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Are you secretly dreading going to work each morning? Do you find yourself scrolling through job postings, wondering if there’s something more fulfilling waiting for you?
You’re not alone. Around 29% of professionals have completely changed career fields since their first job, and nearly 1 in four university graduates either go back to school or change careers at some point.
If you feel deep down it’s time for a change but feel overwhelmed by the transition, you might just need a little guidance to help you take that first step. How do you know if you’re ready for changing careers? This guide will walk you through the signs and next steps so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s see if you’re ready for a new career!
1. You’ve Lost Your Spark
Landing your dream career doesn’t always mean staying in it forever. Over time, your interests and passions can change. If you no longer feel excited or motivated by your everyday job duties, it might be time for a new direction.
Changing careers could be your best shot at reigniting your passion, or building a new one. For example, you can pivot from repetitive admin jobs to more dynamic marketing and sales roles.
2. You’re Constantly Stressed or Burned Out
Feeling drained all the time? Chronic stress and burnout are big signs it’s time for a new career path. In fact, employees who experience burnout are 2.6 times more likely to actively pursue other opportunities. The reasons can vary. You might be:
- Consistently working beyond what you can manage
- Constantly dealing with difficult clients/customers
- Lacking support from your team or leadership
- Struggling with unhealthy work-life balance
- Not feeling valued or appreciated for your contributions
Trying out new things, like work and study in Canada or earning a new business diploma, could be the fresh start you need to break the burnout cycle. Remember, no job should compromise your well-being!
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3. Your Skills Feel Stagnant
Growth is a huge part of what makes a job feel fulfilling. If you’re no longer developing new skills or facing fresh challenges in your current role, you might be stunting your professional growth. This stagnation can affect both your career prospects and your job satisfaction.
If you’re in this position, it’s often a good idea to upgrade your skills or take new industry-relevant courses to pad your resume. When you’re ready to think about changing careers, this will give you the tools to confidently pursue new opportunities.
4. You’re Dreaming of a Different Industry
Find yourself constantly researching other careers or industries? Many career changers’ started their journey as a “what if” daydream. What if I pursued accounting? What if I transitioned to customer service?
This could be a sign that your current job no longer excites or challenges you (which takes us back to sign number 1). If so, your next step is probably researching how to change careers.
5. Your Values Don’t Align with Your Work
When your daily work conflicts with your personal values, it creates a constant source of stress and dissatisfaction. Perhaps you’ve grown more environmentally conscious but work in an industry that doesn’t prioritize sustainability, or maybe you value creativity but work in a rigid, process-driven role.
Whatever the case, having misaligned values is a valid reason for changing careers. Exploring new perspectives at a different work setting might help you align your career choices with your values.
6. You’re Not Growing Financially
Around 39% of people who change careers do so for financial reasons. While money isn’t the only measure of job satisfaction, it’s a major factor for many people. If you’ve hit a salary ceiling or see limited opportunities for promotion or advancement, it might be time to think seriously about switching to higher paying jobs.
7. Your Industry Is Changing Rapidly
Sometimes, external factors push us toward career changes. Technology, market shifts, or global events can transform entire industries overnight. If technology is moving faster than your skills and threatening your job security, it might be time for switching careers—or at least upskilling to stay competitive.
Is It Time for a Career Change? Take a Quiz!
Are you thinking about switching careers? Try answering these self-assessment questions:
- Do you still feel excited and passionate about what you do every day?
- Do you feel supported by your team or leadership when things get tough?
- Are you learning new skills or facing challenges that help you grow?
- Do your breaks leave you feeling refreshed, or do you still come back feeling exhausted and drained?
- Have you reached a point where there’s no room for career advancement?
- Do you find yourself daydreaming about working in a different industry?
- Is your salary enough to make you feel financially secure and satisfied?
- Do you feel like your hard work and contributions are truly appreciated?
- Are changes in your industry causing your skills to be outdated or obsolete?
- Can you maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life?
- Does your job align with your personal values and beliefs?
If you answered “no” to most of these, it might be time to seriously consider changing careers. Don’t worry, we’ll help you get started!
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How to Change Careers
You deserve a workplace that appreciates your unique skills and potential. Here’s how to change careers:
- Identify what excites you and what you want from your career. Are you looking for flexibility, a higher salary, more exciting opportunities?
- Research industries and roles that fit your skills, interests, and values.
- Earn relevant education and experience to gain competitive advantage. Working and studying in Canada is a good place to start.
- Connect with people in your desired industry for insights and advice.
- Make sure you’re ready for any career transition challenges. Career transitions often come with financial uncertainty, so be prepared before you take the plunge. You’ve got this!
Ready for a Fresh Start? Build New Skills With ILAC International College
The best time for a career transition is when you’re prepared. ILAC International College offers the guidance, education, and practical experience you need to make a successful transition. Our programs help students work and study in Canada, giving you the skills and work experience you need to hit the ground running at your next role.
With our industry-relevant curricula, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced instructors who practice what they teach, you’ll be future-ready in no time. Plus, we offer career services to guide you through the Canadian job market.
Your next opportunity is waiting, and it starts here. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make changing careers easier and more fun!