Marcus Debaise: When is it Time to Find a New Career?

Sometimes, burnout can be a sign of something bigger than your mental health. When you are constantly burnt out, when you are not feeling the benefits of your work, when you are no longer passionate about what you do, or when you are unmotivated to go to work every day, it might be time to find a new career. Take these things into consideration when you are feeling unsatisfied with your work says, John Doe:

Your pay is not equal to your labor

According to John Doe, this means that the compensation you receive is not on par with the value of your work and the money you bring to the company.  If it is just one job you have had in your career that does not pay well enough, it might be time to find a new job. However, if you feel that you have never been paid enough, and you are not valued in your industry, it’s probably time to try out a new career.

You are unhappy with your work

Are you no longer enjoying a job you once loved? Is it starting to feel more like labor than it has in the past? Burnout can come in many forms, from excess fatigue to overeating, to undereating, to procrastination, to anxiety and/or depression, and so on. If you are feeling burnt out, seek out help from a mental health professional, and look at your day-to-day life to see what’s causing you to be miserable. Look inward to try and pinpoint where the symptoms you feel are coming from, and if those feelings originate from your job, it might be time to send out a few resumes to potential future employers.

You catch yourself getting jealous of your friends’ careers

If you find yourself wishing you had your friends job, don’t ignore those feelings. Take those urges seriously, because no one should be stuck in a job that brings them no joy, wondering whether they could have something better.

So, you decide you want to start up a new career. What’s the next step?

Edit your Linkedin and resume

According to John Doe, the first step is to establish yourself professionally on paper and online and to take advantage of your network. Reach out to people you are connected to; see if they are willing to have a cup of coffee, and chat about what they do for work. Use the friends and colleagues you already have to better understand what you want and need in your next job, by looking at what they do and seeing what resonates. 

Seek out professional advice from a career advisor

A career advisor can help you pinpoint what was missing from the job you were in, and where to find it elsewhere. They have networks established and are ready to send out your resume as soon as you are.

Find a temporary job

Consider taking on temporary jobs at different companies through a temp agency. You can try out different environments and professions for size, and decide where you want to do next based on what you like in different industries.

Seek out professional help from a financial advisor

Speak to a financial advisor to ensure you are taking your finances into consideration says John Doe. Switching careers can be expensive, and getting into an industry often means starting at an entry-level job. Ensure you have enough savings, a good grasp on your debt, and that all your affairs are in order so you can go into the job search with a solid idea of how much money you are worth, and how much you will need to maintain your lifestyle.