Do you wake up every morning excited to go to work? Or do you dread the thought?
Life’s too short to do a job you don’t enjoy or stay in a sector where you aren’t using your talents.
But how do you know if you’re in the right career? Ask yourself these five simple questions.
Do I feel passionate about my role?
If you find yourself bored and fatigued throughout the week but full of energy at the weekend then something is definitely wrong.
Obviously you won’t be bouncing into every meeting but if you don’t feel motivated when you get a brand new assignment or start a project then something is wrong. Listen to what your body is telling you.
How do I feel on Sundays?
Are you plagued with the Sunday night fear or do you greet the new week as an opportunity? If the thought of Monday morning fills you with dread then it is pretty obvious that something needs to change.
Try to pinpoint exactly why you don’t like Monday mornings. Is it the early starts? An annoying colleague? Or is it the work itself? If it’s something you can change then change it. If not, move on.
Does your company share your values?
What matters most to you? Is it family? Travel? Or maybe money? Decide what is important to you and ask yourself if your employer also shares these values.
If your main goal in life is to see the world then you should probably work for a company that has ample holiday time or allows you to work remotely. If your mission in life is to make lots of money then you should look for a company with plenty of promotion opportunities. Make sure your goals align or start looking elsewhere.
Who’s career would I like to emulate?
The people you admire can tell you a lot about yourself. Have you always been envious of your friends’ creative career? Or maybe your brothers’ budding startup?
Figure out what jobs seem appealing to you and why. It might show you areas that you need to develop in your own career.
What does your gut say?
Your intuition is a powerful tool. If it’s telling you that your current career isn’t the right one for you then you should seriously consider listening to it.
Research has even shown that if your inner voice is telling you that you are in the wrong place and you would happier elsewhere it is probably right. Stop ignoring it and start doing something about it.
