We all go through life pretty much the same way. First we are sent to school, where they prepare us for college. Then we are sent to college for 4 years where we give them thousands of dollars so they can show how to survive in the real world. Then, we move out into the world and realize that no amount of training actually prepares you for what is really out there. But we persevere anyway, get the job we think we are supposed to get, and continue on.

Some of us may be lucky enough to land the job of our dreams. Other less fortunate folk may be forced to settle for something else. After some time, it begins to get wearisome. We just can’t keep up with the monotony of it all anymore. This is when you should seriously begin to consider a career change.

A career change is not such an unthought-of thing. A lot of people today are taking the step towards making a career change. The CPBJ interviewed Mike Marino, the senior vice president of YTI, a career institute, who said that a large chunk of their students were 30 years and older, looking for a career change. Take a look http://www.yti.edu/aboutYTI/news/CPBJ-BehindtheList-MikeMarino.pdf.

Don’t know how to spot the signs? Maybe this will help you out.

1. You Are Experiencing Loss of Passion

The first and most obvious sign is the loss of passion. When your work begins to get mundane and monotonous and you no longer enjoy it, it is time to stop and gain some perspective. Often, we wake up in the morning not wanting to go to work just because our beds are so darn comfortable. But we get out and off to work we go, and then it doesn’t seem so bad. But when going to work begins to feel like a bothersome chore, you KNOW that it is time for you to reconsider your career choice.

2. You Have Chronic Fatigue

If you find that you are unusually exhausted every day after work, warning bells should begin to ring in your mind. I know what you are going to say: who isn’t tired after a long day of work? Well, there is a vast difference between being tired and between being exhausted. You will find that chronic exhaustion cannot be relieved by just one weekend. A normal, healthy tired feeling should resolve itself after one good night’s sleep. An entire weekend should leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated; ready to face new challenges at work.

3. It Feels Like You Are Not Getting Paid Enough

I know we all say “they don’t pay me enough for this” but in some cases even though the salary may be decent, you will feel like not matter how much they pay you, the compensation will not be enough. You being dissatisfied with the salary – despite getting raises and other benefits – is another huge sign that you need a career change.

4. You Feel Like There Is No Room for Personal Growth

When you begin to notice that you have been stuck in the same position for quite a while, with no room to grow, take it as a sign. If there is no room for personal nourishment and personal growth, there really isn’t any reason to stick around with that job any longer. Stagnation in the workplace is counterproductive, both for you on a personal level, as well as for the firm on a macro level.

5. Your Workplace Dynamics are Unsatisfactory

Everyone has issues with something or the other at work. Some may have a peeve with the boss, others may not take so kindly to one or two of their colleagues, while others just complain about work in general. All these things are normal in any workplace. There are bound to be one or two individuals who don’t get along. But if you notice that everything about your work environment (your boss, your colleagues, and the work itself) seems to be bringing you down, something is definitely wrong. No one should be expected to work in a place where everything makes them unhappy. Make a bold choice; it is time to jump careers.

6. You Feel Downright Apathetic

If you have reached a stage where you are just going through the motions without any emotional involvement and you find that your heart is not really in it, please move on. Being at work and wishing you were somewhere else is not fair to you or the work place. Why should you be unhappy? You have the right to do something that gives you pleasure and joy. It is time for you to put in your resignation and move on to better things.

So now you know. These are the telltale signs that you should definitely consider a career change. Make a smart choice, and I can assure you, you will be happier.