Are you unsure if your job is still the best job for you or if it's time to change things up? In an age where career pathways aren't always linear and logical, taking an honest look at your career's direction is more crucial than ever. The idea behind a career check-up is similar to an examination for your health that covers your professional life. If you don't pay attention and you could overlook subtle signals that it's the right time to make a change. Are you curious to determine if you're doing well or needing a major change? Check out this article, as it could be the mid-year push you didn't realize you required.
Why Do a Career Checkup?
Similar to how we schedule regular physicals to check our health, a review of your career uncovers potential problems early, preventing stagnation and burnout. Over 60 percent of professionals do not review their career goals frequently—this can result in the opportunity is missed and progress is slow. If you stop and ask yourself, "Am I growing, learning, and fulfilled at work?" you can ensure your long-term satisfaction in your career.
Key Warning Signs It's Time to Reassess
If you're struggling to get yourself to work every morning, then you may need a reset. Here are some common signs:
- It's been a while since you've had a passion for your day-to-day tasks
- Your work achievements are not noticed
- Learning new skills can feel like an obligation
- You don't see any avenues for professional development
Understanding these signals early can help you make a career shift before the frustration starts to take over. It's not laziness—it's your brain telling you something has changed.
A Simple Self-Assessment to Guide Your Next Move
A thorough examination begins with a set of simple questions. Ask yourself:
- Do I still consider my work relevant?
- Am I up to date with the latest developments in my field?
- Have I had enough chances to grow and learn?
- Does my current job align to my work-life balance priorities?
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Do I feel energetic after work? | Insufficiency of energy could signal burnout or a lack of engagement |
| Did I learn something this year that is new? | Learning is continuous—learning is vital for adaptation and growth |
| Do I see a clear pathway to progress? | A plan to prevent career stagnation |
A regular check-up on your career helps you keep on course, discover new interests, and plan for changes that may occur. Much as visiting your primary health doctor to check on your overall health.
Strategies to Re-Energize Your Professional Journey
It's easy to get stuck, but the majority of career advancement is a result of small, regular actions, not big leaps. Consider these suggestions for practical strategies:
- Start a new project even if it's out of your familiar zone.
- Talk with a trusted mentor or friend about your ambitions
- Make sure you update your resume and LinkedIn even if not actively seeking employment
- Take part in an instructor-led professional training course for development
The time you spend on these activities demonstrates to yourself and your employer that you're interested in continuing improvement of yourself.
When to Consider a Bigger Change
Sometimes, a thorough examination reveals that the need for a major move: changing teams or organizations, or even looking into the possibility of a completely different field. If you're always thinking about a different career path or if your values diverge from your employer's, then it's time to make a bold move. However, the majority of people are better off tackling smaller shifts before launching into the unknown.
- Review your career goals at least twice each year
- Keep a daily record of your accomplishments
- Meet with professionals from inside and outside of your industry
- Work-life balance and personal satisfaction
- Be open and curious about learning
Revising your plans on a regular basis can aid in determining when it's time to have a career exam, and also when you're ready to take your next step.
I find that taking a break every six months to do an unintentional self-check of my career helps me not to sleepwalk through my work. Inquiring with my mentors and adjusting my goals helps me celebrate my successes, both small and large—while also waking any slumps in energy or tensions before they impact on my satisfaction at work. When I started a habit of asking myself "how to know if it's time to change your job?", the answers began coming faster, and my satisfaction at work increased.
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