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7 signs you should change careers

If you experience at least four of the following distresses regularly, then you should consider a career change.

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By
Jane Albright
, freelance reporter
This article was written for our sponsor, MyComputerCareer.

Everybody gets restless now and then, especially when seeing the career successes of former colleagues on LinkedIn or Facebook. But if you experience at least four of the following distresses regularly, then you should consider a career change.

1. It's just a job. If work ever becomes "just a job, it's time to change," said Lauren Stella, human resources administrator and recruiter with Capitol Broadcasting Company.

"You're at work more hours than any place," she said. "It should fulfill you. We are at work more than we are at home, make sure you find a career that fulfills you and makes you happy."

Stella added, "If you are not completely satisfied, find new ways to grow in your role but remember to be patient, your career won't change overnight. Create achievable action items that will lead you to career happiness."

2. Ennui. Has the work become too predictable and unchallenging? If you've outgrown your position, it's time to ask for more opportunities.

"If you are unhappy at work, you need to speak with your manager," Stella said. "You can't assume that a manager knows how you are feeling. Take action through structured discussions on what your long-term goals are and what you can do in your current role to begin actualization of these goals."

3. Dreading Monday morning. Again, everybody experiences this occasionally, Stella said, but if it's a weekly occurrence, it's time to do something about it. Life is too short to be spent in constant dread.
4. Unfulfilled. Maybe your job pays the bills, but it doesn't make you happy -- it doesn't provide you with a sense of purpose.

This is how you're going to spend most of your waking hours, shouldn't it?

5. Underpaid. If you're being paid less than the local market for what you do, it's time to let your organization know with the facts. If they won't comply, find a company that will pay you what the job is worth.

Allowing yourself to be a doormat leads to resentment.

6. Unappreciated. In many employee surveys, it's clear many seek recognition for the work they're doing.

A sincere thank-you would go far, but many supervisors don't seem to know it. You deserve to be appreciated, so go seek it.

7. Restless yearning. Maybe the cosmos -- or your subconscious -- is trying to tell you that your hobby or passion could pay the bills if you'd only let go of the fear and try. Who wants to live with more regrets at the end of life? Give yourself the freedom to try.

"We are in a time where career fulfillment is in our own hands," Stella said. "There is a talent shortage, and you have the power to make yourself more valuable by asking for more responsibilities at work or continuing your education either through advanced degrees or certification courses."

No one is suggesting that the unhappy worker just up and quit. It helps to strategize and plan.

Find out what different degree or certification you may need, Stella said, and then plan how to get it. Don't settle for "just a job."

This article was written for our sponsor, MyComputerCareer.

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