Kristine
During my senior year of high school, my biggest worry was that I didn’t have a “dream job.” I knew I wanted to continue my education in some way, but whenever I was asked what I wanted to “be,” my mind would go blank. The idea of choosing a single job title out of so many different careers seemed not only overwhelming but terribly limiting. What if I majored in something that I ended up hating?
Now that I’ve been out of high school for a handful of years, it’s apparent that I wasn’t the only one worried about what I was going to do for a living. I’ve seen people struggle to earn degrees in subjects they weren’t really passionate about, or drop out of college entirely after realizing the career they’ve been fantasizing about isn’t right for them.
The amount of pressure we place on ourselves to find the “perfect job” is utterly ridiculous, not to mention harmful for our mental health. I think it’s more important than ever for us to normalize changing careers instead of romanticizing the notion of a dream job.
Fast Facts About Career Development
Switching jobs or careers is common during periods of low unemployment and relative market stability. According to an article from Indeed’s career guide, job switching rates have nearly doubled since the recession in 2009. When employees know they could find a better opportunity elsewhere, they feel encouraged to leave companies with little upward mobility, toxic work environments, or low paychecks.
A common misconception is that changing jobs frequently, also known as “job-hopping,” can look bad on a resume. Angela Loeb, the founder of InSync Resources, explains that this isn’t the case. “If you haven’t moved around and tried new things or tried to progress your career,” said Loeb. “Then how are you exposing yourself to different projects, different company cultures, and enhancing your skills?” In today’s job market, a candidate with a diverse skill set and experience in a variety of industries reflects flexibility and motivation; not a lack of commitment.
Whether you’re worried about making a change 10 years or 10 months into your career, there are several reasons why you should listen to your intuition and reconsider your profession. Furthermore, you’re not alone in your dissatisfaction:
- 33% of full-time workers in the US feel like they’ve hit a dead-end in their career.
- 1 in 5 employees say they’re eager to change careers.
- According to a poll conducted in February 2021, 52% of US workers are considering a job change this year, and 42% are already planning how they’ll make the switch.
- Older generations tend to be highly engaged in their careers, whereas younger people frequently feel disillusioned and show less loyalty to their employers.
How to Find a Job You Don’t Hate
Notice how the header doesn’t say, “How to Find a Job You’ll Love Forever,” or “How to Choose a Fun and Rewarding Career for the Rest of Your Life.” This is because there is no such thing as a perfect job or career path for anyone. As you grow older, your interests and priorities naturally change, which affects the type of work you’re drawn to. Most people don’t have the jobs they dreamt of when they were in kindergarten, so why should we expect people to stick to the same career throughout their adult lives?
Once you accept there is no “right” path for you to take, it can be oddly freeing. You won’t feel pressured to find a job that exactly aligns with your degree or professional qualifications, and your curiosity can begin to open new doors for you. As you consider switching careers, keep these tips in mind to make the transition go smoothly:
- Know what not to look for. Before you begin your job search, understand what parts of your current career you loathe. Are you exhausted from long, unpredictable work hours? Do you feel bogged down by meaningless tasks or assignments? Identifying the key factors that make your job unenjoyable will help you avoid these elements in your next career.
- Take a few tests. Career aptitude tests can be helpful to revisit every few years to see how your interests and work preferences change over time. Here are some free options that point you in the right direction when you’re not sure what to look for in a job:
- Identify transferable skills. Transferable skills are assets that are useful in a variety of career fields. For example, great time management can be beneficial no matter where you work. Other transferable skills can include:
- Conflict resolution skills
- Building strong relationships with clients
- Onboarding new employees
- Utilizing Microsoft Office programs
- Setting objectives and creating successful timelines
- Conducting research
- Analyzing issues and recommending solutions
- Determine what’s most important to you. Are you most interested in having a flexible schedule or a steady paycheck? Do you thrive in a remote work environment, or would you rather work with others? Are you willing to relocate for a high-paying opportunity? Once you determine how much you want to earn and how much time you’re willing to commit to your career, it’ll be easier to recognize companies that could be a good fit for you.
- Keep learning! Avoid getting burnt out by keeping yourself engaged with topics you’re passionate about. Take online courses that are relevant to your career, interview professionals in your field, read books or attend networking events to find new opportunities and expand your circle. Developing a growth mindset will help you become more confident in your role or stand out to potential employers.
Lastly, before you make your career transition, be sure to leave your current job on good terms. Being honest and professional about your decision to move on to another opportunity will always be your best option, and you may even get a good reference for your next job!
