10 Warning Signs You Need a Career Change

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• December 4, 2014
• By Linda Hildebrant
• 2 Comments

Do you trudge back and forth to your office every day with a dull sense of dread in the pit of your stomach? Or perhaps you daydream about squeezing through the only unbarred window in the building to frolic with the seagulls in the parking lot.

Even if it’s not quite that bad, you may not be aware of the ways your job is preparing you for an early grave. If you associate the following points with your career, it may be time to look into a new direction.

1. Sunday night dismay is a regular occurrence

The speed at which Sunday night rolls around can make you shake your poor wall clock with fervent wrath. If you lose sleep over the thought of going to work in the morning, it may be time to pack up with the little shred of sanity you have left.

2. Your future seems dim and shadowy

When you think about the future of your career, is it full of potential and promise or do you see the shadow of who you used to be gnawing on the edge of your desk?

If you no longer have any excitement about your future with a company or in a certain career path, evaluate the reason behind this and make some changes.

3. Your passion is waning

Do you still believe the work you’re doing serves an important or worthwhile purpose? If your relationship with work has transitioned to a tedious and soul-sucking exchange, you don’t do yourself any favors by agreeing to stay for the sake of the foosball table in the break room.

4. A monkey could do your job

When your talent isn’t valued by your employer, it can be difficult to keep yourself motivated, and any loyalty gets shoved right down the grinding disposal. Never allow your work to be taken for granted, especially if your boss has a tendency to compare your work to a trained chimp’s.

5. You’re trapped in a box

Do you feel as if your professional growth is being stunted? If you’re dissatisfied and unfulfilled with your opportunities for growth, you do yourself a disservice by sticking with your job. The ability to challenge yourself and expand your skills is a necessity if you want to offer value to future employers and advance your career.

6. War is the answer

Employers that aren’t transparent with their employees and deliver false promises can make it difficult to develop a sense of trust in the workplace. A healthy work environment is something that can’t be understated.

If you have to dodge flying plastic bulls and the ignoramus in the sales department on your way to the water fountain, it may be a sign of a corrupted company culture.

7. You suffer from dragging-clock syndrome

Most of us have the occasional day that seems to stretch out in never ending agony, but did you know that constant boredom may be partially to blame for your imminent death? If you find it challenging to motivate yourself to complete your tedious tasks, you may need to accept that you could end up with a shorter, less fulfilling life.

8. You’re working for peanuts

What matters most to you when it comes to your career may not be entirely focused on salary, but you should be sufficiently compensated for your work. Whether this comes in the form of professional development opportunities, bonuses, benefits or promotions, make sure you’re sufficiently rewarded for your contributions.

9. You’re consumed by envy

Do you find yourself smiling like the Cheshire cat to mask your jealousy as your friends or family members tell you about the joys of their work? If you feel this way, it’s a strong indicator you may want to look into changing companies or even your line of work.

10. You’re a stranger in the mirror

If you’re unable to be your authentic self at work, you’re headed down a sinister and disturbing path. Your career shouldn’t be the source of an identity crisis. (Click here to tweet this quote.)

When you can’t act in a genuine way, you’ll be unable to contribute and perform at your peak level. Change can be scary, but without it, you may be facing the ultimate change a lot sooner than you planned.

Linda Hildebrandt is a marketing specialist for resume.com. She enjoys helping people market themselves to find fulfilling career opportunities.

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