Ask Amy, Coach Christy
True tales from a real life job seeker and her career coach
*Christy’s real name has been changed for privacy purposes
Amy: Last week we discussed career assessments and figuring out your career destiny. This week I’d like to focus more on determining if it’s time for a career change, or just a job change.
Here are some signs that it’s time for a job change:
1. When your job doesn’t excite you and you keep hitting snooze on your alarm hoping work gets cancelled
2. When you’re not feeling fulfilled and/or lack purpose in the workplace
3. When your company fails to use your talents, especially when you ask to be challenged
4. When you dislike your current role within the company
5. When you have lost respect for your boss
6. When you do mediocre work because your passion for the job has burnt out
7. When the toxic environment that you work in becomes unbearable and you feel emotionally drained
8. When you’re constantly monitoring the clock anticipating quitting time
9. When you no longer care if you make a mistake
10. When you find yourself coming home stressed at the end of every work day
Here are some signs that it’s time for a career change:
1. When you experience everything mentioned above at every job you’ve ever held within your chosen industry
2. When you’ve become dissatisfied and bored with your roles and responsibilities within your industry
3. When you want to try out something new that will maximize your strengths and enhance your experiences
So, are you ready for a new job or a new career? Here’s Christy’s take on the matter…
Christy: Even though Amy and I have discussed my career assessments, I still go back and forth between changing jobs and changing careers. I know that I excel in my field, but sometimes I imagine what life would be like if I had majored in something different in college and pursed another career path. Amy has always said to me that in order to know yourself, you have to be willing to grow yourself. This means that you have to be open to exploring all the different possibilities that life may throw your way. You can’t get stuck in a rut or pigeonhole yourself in a certain career just because you excel in that particular area. People who thrive in a business setting may find working as a chef to be much more fulfilling. It’s definitely possible to excel at multiple careers; it’s just a matter of finding those areas that you’re good at. I’ve definitely dabbled in various careers, but ultimately something kept bringing me back to my roots.
Amy: I encouraged Christy, and I encourage all of you, to take the time to explore multiple career paths. Sometimes going back to school to find your calling is worth the extra effort. Stay tuned for the next blog to find out how Christy arrived at her decision. I will also share with you more tips for exploring your career options.
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