Is your job or career in need of change or long overdue for an overhaul? Have you stayed in an unhappy or unhealthy relationship far to long? How do you know when it’s time to move on? Do you recognize the signs of change or do you ignore them?
Most people will experience numerous red flags or signs when it’s time to move on, whether it’s in a career or in a relationship. If those signs are ignored, the situation may still appear stable for a period of time, but eventually something else will happen making you question if you should really stay or change direction. We have all remained in situations longer than we should have at some point in our lives, but learning from the pain of not moving forward at the right time is critical in preventing it from happening again.
Signs of a possible need for a career change could include being overlooked for a promotion, not feeling fulfilled, not being recognized for your strengths and talents, feeling overwhelmed or not valued. Dreading to go to work or get up in the morning is a dead giveaway. If any of these sound familiar, it’s time for a change.
We are not always meant to stay in one place or with one person for a lifetime. For a few rare people, this can work, but for the rest of us, doing so could prevent us from growing into the person we are meant to be. Change and growth are a part of life. Without change, life grows stagnant. Sometimes we hold onto familiar people or careers because the thought of change is stressful, and the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming. However, the result of staying in a place too long, or in a unfulfilling relationship, results in a life less lived. Hanging on to the old out of fear, prevents you from authentic happiness.
Are you ignoring obvious signs that it’s time to change or move forward? If so, ask yourself these questions:
- What makes you more fearful, staying or leaving?
- Is it possible that something or someone better is out there for you?
- What obstacles or challenges do you face by making a change?
- What are the costs to you mentally, emotionally, financially, or spiritually by staying?
- What are the payoff of moving on?
Don’t waste another day of your life staying in a situation that doesn’t feed your soul.
Take one courageous step today to make a career change if your heart is telling you to do so, or to leave or end an unfulfilling relationship. People stay way too long in situations that are telling them to move on. Trust the signs, trust yourself, and take the steps needed to create the life that you were meant to live.