7 Steps To Take When You Feel Lost In Your Career
Are you unhappy in your career? If so, you shouldn't just rush to quit. There are a few things you can do before you give up on your career. Find out what you should do when your job no longer makes you feel happy.
1. Know What Your Career Should Do
First, you should think about what your career should do for you. It is a way to bring in an income that provides for you and your family. If your career doesn't do that, then it's time to find a new job.
Your career also should inspire you and leave you feeling satisfied. Although every day might not make you feel content, you deserve a general feeling of happiness. If you don't have any inspiration and happiness, you could become exhausted and burnt out.
Quitting your job isn't always the right answer, though. Sometimes, you just need a change of perspective or a conversation with your boss. Instead of handing in your notice, consider why your job isn't meeting your basic needs.
2. Find Joy
If you chose a career because you liked the salary, you probably won't be happy. There's more to life than a steady paycheck. Did your job ever bring you joy? If it once made you happy, consider what changed. Why are you no longer content?
At times, you may be able to pinpoint a change that caused you to be less happy with your job. It could have been a switch in management or a promotion. In any case, think about how you can go back to the way things were. There may be an easy way to bring back the happiness that you once had.
If your job can no longer bring you joy, think about your other career options. You shouldn't make the same mistake twice. As you look for a new career, think about what would make you happy. Don't allow a lower salary to keep you from a job you would enjoy.
3. Focus on Your Career
When you have an hour of free time, sit down and think about your career. Where did things go wrong? You should be able to determine when your career path went astray. For instance, you may have made a lateral move with the company. If your move isn't satisfying, you should consider talking to your boss. There may be some changes they can make to get your career back on track.
It may also be a good time to reevaluate your plans for the career. Have your goals changed? If you worked in the same industry for ten years, you might realize that your career goals are no longer the same. Take time to think about what you want from your life and your career.
With this self-reflection, you might uncover a new love for your job. Your position could be a stepping stone to your new career goal. With that in mind, you might have a renewed sense of purpose.
4. Consider Your Transferable Skills
If you think about your transferable skills, you can pick a new career path. Jumping to a new career isn't easy, but it's a little easier if you have the right skills. After you pick a career, make a list of your skills. Think about which skills will help you in your new career.
Transferable skills aren't always obvious. As you make your list, think outside of the box. For instance, you may be responsible for writing the company newsletter. The writing skills you learned could help you in your new job. Other transferable skills include teamwork, sales, and leadership.
Before you decide to explore a new career, you might want to work on your transferable skills. Are there any responsibilities you can take on to add to your resume? Don't be afraid to try new things because they can help you decide what to look for in a new career.
5. Think About Your Lifestyle
Don't quit until you think about your current lifestyle and how your job affects your lifestyle. If you're unhappy because your job keeps you from living the life you want, consider ways in which you can fix that. For example, you might hate working until 6pm because it keeps you from your kids. Ask your employer if you could come in earlier and leave earlier.
In this day and age, remote work is also an option. Would you employer allow you to work from home? If not, it may be time to find a new job. Think about how a different career would play into your lifestyle. If you pick a career with similar hours and demands, you won't be any happier.
6. Find Inspiration in the Little Things
You can try to recover your passion for work by finding inspiration in little things. If you work with customers, look for a way to make a difference in their life. When you go out of your way to help someone, they might show you their appreciation through an email or text. Use their gratitude as inspiration to continue on with your career.
Another way to find inspiration is to take on new tasks. If there are any new projects on the docket or your boss is looking for a volunteer for a new duty, jump on the opportunity. You might find Inspiration in the new task
7. Talk to Someone
If you can't figure out why you're so unhappy, you should talk to someone about your feelings. Find a trusted colleague or friend and explain your frustrations. They may be able to help you assess the situation and figure out what you're missing.
Just be careful about speaking to any co-workers. If you talk to the wrong person, they might spread the word that you're unhappy. Only speak with someone if you trust them to remain quiet.
In the end, you're the only one who can tell if it's time for a new job. After you follow the tips above, you can make the next move.