3 Signs It’s Time to Shift Your Career (and What to Do about It)

by Sydney Frodsham June 7, 2023

A few years ago, I had a job that made me question whether my chosen career path was right for me. After a few months of what seemed like constant disappointments and shots to my morale, I didn’t know if I should continue onward with my career plans. I dreaded going to work and lost faith in what I was doing.

When that job came to an end, I was finally able to contemplate what I wanted. Using some of the techniques I outline below, I reevaluated my career. I realized I could keep on the same path, with some adjustments to help me stay passionate and focused.

Though I didn’t completely change career paths, I did shift my career to fit where I had grown into my life. Here are three signs that it might be time for you to shift your career:

You Dread Monday Mornings

When Sunday night rolls around, do you feel uneasy? Anxious about starting work the next morning or dread going into the office yet again?

Most people call these the Sunday Scaries. When they begin to cloud your mind more often than not, it might be time to evaluate where you stand in your career.

To begin, discover where these feelings come from. Is it the office environment? A specific project? A coworker you don’t want to interact with? Once you pinpoint the root cause, you can speak with your boss or colleagues about potential solutions (if appropriate).

If that’s not enough to shoo away the Sunday Scaries, make a pros and cons list. Start with what you like about your company and its values, coworkers, and the benefits and professional development opportunities you receive. You might be surprised by how much you like your company. Once the pros are finished, list the cons. Perhaps the cons have solutions that can be found in your current role. If the cons outweigh the pros, maybe a career shift is the next step.

If that’s the case, remember to always keep good working relationships throughout the transition. Quality work and positive attitudes can open up future opportunities.

You’ve Outgrown Your Environment

We play different roles during different periods of our lives. That job as a paper delivery boy was perfect as a teenager, but it’s probably not right for you as an adult. Feeling restless in your job doesn’t mean you have to change fields, but you may need a new environment to thrive in.

Try redirecting. Evaluate your current circumstances by asking these questions:

Which aspects of your work inspire you?

What excites you about getting out of bed in the morning?

Once you answer these questions, ponder how you can cultivate the next part of your career based on your responses.

You Don’t Love the Mission

Not everyone is values-based when it comes to their career. You might not care what the mission statement of your company is. But if you do care, falling out of love with the company’s mission can be a blow to your motivation.

If you find yourself here, reflect on why you chose this career path or role in the first place. Does that reason still ring true? Think—are you really disenchanted or just disconnected? Could you become more hands-on, volunteer on other projects, or mentor a younger colleague?

If your passion for the work is truly gone, consult with those closest to you about your next steps. Having a career identity crisis can help you find what you want at this stage in your life.

All of these principles were taken from Don’t Dread Dread Monday, the book that started this whole enterprise. For more in-depth examples and guidance, I recommend reading the entire book. Otherwise, we offer free, 15-minute consultations for anyone seeking more personalized career advice.

Happy shifting!

Sydney