Seven signs that it’s time to change careers

Choosing a career is one of the most significant decisions we make in life, and it can significantly impact our well-being and happiness. However, sometimes we may find ourselves in a job or industry that no longer fulfils us or aligns with our values and goals. It might be time for a change if you’re feeling unfulfilled, stuck, or unsure about your career path. Here are seven signs that it’s time to consider a career change.

Career change – the signs

If something has been niggling at you about your job, you may wonder at what point you need to decide to change. Below are seven indicators that it may be time to switch jobs. 

• You’re no longer passionate about your work.

If you’re no longer passionate about your job, it can be a sign that you’ve outgrown it or that it no longer aligns with your interests and values. A lack of passion can lead to decreased motivation and productivity, and it may be time to find a career that ignites your passion.

• You’re bored and unchallenged.

If you’re bored and unchallenged in your current role, it may be time to seek new challenges and growth opportunities. Feeling unchallenged can lead to stagnation and a lack of development, which can be detrimental to your career and personal growth.

• You’re not using your strengths.

It can be difficult to excel and find fulfilment if you’re not utilising your strengths and skills in your job. When we use our strengths, we are more engaged, productive, and happy in our work. Consider a career change that will allow you to use your strengths and skills to their fullest potential.

• You’re experiencing burnout.

It may indicate burnout if you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed from work. Burnout can have serious consequences on your mental and physical health, and it may be time to prioritise your well-being by finding a new career that offers a better work-life balance.

• You’re not making progress in your career.

If you feel like you’re not making progress in your career, despite your best efforts, it may be a sign that it’s time to change paths. It’s essential to feel like you’re progressing and growing in your career; if not, it may be time to explore new opportunities.

• You’re not aligned with your company’s values.

If your company’s values do not align with your own, finding meaning and fulfilment in your work can be difficult. It’s crucial to work for a company that shares your values and beliefs. If your current company does not, it may be time to explore new opportunities.

• You’re not making the salary you want.

It may be time to consider a new career path if you’re not making the salary you desire despite your best efforts. It’s essential to be financially stable and feel valued wherever you work. Download our free comprehensive salary guide to find out what you could be earning as a developer.

Career change opportunities in software development

There are career change opportunities in software development. Many people from various backgrounds, including those without prior programming experience, have successfully transitioned into software development careers.

One reason for this is that software development is a field that values skills and abilities over formal qualifications. So, if you can demonstrate your coding skills and your ability to solve problems with code, you can often find opportunities to work in the field.

Code Institute helps people make the transition to a career in software development. Our full-stack software development programme is designed to give you the supported learning you need to learn coding skills. Our Career Services team is in place to assist you in working as a software developer. 

Coding lessons for free

If you want to sample what it’s like to change careers to code, try our free 5 Day Coding Challenge. It takes just one hour a day over five days. On it, you will learn the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. By the end of the fifth day, you will have built your first-ever web page. Register now through the form below.