List: Reasons to consider a career change.

As I have previously mentioned on R&W, I have been on the job hunt.

My current job is being centralized and I will soon be reassigned to something tedious; collections.

I used to manage a credit, and collections department.  When did my career start the nose dive down?

I immediately began to apply for jobs and interview.

That’s when I learned how employers discriminate against mothers as discussed here.

Recently I got a job offer for a position that is much different than anything I’ve done before.

While I thought I would be ecstatic to get an offer, I found myself in the midst of an internal debate.

$10K salary increase, more time off, and job security?  Helllooo, Jax, wake up!

Instead of thinking positive, my anxiety kicked in and filled my brain with all the negatives.

A much longer commute, more expensive healthcare, and I’ll be a whole county away from my Mushy.

That’s when I decided to put my big girl pants on and focus on all the reasons why I should do this.

After thinking long and hard, I ultimately decided to accept the offer.

I bet you’re all wondering what changed my mind!  And, no, it wasn’t all about the money.

Source

Reasons to consider a career change.

1.  You are no longer challenged.

If your current job doesn’t challenge you, that means that you have potential to grow.  The perfect job should always make you think a little.  If you can do your job blindfolded, maybe it’s time to utilize those learned skills and move up the corporate ladder.

Who doesn’t want a more notable title with a closed office and a significant pay check!?

2.  You think of work as a form of torture.

I’m not saying everyone is going to love what they do, but you should at least be content with your position.  If you find that you need to force yourself into the office every day, maybe it’s time to find a similar position elsewhere.  If it’s the job itself you hate and not your employer, then maybe it’s time to consider a complete career change.

Once you pinpoint what it is you dislike, it’s so easy to make a realistic plan for change.  I promise.

3.  Your bills are always late.

If you eliminated all the “extras” from your budget, and your income still doesn’t cover your expenses, it may be time to job hunt.  You can always ask for a raise, but fact is, the biggest raises are usually received when moving into a new position.

Please don’t wait for your lights to be shut off to start moves.  Be proactive!

4.  You can pay your bills, but you want more.

If your current job is paying the bills but doesn’t allow you to move out of your one bedroom apartment, maybe it’s time to let your career grow with your dreams.  Maybe you are happy with your lifestyle but are lacking the extra cash to travel or to enjoy nights out on the town.  Whatever the reason, you shouldn’t let your job limit your life.

My dream is to own a house one day.  If I don’t increase my income, that will be just a dream forever.

5.  Your job doesn’t let you live.

Unless you want your job to be your life, you need to find a company that is sensitive to its employee’s needs.  If you feel that any type of restraint isn’t for you, maybe a proposal to open a successful business should be in your future.

Evaluate your priorities and see how much of your life you are willing to give.  It is your life after all!

6.  You are being harassed, demeaned, or disrespected at work.

No matter what your job title is, there is never any excuse for you to be put down.  You deserve respect.  Don't let your job make you think low of yourself.  If this is your situation, stop reading this article and start applying for other jobs.  You deserve better.

Bullying and harassment does not end in school.  I see it all the time in the workforce.

7.  Your pay doesn't match your work load.

Employers will always want to get the most out of their employees, and that is 100% understandable.  It's when employers want more than what they are willing to pay for that it becomes a problem.  If you find that your boss keeps dumping new tasks onto your lap but isn't reciprocating with dumping more cash, it's time to look elsewhere.

Years ago, I saw 3 people quit.  Their work was dumped on me without any extra pay.  Um, not ok.

8.  There is no room to grow.

If you look around and see nowhere to go, then you should consider moving to a place where you aren't pigeon holed.  People should never limit themselves.  Most people want to grow in their careers, but choose not to because they are comfortable.  Some people feel like they can't better themselves because their education or skills limit them.  Don't limit yourself unless you believe that you reached your maximum potential.

As long as you are willing to make moves,  your career will move with you!

9.  You have no job security.

There is nothing worse than living with the constant fear of not knowing how long you will have a job for.  When a company starts to downsize, outsource, or centralize their jobs it may be time to start worrying.  There is never a guarantee that you will keep your job forever, but there are certainly companies that are way more secure than others.

Pay attention to the career red flags.  The red flag system is for more than just relationships!

10.  You just want better.

There is no shame in being perfectly content in your current position, but still wanting more. 

I mean, who doesn't want to go from happy to happier!?

What would make you consider a career change?