Ever felt dread in the pit of your stomach on Sunday night at the very thought of going to work the next day? Perhaps you’ve walked into work on Monday already ready for Friday. These could be indicators that it is time to take the next step in your career. An entirely new job or career may not be the solution but ignoring the signs could leave you both unhappy and unmotivated at work. Here are four signs letting you know it is time to take the next step in your career:
1. You’re having a physical response: Are you waking up in a cold sweat at night? Are you feeling sick on the way to work? Are you feeling shoulder or neck tension 24/7? These physical reactions are your body’s way of saying it is out of alignment. Consider these responses a wake-up call to check in and re-evaluate.
What to do: Create and practice a healthy routine. Try adding yoga or meditation to your daily schedule to develop mindfulness and reduce stress.
2. You’re bored, frustrated or annoyed: These feelings indicate what is happening in the here and now. Blogger Rachel Ritlop, shares that she felt this way even after switching careers. When she pressed into them further and took a look at her career she discovered it was time for the next thing in her business, which ended up becoming her podcast, The Confused Millennial. If you are feeling bored, frustrated or annoyed, it may just be time to step into the next thing.
What to do: Take a class or course that interests you related to your work. It may be the thing to launch you out of those feelings and into the next thing. If you have a hobby that you want to turn into a side gig, now may be the time to turn that dream into a reality.
3. You keep thinking about quitting: Most people daydream or fanaticize about another job. After all, the grass might be greener on the other side. But when it comes down to it, are you spending most of your day thinking about quitting? Is your resignation letter already drafted in your head? If so, take that as a sure-fire sign that you need to take the next step in your career.
What to do: Tell someone how you feel and what you are thinking. Grab a trusted friend or book a counseling session to talk through your thoughts in a space you know you won’t be judged. Sort through these thoughts and decide the next right thing for your career.
4. You’ve plateaued: Maybe you feel that the passion has gone out. Perhaps you have reached your potential. Do you get passed up for promotions at work again and again? If so, it may be time to take the next step in your career.
What to do: Consider changing your work responsibilities by getting involved in leadership opportunities at work. Also, set aside time to talk to your manager to ask about growth opportunities. If you have been passed up for promotions, ask your manager why. On your own time, look up growth and potential options in your field to determine what is out there and decide the next best career move for you.
This article was written by Danielle Beatty.
Danielle Beatty is a copy writing intern at Nexxt. She brings her experience of exploring for the right job to help job seekers in searching for their next opportunity. She enjoys coffee, music and writing whenever she gets the chance.