People change careers for a variety of reasons. 

If you’re reading this, its possible that you’ve been considering whether you should change careers. Maybe your industry is becoming obsolete, or maybe the current climate makes it difficult for you to work full time. The pandemic has forced many of us to rethink how we do our jobs and has opened up opportunities for those who may want to pursue their passions or are simply ready for a change.

In this article we will look at five reasons why people choose to change careers.

Higher Salary and Better Benefits from Career Change

About 39% of the people who changed careers did so for a higher salary. A career change may be a good option that leads to a higher salary. The median pay raise when changing careers is between 3% and 5%.

While some people are willing to take on less pay for more happiness, others prefer to make as much money as possible. You may not need to take that pay cut if you change careers.

Poor Leadership Motivates People to Change Careers

Poor leadership can be a major reason for someone to look for a new job. If you don’t feel like your leadership is giving you the support and guidance that is needed, or if you don’t feel like they value what you’re doing at work, then this could be a sign that it’s time for a career change.

You may also want to consider changing careers if the culture of your workplace isn’t one that appeals to your interests, values, or personality type.

A Toxic Culture 

Your culture is the way you and your team work together, and its important to a healthy workplace. Sometimes new leadership brings in a different way of doing business. And you may no longer feel a kinship to the new direction.

The culture is toxic and unhealthy for everyone involved including the customers you serve.

This can happen when companies fail to address serious issues such as sexual harassment or discrimination based on race/gender/religion/etc. This can lead people who bring these concerns forward being ostracized by coworkers instead of being supported by them.

If you’re thinking of changing careers, consider what kind of culture you do want. How will your new job contribute to this? If its not right for you, don’t stay in your old role just because it pays well or helps advance your career. While these things are important, there are many other factors that should be considered when making decisions about your career path.

Changing Careers for Flexibility

Flexibility is important for many people. By being able to work from home, you can spend more time with your family and loved ones, or you could use the extra time to take classes or attend seminars that will help you grow in your career. I became a certified hypnotherapist when my job shifted to telework at the beginning of the pandemic.

However, flexibility can be a challenge in some jobs. So a career change may be the move you need to make to find a position that offers you flexibility.

You No Longer Believe in the Mission of Your Company

To be sure, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to leave a company. You may have a problem with their mission, values, leadership, or culture. These factors can impact your work environment and motivation as well.

The mission of the company doesn’t align with your values anymore. A less-than-ideal situation can occur if you continue working for company that has an excellent product, but which is not aligned with your own personal values. Increased stress, anxiety, dissatisfaction.

Career Change Because You Are Unhappy at Work: What You Should Consider Before Taking the Leap

When you’re unhappy at work, it can feel like a complete career change is your only option. The dissatisfaction can be overwhelming, making you think that switching industries or starting from scratch in a new role is the solution. While a career change may indeed be the right step for some, it’s important to take a measured approach before making such a significant life decision.

Before you make any drastic changes, here are five things to consider that can help you determine if a complete career switch is necessary—or if smaller adjustments could bring back the fulfillment you’re seeking without completely starting over.

1. Assess Your Current Situation Honestly

Take a step back and objectively evaluate your current work situation. What exactly is making you unhappy? Is it the work environment, the company culture, a specific project, or the lack of career growth? Often, dissatisfaction comes from external factors that may be within your control to change without leaving your job or switching industries entirely.

Pro Tip: Try journaling or creating a list of pros and cons to gain clarity. Once you understand what’s really bothering you, you can address those specific issues without necessarily resorting to a full-on career change.

2. Seek Professional Development Opportunities

Sometimes, the unhappiness you’re feeling at work stems from feeling stagnant or unchallenged. Before making the leap to a new industry, consider seeking out professional development opportunities within your current field. Upskilling through training, certifications, or even mentorship can reignite your passion for your job and help you grow within your existing career.

If you’re not being challenged, you’re likely not reaching your full potential. A simple change, such as taking on new responsibilities or enhancing your skills, can shift your entire experience at work.

Pro Tip: Identify areas where you can grow professionally within your current job. This could be requesting more responsibility, pursuing leadership roles, or attending industry events to stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

3. Explore New Roles Within Your Industry

Before you decide to change careers entirely, explore other roles within your current industry. Sometimes, a lateral move to a different department or a switch to a new role that leverages your current skills can offer the excitement and satisfaction you’re missing. This allows you to stay within an industry where you already have expertise while trying something new.

Changing careers doesn’t always have to mean leaving everything behind. A new role in your current industry can bring a fresh perspective and increased fulfillment without the need for a complete overhaul.

Pro Tip: Reach out to colleagues or professionals in other departments and inquire about potential opportunities. This can be a great way to test out new roles without the pressure of a career change.

4. Take Care of Your Well-Being First

Sometimes, unhappiness at work isn’t about the job itself—it’s about your overall well-being. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or burned out, this can affect your perception of your job. Rather than jumping straight to a career change, consider taking steps to improve your mental and emotional health first. This might include setting better work-life boundaries, seeking support from a therapist, or even taking time off to recharge.

Improving your well-being can often lead to a renewed sense of purpose and happiness at work without making a significant change in your career.

Pro Tip: Evaluate whether your job dissatisfaction is linked to burnout or personal stress. Prioritize your well-being, and consider stress-management techniques before deciding on a drastic career change.

5. Consult a Career Coach for Guidance

If you’re still feeling unsure, consulting with a career coach can provide clarity and guidance. A career coach can help you identify whether your dissatisfaction is a temporary hurdle or a sign that it’s truly time for a career change. They can also assist in navigating the steps toward a career transition if that’s what you ultimately decide.

Working with a professional allows you to explore all your options and make a strategic decision that aligns with your long-term goals.

Pro Tip: A career coach can help you assess your current situation, set actionable goals, and create a roadmap for either staying and improving or making a confident transition into a new career.

Is Changing Careers the Right Move for You?

Before you make the decision to change careers, remember that sometimes small adjustments can make a big difference. Whether it’s enhancing your skills, seeking new opportunities within your current industry, or prioritizing your mental well-being, there are many steps you can take to find more happiness at work. By thoughtfully considering your situation and exploring all your options, you’ll be in a stronger position to decide if a career change is truly necessary.

If you’re ready to explore career change strategies, schedule a consultation with with me. For guidance to move toward a fulfilling and rewarding career path.

Wrapping It Up

You probably spend more time at work than anywhere else. And if your job is making your life miserable, its worth looking for something better. But heres the thing: Finding the perfect career isn’t easy. In fact, it can be exhausting and frustrating. That said, we believe that everyone deserves to feel fulfilled by their careers.

If you’re looking to make a career change, that’s great! You have several options available to you. It should be an exciting time, but also a little intimidating. Figuring out where you want to go and how to get there can seem like a big undertaking at first glance.

I hope the advice I gave was helpful in starting your journey toward a new career or growing your current one. If it wasn’t, I would love to talk with you more about how I can help you reach your goals!

Schedule the 30-Minute V.I.P. Roadmap session with me today.

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I’m an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and executive coach for Twanna Carter Professional & Personal Coaching, LLC. I failed my first career transition from the military so badly, it took me the next 10+ years to build my confidence and recover. I know what it feels like to struggle with imposter syndrome and uncertainty about my worth in the workplace. It’s why I am dedicated to empowering Black women. Helping them navigate career change and uncertainty by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to be successful. Schedule a free 30-Minute V.I.P. Roadmap sesson today.

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Recommended Books

1. Melaninated Magic: 180 Affirmations to Nurture Your Soul and Unleash Your Black Girl Joy by Twanna Carter, PhD
2. “I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace (Successful Black Business Women)“, Elizabeth Leiba.
3. “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.
4. “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini.
5. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.
6. “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg.
7. “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown.
8. “The Memo“, by Minda Harts.
9. “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones“, by James Clear
10. “Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life“, by Jamie Kern Lima

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