6 Reasons to Make a Career Change

It’s okay to hate your job.

Seriously.

It’s fine to think you deserve better.

What’s not okay is staying stagnant if you’re miserable.

Hating your job can be extremely motivating, and it may be the push you need to jump into a new career. So if you're not happy with where you are in your career today, it may be time to make your move.

Is It Too Late to Change?

Making a career change may be possible, regardless of your experience, age or background. Knowing what red flags to look for in your life can help you take that leap when the time is right.

1) You’re Miserable, Even When You’re NOT at Work

There could be a variety of reasons why your job makes you miserable, and if the misery is so intense that you can’t leave it at work, then it’s time to find something new.

A helpful exercise for turning misery into motivation is to draw up a list of your job likes and dislikes. If you’re honest with yourself, the list of dislikes may be longer, but focus on your list of likes when deciding on what job to do next.

Go for something that will let you do more of what you like to do at work, and less of what makes you miserable. It sounds simple, but you may be surprised how much effort it takes to do the things you enjoy.

2) Your Job Haunts Your Nightmares

Proclaimed dream expert and author, Lauri Loewenberg, says that having nightmares about work means that “your inner self is on red alert.”

“I always liken a nightmare to a slap in the face from the subconscious saying, 'Wake up already! This is a problem that needs to be corrected now!’ ” Loewenberg said in an  interview with CNN.

If you’re having nightmares about work, listen to your subconscious. It’s likely time to make a change.

3) You Want to Earn More

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make more money. A higher salary or hourly wage could help you get of debt, build a better life for you and your family, or save for the future.

Whatever your priorities are, you may want to consider a profession that will help you achieve the lifestyle you’ve envisioned for yourself.

Though it isn’t a guarantee to earn more, getting an education or some level of specialization can help you stand out from your competition.

4) You Constantly Complain About Work

It’s common to complain after a bad day at work, but when those bad days turn into bad weeks, months, or even years, that’s a red flag that something is wrong.

Some of the most common work complaints tend to revolve around pay, benefits and company culture. Issues with those three areas are hard to overcome – particularly if they are typical in a particular industry – so it may require starting over and doing something new in order to eliminate stress and find personal satisfaction.

5) You Don’t Feel Challenged

When your work fails to feel meaningful, that's a sign you're not being challenged.

Finding a new challenge could mean starting at the bottom in a different industry, or it could mean rising to the top in your current field. You may want to look for opportunities down both avenues and you might find a new sense of purpose in your work.

6) You’re Good at Your Job, But Still Feel Like You’re Coming Up Short

At times, it’s difficult to accept that certain things are out of your control. For instance, you could be the hardest worker on your team and even have the highest level of expertise or best results, but for whatever reason, you don’t feel like your efforts are being properly recognized.

Maybe your boss tears you down or you could have been overlooked when it came to a raise or a promotion. At the end of the day, if your work is not rewarding, then it might be time to find somewhere you’ll feel valued.

Where to Start

If you’re looking for a new challenge, and enjoy learning by doing, then you may want to consider exploring the many opportunities to prepare for a career in the skilled trade programs that are offered at Universal Technical Institute.¹