How to Know When It’s Time to Call Quits on Your Career
Let’s face it – COVID-19 tossed everyone a “curveball” in 2020. But those who were already unhappy with career choices or were in the middle of a transition hit with a “double wammy”. As we are rounding the corner with some senes of “return to normal”, I have started getting more calls about folks who want to engage in a career transition or change.
This is part of a new series on Career Transitions
You have been with your job for years. It’s been hard for you to focus lately because of everything that’s going on around you. You want to fulfill your purpose, but it has become harder, and you aren’t seeing the success you once did. If you find yourself in these positions, it may be time for you to quit your career and seek a different path.
You Aren’t Accomplishing Your Goals
When you first start a career, you likely set goals for yourself to achieve the impossible. However, now that the career landscape has changed, you have found yourself unable to reach your carefully considered goals. While some goals may be too optimistic, yours seem like they should be possible, but they aren’t happening.
Occasionally, an employee will get caught in a rut. They sometimes get through them, but other times they find a different path. They acquire new skills and become remarkably successful at what they do. But this can’t happen if you are trying to force an old career to work. It happens because you leap to another promising option.
You’re Concerned About Your Health
Many industries can be strenuous on your physical or emotional health. If you have worked there for long enough, you may already see some of the negative health effects of the job. Some industries are inherently dangerous with workplaces full of hazardous warning labels.
It is perfectly normal to be wary of dangerous work situations. Choosing a different path can provide more satisfying and less stressful work that is also productive. Having a great career isn’t worth dying for, and if you feel that your boss hasn’t given proper safety protocol, you should shut the door on the job.
You Need Change
There is some value in having a passion for the job you are doing. While you don’t have to love your work to make it happen, it makes your life easier and more pleasing. Change is a big part of life, and you can highly likely find better purpose and renewed interest in working. Talk with your manager before you consider quitting. Ask them if there is any job you could do to diversify your skills. If you think you may be in a dead-end position, it is time to do job hunting.
Quitting your job is no small feat. It can be hard to leave your current working conditions remaining unsure of what you need to do. Changing careers is a healthy and risky thing, but it could be the right call for you.
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