Ten Signs It's Time to Consider a New Career

Maybe in the beginning, it made you happy. Maybe you waited a really long time for it, or maybe it was your dream. Well, if it doesn't make you happy anymore, if that dream has become a nightmare, maybe it's time to leave your job. How can you be sure though? The following are ten signs that it may, in fact, be time to walk away.

1. You Wake Up Feeling Unhappy. Do you remember what it felt like to be excited to go to work? No? It may be time to start looking for a new job. You never work a day, if you love what you do. Waking up with dread is a sign it's time to move on.

2. You Look For Excuses To Avoid Work So, instead of setting your alarm, giving yourself plenty of time for coffee or tea or even a shower, you now wake up as late as possible to delay the inevitable. You look for any reason not to go to work.

3. Friends Don't Ask About Your Job or Ask How Dreadful It Is If your friends know how bad you feel when you're at work, you know it's bad.

4. You Don't Take Your Job Seriously Oh, so you've seen every episode of House of Cards – while on the clock? It's time to find a job that engages you.

5. You Lack Passion Speaking of engagement, if you are no longer passionate about your job, you might consider finding a new one.

6. Your Pay Doesn't Reflect Your Work Ethic So, maybe you work really hard at your job. If your pay scale doesn't reflect your work ethic and the quality of your work, you might want to find an occupation that pays you what you're worth

7. You've Never Been Promoted If you've been working at the same company for years and haven't received a pay increase, there might not be room for growth or development at your job. Try to avoid stagnation.

8. The Company is Going Under If you're on a sinking ship, jump. Instead of worrying about the company, take care of yourself.

9. You notice Physical Changes Are you gaining or losing weight rapidly because of stress? No job is worth sacrificing your health.

10. You Feel Uncomfortable at the Workplace
If your co-workers or your employers don't treat you with respect – it's time to leave (after you report any illicit behavior , of course).

For some, leaving a career they’re unhappy with is the first step towards becoming self-employed. If you feel the path of a self-employed entrepreneur is right for you, it might be time to pursue that as a career! Seek out a coach, like Jeff McGreary from Tall Jeff , to start you on the path to becoming an entrepreneur . Many have experienced a newfound sense of freedom and self-satisfaction when they leave their unfulfilling career to become an entrepreneur .

Making a rash decision is rarely advisable, but if you can relate to any of these signs (especially the last one on the list), it might be time to find a new job. Remember, you are worthwhile, and your job does not define you unless you let it. You can always find work elsewhere—somewhere, preferably, that gives you a better sense of fulfillment.