Do you feel like it is time to switch jobs? Switching careers has become more common in recent years. For some people, switching is a way to escape a less-than-ideal situation. For others, it’s about simply trying something new that allows them to explore their passions and talents. How can you know if it’s time to do something different with your career? Here’s a quick guide to identify some career choices if you’re unhappy with your current job situation.

Signs That It’s Time to Switch Jobs

The truth is that nobody is going to let you know that it’s time to make a change. People who successfully pivot from one job role to another typically start by listening to their inner voice that lets them know that things aren’t as good as they could be. Of course, some telltale signs and scenarios may make it evident that a career switch is needed. Here’s a look.

There’s No Room for Growth

This scenario is what’s known as the “dead-end job.” While your current position may have served an essential purpose when you needed to start getting a paycheck, you’re at a point where you feel that you’ve outgrown your role. Here are some signs that you’re in a dead-end job:

• There is a very rigid pay ceiling for your position.
• Pay for your position is universally low because it’s considered a low-skill position.
• The number of employers in your field is minimal.
• Positive reviews and strong performance aren’t helping you to achieve raises.
• Your employer offers no training to help you pivot into corporate or management positions.
• You were recently passed over for a promotion.

Of course, the biggest red flag that you’re stuck in a dead-end job is that it feels like a job instead of a career. The feeling that you’re simply plugging away at a job that doesn’t leave you fulfilled or motivated can be daunting. Can you do what you currently do for another 10, 20, 30, or 40 years?

Your Job Doesn’t Match Your Personality

Many people choose the career paths they will be on for the rest of their lives when they are barely out of high school. We sometimes need to find out who we are later in life. Even someone in what could conventionally be considered a “good” career can still feel hopeless and discouraged if that career isn’t a good fit for their personality and natural talents. Here are some signs that your current career path isn’t a good fit:

• You need more than a good wage or salary to keep you interested in your job.
• You don’t feel compatible with colleagues or industry peers.
• You are not motivated to keep up with advances or innovations in your industry because it simply doesn’t interest you.
• Staying focused and motivated at work is becoming increasingly difficult.

If any of these sound familiar, you may be ready to look for a career that allows you to use your true talents. While it’s normal to have periods when you feel less than enthusiastic about work, being in a career path you enjoy means you can feel driven again with some rest. Meanwhile, people on the wrong career path often feel tired and restless after vacations or attempts to recharge.

Your Job Doesn’t Have the Flexibility You Need

Do you feel trapped at work? The standard workday hours can be restrictive for people who don’t do their best work while seated in front of a screen. Professionals are increasingly seeking careers with more freedom and flexibility to work on a flexible schedule. Unfortunately, most career paths don’t allow workers to divert from traditional work hours.

How Do I Switch Jobs?

If you’re unsatisfied with your job, applying to similar positions at other workplaces won’t necessarily fix the problem. Making a dramatic pivot generally requires additional training or access to career resources. A great way to do this is by enrolling in a vocational training program. In addition to providing career-specific training, vocational programs also offer career services that help you find job placements after graduation.

 What Programs Are Offered at Vocational Schools?

Vocational programs offer various offerings to prepare you for roles in in-demand careers. This includes healthcare, business, and Internet technology (IT). Popular degree programs include:

Cosmetology: Cosmetologists are trained to treat hair, skin, and nails. They are also product specialists. Cosmetologists work at salons, spas, hotels, television and film sets, and photography sets. Cosmetology certification is also a requirement for opening a salon.

Dental Assistant: Dental assistants help to keep dental practices running by preparing and organizing tools, booking appointments, managing records, and communicating with patients.

Medical Assistant: Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks at healthcare clinics and physician offices.

Medical Billing and Coding: These professionals handle billing and insurance claims at medical offices and clinics. Their primary role is to assign the proper codes to patient diagnoses when requesting payment from insurance companies. Insurance companies also employ medical billing and coding specialists.

Ultrasound Technician: These pros use specialized imaging equipment to form internal images of body parts that can be used to diagnose conditions, track pregnancy, or discover anatomical anomalies.

Medical Office Assistant: As the first person a patient generally sees when walking into an office, a medical office assistant is often the face of a practice. These professionals schedule appointments, update patient records, manage files, and handle billing.

Once you discover that life is all about choices, switching careers doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The first step to deciding if it’s time to switch is to discern how you genuinely feel in your current state of life. Next, it’s time to research training programs and career options that could open doors to finally enjoying a fulfilling career matching your personality and skills. The good news is that Meridian College is here to help.

Want to Learn More?

We will assist you through the school’s application process. At Meridian College, we work with you to ensure you are in the right vocational program for your career goals. When you are successful, we are successful.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about attending a vocational school.