Feeling stagnant in your job? You might need a career change. 

I changed from higher ed to marketing at age 32 and again from working at an agency to being self-employed at age 35. I’m far from alone. Americans change careers about seven times in their lifetime, with the average age for changing careers around 39. 

Changing careers can be a significant life decision, but it's essential to recognize the signs that suggest it may be time for a change. Whether you're feeling unfulfilled, constantly stressed, or just plain unhappy in your current role, understanding these indicators can help you take the first step toward a more fulfilling and satisfying career.

Sign 1: Persistent Lack of Fulfillment

Feeling unfulfilled at work is a common sign that it might be time for a career change. A Gallup study found that only 34% of employees in the U.S. feel engaged at work, meaning the majority are not finding fulfillment in their jobs. This lack of engagement can lead to feelings of emptiness and disconnection from your work.

When you don’t find joy or passion in your daily tasks, it can start to affect your overall well-being. (For me, this was answering a university’s 1-800 number.) If you frequently question your job’s purpose, dread work, or feel like your job doesn't align with your skills or values, you might need a change.

Sign 2: Constant Stress and Burnout

Chronic stress and burnout can have severe effects on both your physical and mental health. While occasional stress is a normal part of any job, ongoing burnout is a clear sign that something needs to change. This stress can manifest itself in poor quality sleep and a high resting heart rate. 

At my agency job, for example, my average resting heart rate was 73 bpm. A month after I changed careers, my average resting heart rate went down to 57 bpm.

According to the CDC, stress at work is a high indicator that workers will quit their jobs. If you consistently feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious about work, you might want to consider a new career path.

Sign 3: No Room for Growth or Advancement

Career growth and opportunities for advancement are crucial for long-term job satisfaction and are one of the top reasons Americans quit their jobs in 2021. I know firsthand how incredibly frustrating it is to be stuck in a dead-end job with no prospects for promotion or skill development, or worse, to be promised a promotion that never materializes due to changing goals and reorgs.

When you realize there's no room to grow or advance in your current role, consider exploring new career opportunities. For example, health care offers several different pathways for advancement, like becoming a CNA, then an LPN, RN, and then a BSN.

Sign 4: Misalignment with Personal Values

Your career should align with your personal values and beliefs. Having the freedom to express your core values at work is key to experiencing a healthy workplace. These could be religious, moral, cultural, or social values. Your values and how they play out at work impact how you view yourself, your time, and your impact. Misalignment can lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of purpose in your work. 

For instance, in a previous job, extra work and stress cut into my family and personal time. When I realized that my job conflicted with my core family values, I reevaluated my career. I know many others who came back to college to change careers because they didn’t like their current work environment. Either they didn't feel respected at work, or they wanted to help people instead of focusing only on company profits. 

Sign 5: Decline in Performance and Motivation

A noticeable decline in your job performance and motivation can signal that it's time for a career change. Yep, this one hits home. When I found myself uninterested and unenthusiastic about work, it affected the quality of what I produced. I was on the verge of being put on a performance improvement plan before I changed careers.

Multiple studies indicate that poor performance and disengagement are associated with turnover — eventually, you’ll likely either quit or be fired. If you’re like me, a lack of motivation can be a clear sign that you need a fresh start in a new career. It's never too late to change careers and find a renewed sense of motivation.

Sign 6: Envy of Other Professions

Psychologists suggest that envy can be a powerful indicator of unmet desires or aspirations. If you find yourself envying others in different professions, it might be worth exploring what’s missing in your current role. This envy often reveals underlying dissatisfaction with your current job and a yearning for something more fulfilling. 

When I worked in a college registrar’s office, one of the top reasons students cited for returning for a different degree was that they wanted to do something else. Often, they were motivated by a friend or family member who enjoyed their work and suggested they try that career, as well. One friend went back to school for a one-year certificate because she wanted to enter the health care field like her sister-in-law. If that sounds like you, it may be time to explore new career options.

Take a Closer Look at Your Career

If any of these signs resonate with you, consider making a change. The process of career transition can be challenging, but it's essential for finding work that aligns with your passions and values. Taking proactive steps now can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying professional life.

Take this career quiz to get started and find your next career.