Are you feeling stuck in your current job? Maybe you’re no longer excited about the work you do, or you’re wondering if your career path is still the right fit for your life. If these thoughts are swirling around your head, take a breath. You’re not alone. These questions are worth considering. At South University, we work with students of all ages and backgrounds, including many getting ready to start fresh in a new field. If you’re thinking about a change, here are some signs it’s time to act.
5 Signs You Need a Career Change
1. Your Work No Longer Feels Meaningful
It’s normal to have off days, but you shouldn’t consistently feel like your job lacks purpose or goes against your values. We all have parts of our jobs that we might not like or that feel a little boring. However, that shouldn’t be the majority of how you spend your time. If you feel that way all the time, you’re probably ready to look for something more fulfilling. Ask yourself:
- Am I proud of the work I do?
- Am I making an impact on other people or my company?
- Am I excited to grow in this field?
If you answer no more often than yes, you may be due for a career change.
2. You’ve Hit a Ceiling
Some careers offer limited growth opportunities. If you’ve done all you can in your current role or field and there’s no clear next step, switching careers is an option. You deserve a job that lets you grow, learn, and possibly earn what you’re worth.
3. You Dream of Doing Something Else
Maybe you’ve always wanted to be a nurse1,2, a mental health counselor,1,2 or a business or technology professional, but life took you in another direction. If a different career keeps popping up in your mind, listen to your intuition. Your interests, goals, and possibilities can shift over time. It’s okay to adjust course to find work that better matches who you are today.
4. You’re Craving More Flexibility or Stability
Changes in your personal life can also trigger a career shift. Starting a family or caring for a loved one can change your needs. Whatever the reason, you may now want to prioritize work-life balance. If your current job doesn’t support the lifestyle you want, consider looking for one that does.
5. You End Each Day Mentally or Physically Drained
At least some parts of your job should energize and excite you. It’s not healthy for you to feel exhausted physically, mentally, or emotionally every day. Yes, it’s good to work hard, but there’s such a thing as giving too much, especially if you’re not getting anything out of it except a paycheck. It’s possible to find a job that you’re passionate about, where you feel good about yourself and your accomplishments when you finish your workday.
6. Your Job Negatively Impacts Your Life
Going to work shouldn’t fill you with dread. If your job constantly leaves you stressed, tense, or unhappy, make a change. In some cases, your self-esteem might even start to suffer from feeling like you’re not doing enough in your professional life. Any negative emotions you’re experiencing from your work can easily bleed into your personal life, and you might wind up taking it out on those you love. Again, you have the ability to reimagine your life and pursue work that makes you happy and proud.
7. You’re Willing to Learn Something New
A career change often means going back to school, earning a new credential, or building new skills. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your future, education can be the bridge between where you are now and where you want to go. At South University, we offer degree programs online and on campus that are designed to support adults making a career shift. Whether you’re exploring healthcare, business, criminal justice, or another field, we’re here to help you take that next step.
Ready to Elevate Your Potential?
Career changes can feel overwhelming, but they’re also exciting. Think about it like this. You’re not starting over. You’re building on your experience and choosing a path that’s right for you. If you’re ready to explore your options, South University can help you:
- Talk through your goals
- Understand which program fits your needs
- Find options for learning that work with your life
Connect with us today and see where a new degree could take you.
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1 Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
2 Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required ground clinical, practicum, or externship requirement. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
