Are you fulfilled at work? If you’ve reached a crossroads in your life you may be ready to take the plunge and take on a new challenge…
The changing nature of the way we work means that a career swap may be easier now than ever before.For many of us, achieving a better work-life balance has become a priority and we’re now able to work much more flexibly.
Jumping ship and starting afresh isn’t easy, but sometimes there are good reasons to leave your job, however long you’ve been doing it.
1. Change in personal circumstances
Major life-changing events can force you to change your outlook and reassess your career options. Perhaps you’ve just got married or had a baby and your salary and benefits package no longer support your needs, or you want a job that allows you to spend more time with your family.
Health problems may also cause you to re-evaluate your life, while a cash windfall could spur you into setting up your own business.
A career that allows you to work flexibly or for yourself could what you need.
2. Lack of job satisfaction
You might have reached a point where you’re just going through the motions at work. You’re bored, lack focus and no longer care.
When work just becomes a meaningless chore, it not only drags you down but drags down the whole company.
Instead of plodding on regardless, put your energy into finding a job you can be passionate about.
3. No career progression
When you start work you don’t expect to be doing the same role forever.
You want to be challenged, take on more responsibility and increase your salary. Everyone needs to know there’s the potential to progress in their career.
If you find yourself stuck in a rut, without any opportunity to advance, that’s a good reason to start looking elsewhere for something more fulfilling.
4. Reaching an important milestone
Milestones can make you think long and hard about your future. Maybe you’ve just turned 40 and want to do something different before it’s too late, or you’ve been in the same job for ten years and feel you’ve more than served your time.
If everything has become too routine you may need to reinvigorate yourself.
Venturing out of your comfort zone could be just what you need to get the excitement and satisfaction back in your working life. Beginning a new career path that encourages you to gain new knowledge and skills may help to spice things up a bit.
5. To pursue your dream
Think back to your teenage years. What did you aspire to be? Perhaps you dreamt of being a fashion designer, but your careers adviser persuaded you that taking a business degree was the more sensible option.
If your current career is one you fell into rather than chose, it’s worth thinking about whether you’re really suited to it. Does it excite you? Do you have transferrable skills that you could put to good use in a different career?
There’s nothing wrong with following your dreams. It’s not without risk of course, but thanks to technology it’s easier than ever to research your new career or raise your profile online.
Posted by The Secret Businessman