Hidden Signs You Are in the Wrong Career and How to Make a Change Towards a Fulfilling Path
Many people stick with careers that seem ideal on paper but slowly become sources of unhappiness. If you’ve been asking yourself, "How do I know when to change careers?" or "When is it time to change careers?" There are often subtle signs to help you decide. Here, we’ll look at those indicators and outline steps to help make a smooth transition towards something more fulfilling.
Signs You’re Unhappy in Your Job
It’s easy to overlook feelings of job dissatisfaction, especially when you’re focused on financial stability, security, or meeting external expectations. Yet, staying in a career that doesn’t align with your values can lead to long-term unhappiness, burnout, and even health issues. If you’re wondering when to change careers, start by recognizing these signs:
Sunday Scaries Turn to Weeklong Dread
It’s not just a Sunday night thing anymore—work anxiety lingers even during “off” hours. If you’re finding it harder to get out of bed each morning or if Mondays feel like a mountain to climb, that’s a big sign you may be in the wrong career. Occasional low-energy days are normal, but a consistent lack of enthusiasm often points to a deeper issue. When your energy is low because of your job, it can spill over into your personal life, leading to irritability and lack of motivation elsewhere.
Constantly Feeling Like Something's Missing
You might have a stable job, a good salary, and supportive colleagues, but still feel that something’s missing. If you frequently daydream about doing something different or find yourself envying people in other professions, these are strong signals it might be time to explore new career options. This constant feeling of incompleteness is often a subtle nudge, hinting that it’s time for a career change.
Distractions as a Coping Mechanism
Many people turn to distractions when they can’t find fulfilment in their work. If you notice yourself always escaping your life by planning trips, , splurging on fancy meals or buying luxury items to lift your mood and justify staying at this job, these could be signs that your job isn’t bringing the joy or engagement you need. Escaping into other activities or splurging may temporarily boost your mood but won’t address the core issue.
You’re Mentally Checked Out
Projects that used to excite you now feel like a drain, and even wins don’t bring the same sense of pride. Even opportunities for advancement or learning feel uninspiring. You’re going through the motions but can’t muster the energy to care.
The Impact of Staying in the Wrong Career
Staying in a career that no longer aligns with your values or passions has deeper consequences than just feeling unfulfilled. Prolonged dissatisfaction can impact your mental and physical health, ultimately affecting your entire sense of well-being.
How Dissatisfaction Affects Mental Health
Long-term dissatisfaction with your career can seriously damage your mental health, often leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. The emotional drain of showing up daily for a job you dislike can create chronic stress, impacting your:
Mental clarity
Emotional stability
Overall quality of life
This prolonged dissatisfaction can manifest as irritability, mood swings, or withdrawal from social activities, potentially damaging relationships outside of work. When you catch yourself asking when to change careers, consider the toll your current role may be taking on your mental health.
The Risks of Long-Term Burnout
Burnout is a significant risk of remaining too long in an unfulfilling role. It often starts gradually with feelings of exhaustion and frustration about your job. Over time, burnout can lead to physical symptoms like: headaches, insomnia, weakened immune system.
Staying in a role that doesn’t inspire or challenge you makes it difficult to stay motivated, often resulting in disengagement and a lack of productivity. Constant mental and emotional strain from trying to "push through" a job that no longer suits you can lead to complete burnout, leaving you mentally and physically drained.
Losing Your Sense of Self
A prolonged stay in a career that feels wrong can gradually erode your self-identity. When your work feels inauthentic, you may find yourself distancing from who you genuinely are and what you care about. Over time, you might feel lost or as if you’re living someone else’s life, which can create a deep sense of disconnection from your values, goals, and personality. This loss of self can make it even harder to step back and recognize what you actually want in a career and in life.
Strained Relationships
When you're unhappy in your career, it’s challenging to leave those feelings behind at the end of the day. You may find yourself constantly venting about work or unable to be fully present with friends and loved ones. Over time, this can make you the "Debbie Downer" that people avoid, or you might feel too exhausted from pretending everything is okay to genuinely engage in conversations or show up for your friends. Feeling this way can isolate you, further deepening your dissatisfaction.
Limited Professional Growth
Staying in a career that drains you often means you’re not as driven to go above and beyond. You may find it difficult to put in extra hours or develop new skills, especially when compared to peers who enjoy their work. This lack of motivation can lead to slower growth, missed promotions, and fewer rewards, all of which contribute to a growing sense of being "stuck" or left behind. Watching others progress can heighten feelings of frustration, creating a cycle of disengagement and stagnation.
Making a career change can feel intimidating, but prioritising your mental health and well-being is essential. Recognizing these signs can guide you toward a more fulfilling path. Take time to reflect on your values and career goals—it’s never too late to choose a path that brings you fulfilment. Consider booking a call with a career coach to get started on finding the right fit for you.
Making a Career Change: Where to Start
If you’ve identified some of these signs and are starting to think about making a career change, the next step is to prepare for a smooth transition. Let’s break down practical steps to help you navigate this shift effectively.
Step 1: Define Success On Your Own Terms
Before diving into new job applications, take time to assess your values and figuring out what success looks like for you. Make a list of what you’re looking to optimize for at this stage of your career - is it money? A strong brand name on your resume? More time with your family? Leaving behind a legacy? Recognize that your definition of success might not match society’s definition of success. And that’s okay.
Step 2: Identify Your Interests And Don’t Get Swayed By What Others Think Is Cool
Figure out what it is that YOU enjoy, rather than what society tells you is the next big thing that you should be interested in.
Step 3: Repackage Your Skills
Identify your strengths and pare them down to basics so you can make them transferrable to the new industry. For example, instead of saying that you do equity research covering Southeast Asian banks, the broader underlying skill is financial analysis, analytical acumen and communication skills, which can be useful in different industries. This clarity will help you narrow down fields that might be a good fit.
Step 4: Research Your Options
Once you have a clearer picture of your abilities, it’s time to look at potential career paths. Research industries where your skills would be relevant. Look at job descriptions and career growth opportunities in areas that align with your interests. Don’t limit yourself to the industry you’re familiar with.
Step 5: Plan Your Transition
Networking: Attend industry events, meetups, or online webinars to learn about your new field and connect with others who can provide insights.
Test Drive: Create ways for you to “Test the waters” in a new field before fully committing. This can come in the form of doing a mock project, consulting pro bono, working on a friend’s business in the industry you’re trying to get into, creating content to showcase your expertise…
Build a portfolio: This is how you show your future employer that you have what it takes to do the job, even though your resume may not show ‘relevant experience’
Overcoming Obstacles During a Career Transition
Career transitions can be challenging, especially when facing doubts or external pressures. Here’s how to navigate common obstacles.
Managing Fears of Failure or Financial Instability
Fear of the unknown is normal, especially if a career change might mean a temporary pay cut or less stability. Start saving up to create a financial buffer, which will give you time to find the right role without immediate pressure. Instead of making a giant leap, approach the transition in smaller steps. This will allow you to build confidence gradually while reducing the risks.
Handling Unsupportive Peers or Family Members
Not everyone will understand your decision to switch careers, especially when leaving behind a prestigious stable job. Recognize that not everyone will be on board, and it’s okay. And the best way to prove to naysayers that this was the right direction is when they see how much happier, and how much more successful you are in this new role. And in the meantime, seek out like minded friends, mentors, or even career coaches who can offer guidance and encouragement.
Knowing When to Make a Change
If you’re still questioning whether it’s time to make a career change, ask yourself these final questions:
Do I feel energised or drained after work?
Am I proud of the work I do?
Does my job align with my personal values and goals?
By honestly reflecting on these points, you can gain clarity on your next steps. Making a change may feel daunting, but if your current role doesn’t support your mental health or professional growth, a transition could open doors to a more fulfilling path.
If you’re unhappy with your “perfect on paper job” and looking for someone to personally guide you to implement what you’ve learned above, book a call with me and my team today!
We’ve helped hundreds of high achievers from Google, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey build careers they wake up excited about. We’d love to see how we can help you too.
