Our careers are one of the most important components of our lives. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that U.S. employees spend on average 1,811 hours per year at their jobs, which means that work accounts for almost a quarter of our waking lives.
Our careers can provide us with an income, stability, and a purpose. But what happens when our careers no longer meet our needs? It’s more common than you think. A recent Harris Poll found that more than half of American employees are considering a career change.
If you’re feeling an itch to try something new, it could be a sign you need a career change. Luckily, you’re not alone — and many potential options are available for you to explore.
What Are the Signs You Need a Career Change?
People decide to change their careers for all types of reasons, and the massive job transformations that occurred in response to the pandemic have created even more. Here are some of the most common signs you need a career change:
- Passion and Interest: Over time, you may discover new interests or realize that your current job does not align with your true passion. You might choose a new career that resonates more with your interests and values.
- Job Market Changes: As industries evolve due to technological advancements, globalization, and market demand, some professions might shrink while others grow. To ensure your employability, you might consider a switch to a growing industry.
- Personal Growth: Staying in one field for a long time can sometimes result in stagnation. To find new opportunities that can lead to personal growth, you may want to seek the challenges of a new career.
- Lifestyle Reasons: The demands of your current career might not align with your desired work-life balance, especially if your personal situation has recently changed. Switching careers can be a way to achieve a better balance.
- Income and Benefits: A desire for an improved earning potential, better benefits, or more job security can lead you to explore more stable professions.
- Burnout: A high-stress job or a job with long hours can lead to burnout. This could prompt you to search for a career that is less taxing mentally and physically.
- Organizational Changes: A merger, an acquisition, a restructuring, or layoffs might reduce your job security, leading you to consider other career paths.
- Desire for Meaning: You may feel that your current job lacks purpose or meaning. You might seek a career change to find work that aligns more closely with your personal values or your desire to make a difference.
- Skills and Strengths: Over time, you may recognize that your strengths and skills are better suited to a different profession.
- Work Environment: Dislike for your current work culture, work environment, or co-workers can motivate you to switch careers to find a better cultural fit.
- Health Reasons: You might need to switch careers due to health issues, choosing a profession that’s less physically demanding or better suited to your health needs.
- Personal Transformation: A major life event, such as a traumatic experience, a life milestone, or a personal epiphany, can lead you to reevaluate your life choices, including your choice of a career.
Regardless of the reason, the decision to change careers is a significant one that usually requires introspection, research, and retraining. It can be worth it, however, as it can lead to increased satisfaction and fulfillment in your professional life.
Potential Benefits of a Career Change
While a career change takes time and effort, the outcome can be revolutionary for your life. Individuals who switch careers may experience benefits such as:
- Increased job satisfaction
- Improved earning potential
- Better work-life balance
- Improved health and well-being
- Enhanced job security
- Reinvigorated passion
- Sense of achievement
Options for Your Career Change
If you’re planning to switch careers, you may need to pursue additional education and training, as acquiring new skills and qualifications proves to employers that you have what it takes to succeed. Although career training requires an investment of time and money, many affordable, flexible, and accelerated options are available, so it’s likely you can find one that fits your budget and lifestyle. Here are some growing fields you might consider for your career change:
Skilled Trades
The skilled trades include the electrical, welding, and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trades. This type of work provides the opportunity to have stable employment without the need for a college degree.
According to data from PeopleReady Skilled Trades, more than 770,000 skilled trade job openings from nearly 95,000 different employers have been posted since the beginning of 2023 alone. Plus, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for electricians, HVAC-R mechanics, and welders will increase by 5% between 2021 and 2031.
Medical Technologist and Technician
Medical technologists and technicians are professionals whose roles span the entire healthcare field. These specialized roles are in areas that include:
- Surgical technology
- Radiologic technology
- Pharmacy technician
- Sterile processing technician
- Medical lab technician
- Cardiovascular technology
Commercial Truck Driving
Commercial truck drivers are the backbone of the supply chain system, which means they are consistently in demand. Individuals with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can work in local, intrastate, or interstate capacities, allowing them to choose from a variety of lifestyles.
Employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow by 4% by 2031, with an average of about 260,000 job openings expected to be available each year, according to the BLS.
Your Career Change Is Within Reach
If the signs you need a career change are mounting, then it’s probably time to consider making a switch. The nationally recognized and accredited career training programs at Fortis Colleges and Institutes have helped thousands of people like you gain better employment. Fortis offers training for skilled trades, medical technologist and technician, and commercial driving jobs. Explore the program that’s right for you today!
Recommended Readings
Choosing a Surgical Specialty Area as a Surgical Technologist
The Importance of Soft Skills in an HVAC & Refrigeration Career
Benefits of Trade School: Why a Hands-on Skilled Trades Career Might Be a Good Fit