8 Important Signs That You Are Ready For A Career Change

A career change is a major decision for employees. Especially for the Filipino worker, there are numerous factors to consider other than "Kaya ko ba? Kaya ko kaya?" Breadwinners also need to ask if they need this career change to earn better for their families or even if their savings can afford it, in cases that a career change means getting a smaller salary.

The shift in the way we work also leads to asking if it's the time for a career change. According to JobStreet's Decoding Global Talent report, in partnership with Boston Consulting Group and The Network, COVID has changed how we work, the workplaces that we have, and even the willingness of Filipinos to work overseas to find more work opportunities. While the pandemic has introduced new ways of working"” moving us from our workplace to our homes, getting different or fewer work shifts"”some changes are here to stay.

Think it's time for a career change? Assess yourself (and your current job) by answering the following questions. These questions, which also serve as signs or indicators of job satisfaction, will help you examine your current career in a way that will affirm the things you want in your next career.

Think it's time for a career change? Ask yourself these questions.

1. Do you feel like your job is trying to hold you back from other important things?

Ask yourself how many times you postponed your plans to take your MA or how many years have passed since you had a real family vacation because your job won't allow it. What significant aspects of your life have you sacrificed in the name of being an outstanding employee and are they even worth it? If you feel like your job is getting in the way of your own happiness or in achieving your full potential, then you know that work is holding you back.

2. Di ko ka na kaya! Is it increasingly difficult for you to stay motivated? 

Things used to be interesting, but after quite some time you have already lost your drive to do anything work-related. You've reached a slump, but not just a minor one. This makes it increasingly difficult for you to get out of bed and go to work every day. You know all too well that enthusiasm towards your job is at an all-time low and you find yourself constantly distracted at the office by things other than work.

3. Pagod ka na ba?

Even with remote work in place or even flexible working hours, new problems arose for employees during the pandemic. While the need to commute has been lessened or eliminated (which appears to be saved time), there is also this unnecessary pressure for some employees to be "always on," meaning since offices have extended to homes, the line between personal life and professional time has been blurred"”which is unhealthy if not managed properly. 

The long hours at work are taking its toll on you and even if you don't want to admit it, your body is slowly showing signs. After exerting too much energy at the office, you end up feeling physically and mentally exhausted that you become almost incapable of doing anything at the end of a long workday. The kind of stress and exhaustion you suffer goes well beyond your workplace. It has come to the point where the personal ties you maintain with family and friends are also indirectly affected. 

4. Kamusta sweldo natin?

Even if you are passionate about your work, it should be financially rewarding. You may also be earning more than enough money with the work that you have but you really hate how you spend your life making it. 

5. Nakukwestyon mo ba ang iyong integridad dahil sa iyong trabaho? 

Work requires compromises. There are times when you may need to make tough calls in order to become successful in your chosen career path but every decision you make should still be consistent with the integrity and values you uphold. Otherwise, you will end up feeling pain and remorse.

For instance, commute time is personal time, there is no need to make up for it at work. Reconsider your career if you feel guilty about this.

6. Minamaliit ba o hindi nakikita ng boss o mga katrabaho mo and halaga ng iyong trabaho?

You are afraid to be intellectually honest with your boss or colleagues because you know for a fact that your ideas are bound to be rejected or taken for granted. It also becomes increasingly difficult for you to value your work because the time and effort that you put into doing it is never appreciated. These will cause you to slowly draw back from your job and your colleagues until you eventually become disengaged. Your boss either fails to notice your disengagement or may notice it but chooses not to act upon it "“ both of which will make you feel even more devalued. 

7. Nawalan ka na ba ng pakialam sa iyong trabaho?

Losing your drive is one thing, but apathy towards work is on another level. You no longer care about your work or the outcome of the things you do. While you are still able to accomplish whatever your job requires from you, you find yourself working with no real energy or passion for what you are doing.

8. Can you still grow professionally?

The advancement of your career should always be on top of your checklist. Of course, this advancement only happens when you challenge yourself to do more, to exceed expectations and to get out of your comfort zone. Career growth should also be reinforced by various training and professional development opportunities provided by your company. Any kind of work that limits your perceived potential or hampers career growth needs to be reconsidered.

One thing that you need to know about having an unfulfilling job is that you have all the power to change it. You are in charge and so there's no excuse for you to stay unhappy. But before deciding to make a career change, it is essential for you to understand what's making you unsatisfied. Take some time to assess the situation so you won't end up with the same problems once you decide to take on a new career.

What do you need to prepare for a career change?

Searched for jobs that matter on JobStreet and applied for work that you like? Check out this guide on what you need to prepare for your career change.

1. The right skills for your career change

Be prepared to take the leap! As soon as you have decided that you are ready for a career change, ask yourself what work you want to do. Do you have the skills for it? Are they enough? If you need to upskill, check out training courses you can take such as Luna Academy training courses or even TESDA.

2. Career change resignation letter

It is important to always leave on good terms. When you are ready to change careers, check out this guide on how to write a resignation letter so you can leave your previous work properly before you start your new one.

3. Updated CV or JobStreet profile

Think of what will give you personal and professional fulfillment. Update your JobStreet profile to reflect your professional history and also, your new skills that could be applicable for your new work. Remember that the more updated your JobStreet profile is, the better matches you will get.