If you’ve begun to realize you don’t love your job as much as you used to, take comfort in the thought that getting into a career rut is easy. First, you land a great position. Next, you work for the same company for a couple of years and after a while, you learn that your boss never gives your any raises and you have nowhere left to grow.

If this scenario sounds familiar, it might be time to pull yourself out of a dead-end job and find a new, more rewarding career.

What to Look For
Working at a job is more than receiving a paycheck every week. A career includes other types of rewards besides money. A rewarding job should make you feel good about yourself while enabling you to help others. Look for something suited to your personality and consider what you’re good at, or what kind of work you think is important. Consider all your options, how much time each career might take to get into, and the cost of saving up for it.

Get an Education
Regardless of the type of career, you can get out of your current job and start saving money through a good education. Even if you don’t know anything about your talents, or you are new to the job market, you can still find the ideal career. When in doubt about your next move, think about going back to school for additional training. This can be a good way to expand your skill set, improve your resume, and get you started on a path you might not have considered otherwise.

Consider Vocations
If you can’t afford going back to a big university or as a full-time student, consider looking into vocational schools. Places like the Newgate School offer courses on auto repair and will work around your schedule. Going to a vocational school can result in a higher paycheck, job benefits, and more self-esteem. Take a few career assessment tests to learn more about the skills you already possess. Once you have additional information about your talents, taking a few classes will increase your knowledge of that job market and field.

Do Not Quit Your Current Job Until You Receive Another Offer
When you are trying to get out of your current career situation, do not quit your job until you receive a definite offer at another established company. Before you hand in your letter of resignation, make sure the new opportunity is genuine. This way you can keep getting your paychecks and work toward a new goal at the same time.

You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. A new career gives you a fresh perspective on how to live your life to its fullest and can help get you out of a job rut.