Everyone will at some point, hold down a job, usually to pay the bills, but there can be a big difference between having a job, and having a career. A career is something where you develop and grow usually professionally, but often personally as well. Careers are about progress, making the most of your abilities, challenging yourself and maybe even finding out you can do more than you thought you were capable of. On top of all this, a career will provide you with the financial means to survive, and often pay you what you and your skills are worth.
A job is an occupation where the biggest factor that makes it worthwhile is it provides a means of financial survival.
If you find yourself in a position where you think your job is just that, only a job, then maybe it’s time to start looking at new options.
Consider Your Position
If the work you do is one you would normally enjoy under different circumstances, with different people, management, or work policies, then it could simply be that you’re unhappy with your career where you are, and might be better off somewhere else. If you don’t feel like your efforts or abilities are being recognized, or realize that despite the vital role you play in your workplace, everyone takes it for granted because you’ve been there, quiet and reliable for so long, then maybe it’s time to leave.
Change Your Skillset
If you’re not happy with what you’re actually doing, it may be time to think about trying something entirely different. You can take career assessment tests that can find your aptitudes in other areas, or, if you already have a few budding interests, think about going back to school.
This doesn’t have to mean putting another four years into a degree, but an online course, attending a nearby vocational school, or getting some other kind of training can give you the tools you need to try another career if you think the one you currently have is unsatisfactory.
However you go about doing this, the important thing to remember is, don’t just drop everything. If you know it’s time for a change, smoothly transition into that change. Don’t just quit your current job, especially if you have financial obligations, and especially if those obligations extend to supporting your family.
