Getting up and going to work each day is really more than just a job for many people – it’s creating, developing and nurturing a career that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re in the early stages of your career – as an intern or entry-level team member or you’re at an advanced level with years of experience under your hat – knowing when it’s time to take that next step is huge. Sometimes the next step means broadening your horizons and scope just a bit and sometimes the next step means moving up the ladder and taking on additional and more business critical responsibility. Whatever point you’re at – here’s a look at the signs that it’s time to take that next step in your career.
3 Signs It’s Time to Take the Next Steps in Your Career
#1. You’ve been passed over for a promotion on more than one occasion. Everyone needs a bit of competition to keep the inspiration up and the motivation levels high, but when you’ve been overlooked more than once – your morale starts to drop. You know within yourself when you can handle more, when you’re ready for more and when you need more to stay passionate and inspired – and, when you’re passed up repeatedly – it’s time to move on. We have one life to live and to achieve your dreams, you have to go after them.
#2. Your position is a dead end in terms of growth. Perhaps you’ve reached the top of the ladder or you work for a very small company where moving up would really require that someone else leaves or retires. Don’t feel guilty about moving on – sometimes it’s just time. Look around, assess the situation – is there something more you can take on or do? If not, it’s time to start taking a look at what else is out there.
#3. You’re ready for a full on career change. You’ve been burning the candle at both ends for years and it just isn’t paying off. You’re feeling passionless and uninspired by your work. You know you have more to offer and you’re ready to share those skills and talents with a team and in an industry that lights a fire of motivation for you. When you know – you just know. And, that means it’s time to move on. Don’t be afraid to kickstart your career in an entirely new industry – or even start up a whole new career. Finding fulfillment in life is bigger than simply getting a paycheck each week.
No matter where you find yourself on the career spectrum, knowing what work is inspiring to you is half the battle when it comes to fulfilling that dream. Whether you’re just starting out as a leader in the making or you’re looking back on the years you’ve invested, figuring out that next step is crucial to being happy in a job. What stage of career development are you at? Are you ready to take that next step?
