Seven Signs You Need A Career Change

May 14th, 2008

If your current job is making you feel down-and-out, financially stressed, or unappreciated, then you may need a change of pace. Most studies reveal that the average American will change careers multiple times in his or her lifetime. This guide will highlight many of the major reasons why people change careers, help you decide if you're ready for a long-term, stable career, and give you some options for finding your perfect career.

Sign #1: Your Job Is Not Recession-Proof

The U.S. is going through some tough economic times and many industries are having to make major cutbacks. Last year alone the U.S. lost 90,000 jobs due to the slow economy and there is no telling how many more jobs will be lost in the future. Among those hardest hit were job markets that do not require a higher education. If you fear your job stability coold face tough times, it woold be wise to start looking for a stable career you can count on for years to come.

According to Beyond.com, a job listing website, IT careers ranked #1 for job postings last year. Sales and sales management positions ranked #2 and medical related careers ranked #3. These three industries show no indication of slowing down.

The most successful way to obtain a stable career is by continuing your education. Even going back to school part-time has been very beneficial to many people looking for a career change. There are many schools across the U.S. that offer training in computers and medical training

Sign #2: Excessive Stress At Work

Every job will have some stress. However, high levels of work-related stress is a leading factor for why many want to change their career. In fact, a study by the British Health and Safety Executive shows that work-related stress accounts for over one-third of all new incidents of ill health, yet many people don't realize that stress is the cause of their illness. If your current career is causing you unhealthy amounts of stress, it might be a sign to start looking into a career change.

Here is a list of careers that tend to be less stressful:

1. Massage Therapy
2. XRAY Technician
3. Beauty Professional

Sign #3: Lifestyle Changes

You need a career that's suitable for your lifestyle. Your career might have been just what you wanted or needed when you first started, but life tends to change. Perhaps your current career requires a considerable amount of travel but you have a young child at home. Now you need a career that involves less travel so you can spend more time with your family. Finding a new career might be the perfect solution for obtaining a healthy work-life balance. It may also reduce unwanted stress.

For a list of careers you can choose, click here.

Sign #4: Burnt-out At Your Current Job

Many people experience burnout during their careers. It's common to experience this after you have been in the same industry for an extended amount of time and feel the need for change. Often employees reach a plateau in their career when they don't have an opportunity for advancement. Often times the only way to move up is by learning new skills. Another common cause of burnout comes from boring and unchallenging careers that tend to be redundant. Many people become increasingly satisfied with their career after changing to a more intellectually challenging career.

For a career that is consistently stimulating, consider a career in:

1. Culinary Arts
2. Animation
3. Media Arts

Sign #5: Lack Of Financial Security

The cost of living continues to rise all over the U.S. and many families are struggling to make ends meet. The price of gasoline is up 29% and the price of groceries is up 5.6% overall compared to last year. Families all across America, especially those with low incomes, are struggling to make ends meet. If you are struggling financially, a career change may be the answer to your problems.

If you are interested a high paying career, then one of the following careers may be perfect for you:

1. Surgical Technician
2. Accounting
3. Business
4. HVAC

Sign #6: You're Not Proud Of Your Career

Studies show that people who enjoy their career are less stressed and lead a more rewarding life. Studies also reveal that only 50% of the workforce is happy with their current career choice. Experts say the best way to discover a satisfying career is by finding what you love to do and make a career out of it.

There are a number of great career choices that may match up with your passions. If you're artistic you may enjoy a career in:

1. Graphic Design
2. Interior Design
3. Fashion Design
4. Media Arts

If you are a music lover you might be interested in:

1. Recording Arts

Sign #7: Lack Of Excitement

If you find your job loses your attention, then you might be one of the many people who aren't cut out for an average, cookie-cutter job. If that is the case, you might want to look outside-the-box to find a career with a little more excitement.

For instance, Video Game Designers are in high demand because, according to an MSNBC article, the video game industry is booming right now. In fact, it has been called one of the few recession-proof industries. So, if you love playing video games, a career as a video game designer might be right up your ally.

Another exciting non-traditional career is Photography. Photographers are needed in many industries, including marketing, sports, fashion, wedding and a number of others. Photographers can find themselves shooting a wedding one day and be off in a tropical locations on a fashion shoot the next day.

People change careers every day for many reasons. If you are in need of a long-term stable career, if you feel stressed or burnt-out, if something in your life has recently changed, if you demand financial security, a career you can be proud of or a career with a little excitement - you may need to change your career!