At the beginning of your career, you often imagine the future. You have a clear image of what you want to accomplish, what role you will have, and how your professional and personal life will look.
This vision of your future is so clear that you find it difficult to see any other trajectory of your career.
However, as we are all aware of, even the best-laid plans do not always come to fruition or even live up to your expectations.
When this happens, it can cause much confusion; the safeguards of an established career are threatened, and, thus, your feelings of security seem to disappear almost instantly.
How do you know it is time to move your career in a different direction?
Your Motivation Evades You
Do you dread the sound of the alarm in the morning? Not because you are not a morning person, but because of the complete dread for what lies ahead of you in your day. This lack of motivation and feeling plagued by the monotony may be your subconscious telling you that your current position is no longer the right fit.
Staying too long in a position only causes you more days filled with dread. Therefore, when the job and company itself no longer energizes you, it may be time to find something that does.
You Lack Productivity
Do you have a ton on your plate and you just cannot find the focus to get it done? This is likely a direct result of not being motivated by the job you have, and, as a result, you cannot seem to get anything done. Likely, you do not feel challenged or driven by your current career and that takes a toll on your output—and on your physical and mental well-being.
Your Dissatisfaction Affects Every Aspect of Your Life
Not only is your work suffering, but so is your personal life. When the dissatisfaction, lack of motivation, and energy drain that consumes your day has a negative impact on the rest of your life, it is time to do the work to move your career in a new direction.
