Knowing whether you are on the wrong career path isn’t always simple. Certain careers may seem right because they’re well-paid or secure. In some cases, you may have spent years studying or climbing the career ladder just to get into a certain position – because of how much work you’ve dedicated to getting into this career, it might seem like a waste to give it up.
However, sometimes it is worth giving up such careers, despite how well paid they are or how much time we’ve dedicated to landing them. This is because such careers may not always be suitable for our wants and needs. Below are just a few sure signs that you’re in the wrong career (and what to do in order to find the right career).
You don’t agree with the ethics of the industry
If a career causes you to make decisions or take actions that are against your moral code, it could be a clear sign that you’re in the wrong industry. An example could include working with meat if you are a vegan.
It could be important to find an industry that meets your ethical standards. You shouldn’t have to feel that you’re constantly going against your beliefs in order to make a living. Instead, consider a career where your moral code may be seen as a virtue and where you can rally behind your cause.
None of your strengths are being tapped into
We all have strengths and weaknesses. You should consider whether your career plays to your strengths. Such strengths could be skills such as driving, writing, programming or speaking another language. Alternatively, they could be personality traits such as compassion, creativity, organization or persuasiveness (a MBTI personality test could be a way of identifying these strengths).
If none of your strengths are being used, then you’re in the wrong career. You should be particularly wary of industries that target your weaknesses (if you constantly make mistakes at work or struggle to keep up, this could be a sign that your career is dependent on your weaknesses). Make a list of your strengths and consider careers that incorporate these strengths.
You find yourself getting continuously bored at work
Few of us are able to find jobs that we truly enjoy. However, you should find your job interesting. If your every aspect of your job bores you to tears, then you’re likely in the wrong career.
Consider finding a job that is better suited to your interests. The Strong Interest Inventory Assessment can be a great way to identify personal interests and jobs that involve these interests. Consider trying this out if you’re unsure as to which careers interest you.
You feel out of place among your colleagues
Certain industries tend to attract certain types of people. If you feel like the odd one out among your team, there could be a reason for this – perhaps you’re not the right type of person for the job.
This could come down to your personality and the types of personalities that you work well with. A personality test might help to give you a more accurate idea of where you should be. Being surrounded by the right personalities could help you to be more productive and feel more happy at work.
You’re having to sacrifice family commitments for your job
Are you having to give up time with your family in order to put in the hours at your job? Is this putting pressure on your relationship with your family? Once you have a partner and kids, it’s important that you find a career that is able to balance these commitments. Jobs that involve irregular lengthy shifts or lots of travelling may feel like too much of a compromise
There are many careers that offer flexible hours that are better suited to those with families. If you currently have to travel far for work, a local job or one that you work from home could be better suited to your needs. By being able to find a job that allows you to more easily juggle family commitments, you could find that quality of life outside work improves drastically.