Has anyone here wondered whether it's time to move on from their current career?

Anonymous

June 29,2022 at 4:56AM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Has anyone here wondered whether it's time to move on from their current career? I've been at my current profession for almost 15 years, and for the most part I've enjoyed it. At times I still get inspired by the work I do. But lately I've also been feeling less inspired, and at times frustrated at the usual things that take place, and I don't know if it's a sign of my career growth or direction, or if I need a change. Has anyone thought about this during their career and what have you done to help you figure out whether it's time, or your next steps or how to continue in the same career?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

8 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

8 Comments

Join the conversation

ShakeelaJune 29,2022 at 7:24AM UTC
If it’s not a toxic place, it allows you to use your full potential for raising revenue, if it allows you to study, if they do not push you to beg for your rights for fake marketing and jealousy / hatred in the culture did not poison your soul. STAY, pay gratitude and do your best. Small casual ups and down are the essence of life, what is intolerable is inhumanity and insanity.
AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 4:14PM UTC
This might be a limiting point of view- not all companies are toxic and fear should not limit us from the growth we may obtain somewhere new.
AnonymousJune 29,2022 at 10:08AM UTC
Kuddos to you for having the awareness that something isn't right and the desire to find more fulfillment in your career. Far too many people would "throw their hands up" and coast along.
Are you feeling inspired or creative outside of work? I have found in the past when I was feeling less engaged at work, I was actually needing something else outside of the office to spark my creativity. Now, this may not be the case for you however, something to consider.
Are new opportunities available within your company that would inspire and challenge you? Or, is there a new career path you have wanted to explore, but stay in your current role as a safety net?
AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 4:12PM UTC
I read somewhere that the longer you stay at a job the more difficult it is to level up. This could be see as leveling up in position or the type of work you do.
I’ve always had a hunger and curiosity to learn and grow more so I’ve changed jobs every 3-4 years. Mainly I move on for more interesting challenges or higher salaries. Not all new jobs have been terrific but I can say for certain I learned new skills and grew my professional network which lead to better opportunities.
So! If your soul is searching for a change- maybe do some informational interviews with people at companies and or positions you may be interested in.
Most people like to help so they’ll be willing to answer your questions about the company/ role.
Or- take a course in a new skill!
Linkedin is a great resource for both of these suggestions.
Farah BajwaJuly 2,2022 at 1:36AM UTC
I pivoted my career after 16 years in the aerospace industry. If you have the means to do it, do it! In a way, with that many years of experience under your belt, if you end up changing your mind, you have justification to go back. consider reading a book called, "What Color is your Parachute?" It really helped me.
Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.July 4,2022 at 12:27PM UTC
Interesting discussion! I am sure this looks different for everyone. For me, it happened when I knew I would never want to be promoted to my manager's role. That was after 15 years working in the same industry.
SueJuly 5,2022 at 12:31PM UTC
Curiosity... What a wonderful thing! Is your curiosity because the world has been turned upside-down and side ways and you want to see if you might fit in some place different with more money, more benefits, more inspiration? Or are you truly bored, frustrated, and at your wits end, and can't see yourself staying where you are for another 6 months? The first scenario is impulsive, the second is a sign of burn out. I don't know what field you are in, but I know that after 17 years in my profession, and the last 2 years of being considered essential personnel during Covid, and experiencing true burn out, I opted to leave and go into a completely new field. Just look before you leap. You can research what the world has to offer without committing to making a major change and if you do find something that appeals to you, then go for it. Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do!
AnonymousJuly 5,2022 at 2:55PM UTC
Kudos to you for thinking ahead and wanting to be fulfilled!
I am currently in the middle of moving from recruiting into software consulting (I know, big jump!). I am fortunate that I work at a company that is allowing and encouraging this move, although I did an interview a year ago and have been in slow-burn training ever since (hopefully finally transitioning next month).
My advice - take note of all of your many responsibilities, official or not. Rank them from most exciting to least. Does your role allow you to focus on the things that truly bring you joy and enthusiasm? I love working with people but really enjoy process improvement and analytics - something that is important in recruiting but not a primary function - and moving to a consulting role working with systems will allow me to do that more often, and still work with people.
No job is perfect, but there are ways you can take steps to do work that gets you out of bed in the morning. You can do anything from a small but impactful move to a big career pivot. Maybe there's a role in your current department that would shake things up for you or special projects you can take on.
Hope this helps and best of luck in whatever you decide!