Everyone gets the urge to shake things up a bit once in a while. But how can you tell the difference between a normal bout of restlessness and a signal that it’s time to take a serious look at your career?
Let’s take the occupation of a nurse, for example. The employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of labor statistics.
However, the supply of new nurses entering the labor market has increased in recent years, resulting in competition for jobs and increased demand in registered nurses (rn) and Master’s in Nursing (MSN) programs, with online rn MSN programs gaining popularity in some countries. However, it’s rare to find a career that fits your ideals and is in demand simultaneously.
Take a step back and get an objective view of your situation. There are some circumstances under which a change in career might be your best course of action.
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Here are four good reasons to consider making a move.
The Wrong Fit
Think back to the moment you applied for your current job. What drove you to do it? Was it the first step in a well-thought-out plan to get in on the ground floor of the industry you wanted to work on? Or did it have more to do with finding the right match for your schedule, living situation, qualifications, or financial needs? If you were motivated by immediate practical concerns rather than a genuine interest in the field, it may be time to ask yourself what career path you would choose if those things weren’t an issue.
Even if you did consciously choose the path you’re on now, perhaps your skillset has developed in an unexpected direction, or maybe you’ve discovered a passion or talent for something you didn’t know about back then.
Shifting Priorities
It’s normal for people’s priorities to change over time. When you were just out of school, you might have valued flexibility and excitement in your work. As you started a family of your own, job security and stability may have become more important. Often people reach a point in their lives at which they’re seeking to expand their horizons.
In the spring of 2016, Daryl Katz, owner of the Rexall drugstore empire, sold that core business and turned toward exploring the real estate and sports/entertainment sectors. Wherever you are on the corporate ladder, if your focus has shifted, your career can, too.
Life Changes
Sometimes the need for change is driven by something as fundamental as a move, a marriage, or a child. Maybe you can’t sustain the hectic travel schedule that your current field demands. A move to a new area might put you in the center of a different industry, and you might want to take advantage of it. Whatever the situation, your career should serve your life, not the other way around.
Burnout
How long has it been since you felt excited to go to work? On the last day of a vacation, do you feel re-energized or filled with dread? It’s normal to go through periods of boredom and frustration at work, but if it’s more down than up these days, then it may be more than a phase. There are things you can do to address job burnout, but if you’ve tried them all and still feel stuck, then a change in course may be the right decision.
Gone are the days when most people stuck with one career all their lives. Although making a career change is a big decision, it’s something that many people will do – often more than once. By taking stock of your reasons for making the change, you can be sure you’re doing the right thing and move forward with confidence.