplace, and you may not need to change career paths entirely. But if you've been dealing with health issues for a while, prioritize jobs that lead to higher personal well-being.

5. You Have No Advancement Opportunities

Feeling stuck in your position with no clear career path and opportunities for advancement may be a significant concern. If you feel like you've hit a peak in your role and struggle to have a higher-level impact at work, it might be time to look elsewhere. After all, career progression is essential for motivation and job satisfaction. And remember that it doesn't have to be a vertical career ladder – you may choose a lateral transition that requires you to learn new skills. 

Speak with your manager about your long-term career objectives and prove you're ready for more advanced career paths. But if there's no room for growth, it's best to consider roles within an organization that values and supports employee development.

6. Your Work-Life Balance Is Poor

Your professional life should complement your personal one, not consume it. If you're always overwhelmed and have no time or energy for personal interests, it's a sign that your current job may not be sustainable. Consider your priorities and follow a career path with a better work-life balance. This change can significantly improve your happiness and productivity.

7. Your Workplace's Values Don't Match Yours

Your job should align with your personal values and ethics. If you're constantly at odds with your company's culture or mission, it can lead to frustration and disengagement. Identify what values are non-negotiable for you and seek out companies or roles that share these values. Working in an environment that resonates with your principles can be incredibly fulfilling.

8. You're Feeling Unfulfilled Despite Success

Achieving success but still feeling unfulfilled indicates that something is missing. A fancy job title without fulfillment is like a car without fuel – it won't get you very far. Reflect on what aspects of your job are lacking. Sometimes, it's not about the role itself but the industry or the impact of the work you're doing. Choose a career path that aligns better with your goals and values.

9. There Are Better Career Opportunities Elsewhere

The job market is constantly evolving. Sometimes, other industries or roles start to offer better opportunities. If your skills are in high demand elsewhere or that another type of work offers better growth prospects, it may be time to explore these options. Research and network in these areas to understand the potential benefits and challenges of making a switch.

10. You Simply Have a Gut Feeling

Sometimes, your intuition knows what your conscious mind hasn't yet acknowledged. If you have a persistent gut feeling that you're in the wrong career, listen to it. Intuition is a powerful tool that often guides us towards what truly matters. Take time to reflect on this feeling and create a career path that better aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.

Next Steps in Your Career

Recognizing these signs is the first step towards a more fulfilling career. If any of the above-listed points resonate with you, it may be time to take action.

• Self-assessment is a crucial first step in exploring career change options. Start by making a list of your ultimate goals, strengths, and interests so that you can set specific career objectives.
• Explore various career options and research industries and roles that align with your skill set, interests, and values. Try to be realistic: you probably won't make it as a project manager without excellent organizational skills or a cybersecurity expert without superior attention to detail.
• Check out articles on career development and professional growth. Tools like career assessment tests can also give insights into your strengths and potential types of career paths.
• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile – and don't forget the relevant soft skills, which often go overlooked.
• Seek out opportunities to enhance your skills. Turing College offers flexible career programs designed for working professionals looking to switch to new careers in tech and data.
• Assess and plan for the financial implications of the transition. Shifting your career trajectory may take a significant amount of time and resources. That includes changes in salary and benefits, as well as expenses for extra skills and education. 
• Use your professional network to connect with others in your desired industry or role. Attend networking events to learn more about industry trends and potential career paths. You may even find people who themselves have experience navigating career transitions or who could help you land a job.

Choose a Career Path That Suits You

Changing your career path can be daunting, but it's also an opportunity for increased job satisfaction and personal growth. Trust yourself, stay motivated, and take confident steps towards a career that excites and fulfills you. 

And once you've started your new professional journey, regularly check in with yourself to make sure it aligns with your long-term goals. Embrace job opportunities that come your way but also recognize when it's time to move on. Remember, it's never too late to start again in order to do what you love every day.

Note: Interested in Turing College's training programs but not sure which one to choose? Book a consultation call with our admissions team, and they'll help you find the right career path in no time.