Are You in the Wrong Career? Signs to Watch For

Choosing a career is a significant life decision, and for many, it’s a journey filled with self-discovery and growth. However, there may come a time when you find yourself questioning if you’re on the right path. If you constantly feel unfulfilled, stressed, or dissatisfied with your job, it might indicate that you’re in the wrong career.

For the trauma survivor, this might bring up thoughts and emotions about their identity that they hadn’t expected. In this blog, we’ll explore some common signs that suggest you might need to reconsider your professional path and potential obstacles that can hold you back from moving forward.

Common Signs It May Be Time To Move On

Lack of Passion and Interest. One of the most evident signs that you might be in the wrong career is a lack of passion for your work. If you find yourself uninterested or uninspired by your daily tasks, it’s time to reflect on whether your current job aligns with your true passions and interests. A fulfilling career should ignite your enthusiasm and leave you feeling motivated.

Constant Stress and Burnout. Experiencing stress at work is normal, but chronic stress and burnout are red flags. If you find yourself dreading each workday, feeling overwhelmed, or constantly fatigued, it may indicate that your job is taking a toll on your mental and physical well-being. Reevaluating your career choice might be necessary to prioritize your health and happiness.

Lack of Growth and Development. A fulfilling career provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you feel stagnant, with no room for advancement or skill development, you may be in a career that doesn’t align with your aspirations. Consider whether your current job offers the challenges and learning experiences you need to thrive in the long run.

Misalignment with Values. Your values play a crucial role in your overall satisfaction with your career. If your job contradicts your core values, it can lead to internal conflict and dissatisfaction. Take a moment to assess whether your current position aligns with your ethical beliefs, work principles, and long-term goals.

Negative Workplace Culture. The environment in which you work significantly influences your overall job satisfaction. A toxic workplace culture characterized by poor communication, lack of support, or an unhealthy competitive atmosphere can contribute to a negative work experience. If you find yourself surrounded by negativity, it may be worth exploring other career options that prioritize a healthier work environment.

Persistent Daydreaming About Another Career. Do you often catch yourself daydreaming about pursuing a different career? If thoughts of a different profession regularly occupy your mind, it might be a sign that your current job is not fulfilling your true aspirations. Consider exploring these daydreams as potential indicators of where your passion lies.

Potential Obstacles For the Trauma Survivor

Trauma survivors contemplating a career change may grapple with a range of thoughts and emotions based on their past trauma. Here are some potential thoughts and emotions trauma survivors might face when considering a career change:

Fear of change. “Change is scary. What if the new environment triggers my trauma?” Anxiety, apprehension, and a sense of vulnerability may arise when contemplating a shift from the familiar to the unknown.

Uncertainty about Coping Skills. “Will I be able to handle the stress of a new job, given my past experiences? Insecurity and doubt about one’s ability to cope with potential challenges in a different work setting can be extremely challenging.

Lingering Impact of Trauma. “How will my trauma affect my performance in a new role?” Feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and concerns about how past trauma might impact future work experiences are always on the minds of trauma survivors.

Guilt or Shame. “I should be grateful for the job I have. Am I being ungrateful for wanting a change?” A survivor may experience guilt and shame about wanting something different, especially if the trauma has led to feelings of unworthiness.

Worry about Workplace Dynamics. “Will I face similar challenges or triggers in a new workplace?” Apprehension about potential workplace dynamics and fear of encountering situations that may resemble or trigger past traumatic experiences can cause anxiety to skyrocket.

Identity and Self-Worth Concerns. “Will I be able to rebuild my identity in a new career?” The impact of trauma on a survivor’s sense of self can lead to a sense of loss and questions about personal worth.

Balancing Stability and Change. “I need stability, but I also crave change. How do I find the right balance?” Survivors may struggle to reconcile the need for stability with the desire for a career change, which leads to internal conflict.

Seeking Validation. “Will others understand my decision? Will they judge me for wanting something different?” Feeling a desire for understanding and validation from others, coupled with fear of judgment or criticism, is common among survivors.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs that you might be in the wrong career is the first step toward finding professional fulfillment. Reflect on your current situation, evaluate your passions and values, and consider seeking guidance from career counselors or mentors. Remember, it’s never too late to make a change and embark on a path that aligns with your true calling. Your career should be a source of inspiration and satisfaction, not a daily source of stress and discontentment.

An Invitation

If you are looking for an online community of other resilient overcomers focusing on their careers, I invite you to join The Resilient Career Academy™ Community. (RCA Community)

The RCA Community is a FREE group dedicated to helping/supporting those working to overcome adversity to achieve their full potential in their careers.

The benefits to you are:

• Community — The community provides support, encouragement, the ability to share frustrations and get feedback from people who understand the struggle
• Workplace/Career Resources — The group provides tools, resources, and templates to help you with your career journey
• Available Coaching Support — The community is supported by trained and certified coaches who are available for individual sessions
• Learning — You will have access to various trauma/workplace-related online courses developed by our coaches to help you in your journey
• Workshops/Webinars — You will have access to practical workshops/webinars targeted to help you in the workplace grow your career

If you are interested in joining us, click here: https://resilientcareeracademy.myflodesk.com/community

As always, you do not have to walk this journey alone. Contact me to schedule your free discovery call.

Trigger Tracker Template — This is a FREE resource to help you keep track of the triggers in your workplace and plan the coping strategies you will use to get through the experience.

Get on the waiting list for The Resilient Career Academy™. You won’t want to miss it.

If you want to stay informed on the programs, tools, and training I offer, sign up for my mailing list.

You can also visit my website for more information on courses and other freebies I offer at: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com.

Photo by Brendan Church on Unsplash