Finding a fulfilling career is not a life event, it’s a journey. For most people, it’s not even a linear process, but rather a series of twists and turns. That’s because what is ideal in one season of life may not be in another. Lifestyles change, priorities change, and physical and emotional needs change.
Knowing that, one of the most valuable insights you can develop on your career journey is understanding when it’s time to pivot. It’s important to know when the work you are currently doing no longer meets your needs and the needs of your family. To help guide you through that process, here are five signs that you should consider a career pivot.
5 Signs You Should Consider a Career Pivot
If you’re wondering whether the path you’re on may no longer be the right fit for you, ask yourself if you relate to the following descriptions:
You're missing the flexibility to spend time with family. Once you become a parent, your priorities naturally and inevitably change. Your children need you, both physically and emotionally, and time with them is important. If your current career does not allow the flexibility you need to spend time with your family, that is a good sign you should consider a career pivot.
Your life values have changed. Age, parenthood, and life experience all have a way of changing us. As a result, you likely have different life values now from when you first started your career. If so, and if your new values do not align with your current career, it may be time to seek a new one.
You are often frustrated by your work instead of being fulfilled by it. If you dread going to work, you feel demoralized or undervalued, or you’re simply performing on autopilot, it might be time for a change. Everyone has days that require a little extra boost to get up and go to work, but when it’s every day, that signifies a deeper issue. If you find yourself frustrated and dissatisfied more days than not, you should consider pivoting to a career that better aligns with your passions.
Your work is adversely affecting your personal life. Your work should challenge you, but it should not debilitate you. If you suffer from chronic exhaustion, regular headaches, loss of sleep, stress ulcers, or other physical symptoms, that’s your body’s cry for change. If your schedule is affecting your relationships, your loved ones have commented on your stress levels or irritability, or you notice you’re not the person you once were, those are also signs a career change may be in order.
You daydream about a different career. No job is perfect, and everyone has moments in their career when they question what they are doing. However, if you find yourself pouring over job boards, spending your breaks thinking about what you’d rather be doing, or fantasizing about giving your two weeks’ notice, it’s more than a passing mood. Regularly daydreaming about a different career is a good indication it may be time to pivot.
Even if your current career was once your dream job, life changes. There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that the work you’re doing now is no longer the right fit for you. In fact, that’s the perfect next step in your journey of finding a fulfilling career.
If, after reading these five signs that point to a career pivot, you know you need to make a change, reach out to Parents Pivot. We would love to help you find the next career that’s right for you.
