Great Resignation 2021: Reasons for a Career Change

This is a collaborative post by Ellie Jo about reasons for a career change.  This was written in November 2019, which was before the pandemic.  In light of The Great Resignation 2021, we thought we would share it again with minimal updates.  Also see Authority Magazine + ChaChingQueen Interview: The Great Resignation

Are you considering changing jobs? You’re definitely not alone. Although many people assume that a career is for life, it’s estimated that most people change careers at least once. In fact, the average person changes their career more than five times, holding upwards of ten different positions before hitting retirement age. The changing nature of the working world means that a career change is more feasible for current workers than in previous generations. However, you must make changes for the right reasons. Switching careers is a huge step that will surely change your life. With that in mind, here are thirteen smart reasons that you must think about. 

Reasons for Career Changes During the Great Resignation 2021

1. Current Career Wasn’t Chosen

There are many reasons to take on a job in a specific industry. Sometimes, we fall out of college and into careers we didn’t want, whereas other times, it’s because of family connections. Most people who find themselves in similar circumstances vow to follow their dreams one day but rarely do. Rather than putting off the change, you should think about your skills and passions. Everyone deserves a career that they chose on purpose and because they truly wanted it. 

2. New Industries Have Emerged

Whatever year you graduated, there might be countless careers available now that weren’t when you were studying. If you’ve developed an interest in an emerging industry, then now is the time to act. An emerging field will allow you to grow your career quickly and learn new skills you’ve never come across before. Because of this, you should look for where any excitement and opportunity lies. An exciting new career can easily reignite the fire you’ve lost with your work now.

3. Increase That Earning Potential

Money can’t buy happiness, but it does pay the bills. Unfortunately, the career field you thought you wanted might not work on a financial level. If you need a higher earning potential, then think about changing careers. Undertaking US pilot studies would allow you to work in one of the highest-paid jobs there is. Alternatively, you could study to become an architect, engineer, or doctor. There’s no doubt that these careers give you much better access to money than others.

4. Life Has Changed Hugely

A change in life can bring about a change in careers. Pregnancy, marriage, divorce, and other huge life events can completely change your perspective. A new child might make you more safety-conscious and fearful of your dangerous building or firefighting career, while divorce can push you to secure a higher salary. If your circumstances have changed, then you should consider what other changes must be made. Whatever you need, you have to make it happen. 

This article was written a few months before the pandemic began.  This section is especially prophetic and has spurred The Great Resignation 2021.

5. The Challenge Isn’t There

Even when you’re content with your career, it’s possible that the same routine has become mundane. If you’re someone that must push themselves to feel happy, then a career swap could be the new challenge you need. Venturing outside your depth and comfort zone can help you to feel accomplished and satisfied with your working life. Don’t waste forty hours every week on a career that bores you when there are plenty of others out there that will make every day exciting. 

6. Talents Don’t Match Up

A challenging career shouldn’t be an impossible one. When your skills and talents don’t match up with your current job, you’ll find it impossible to feel truly happy. After all, there is only so much satisfaction you can gain from a career that you simply can’t do. Thankfully, there are many other careers that you could be perfect for. That is why you should try taking a few personal and career assessments. These tests will help you find an industry and field that is a much better fit for you. 

7. Issues In The Economy (The Great Resignation!)

Careers in finance would have been lucrative in the early 2000s. However, before the decade ended, that was no longer true. Changes in the economy and technological advances mean that many jobs that were once booming aren’t looking so bright anymore. If these changes have impacted your industry, then you should make a change of your own. Making a choice to switch jobs now will save you from the panic of having to do so when you’re laid off in the future.

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8. A Ceiling’s Been Hit

Not all career trouble is down to the economy. Anyone can hit a ceiling when advancing in their career. In many cases, another job in the same industry will help you break this barrier, but other times, a complete career change is necessary to make a difference. However, leadership skills will allow you to manage in almost any field. This means that you can easily find a way to put your talents to good use. All you have to do is consider your other skills and find the best field. 

9. Work Feels Like Work

Despite what many people say, you aren’t meant to hate your job. In fact, if you’ve picked the right career, you’re supposed to enjoy it. When your career stops making you feel happy, you know what steps must be taken. A job is supposed to challenge, satisfy, and inspire you in equal measures. Anyone who spends more time complaining about work than they do working must think about their passions. Picking a job you’re passionate about will keep a smile on your face.

10. Develop As A Person

Staying in the same career is certainly a safe option. Sadly, it might not be one that allows you to grow. If you’re looking for opportunities to develop new skills and grow as a person, then starting afresh would offer that. Think about your strengths and weaknesses and focus on the knowledge and skills you’d want to gain. With these goals, you can look at different industries and see which ones best match up. By changing your career, you will grow both professionally and personally. 

11. Poor Work-Life Balance

Besides being challenging, your career must be enjoyable. When you’re always living for the weekends, you know that your work-life balance is poor. Although there are ways to make more of your free time, only a huge step will cause significant change. Life is too short to stay in a career that impacts your life overall. Whether you switch industries or start working from home, a career change of some kind will help you to maintain a much healthier work-life balance. 

12. Feeling Completely Burnt Out

After giving everything to your career, you’ll find that you have very little left for yourself. Eventually, you won’t have anything else to give anyone, even your job. We all need a break now and then, but there are some situations that even a vacation can’t fix. Burnout is one of them. Switching careers is scary, but it is the perfect solution for burnout. The new co-workers, skills to learn, and co-workers will all bring excitement into your career and give you your spark back. 

13. Career Changes Are Easy

Most people assume that changing careers is difficult. The good news is that it isn’t always the case. Because many skills are transferable, you can easily jump from one field to another with very little additional training. That being said, if you need to study before a career change, there are plenty of learning resources at your fingertips. Without a difficult and long-winded process holding you back, there’s no reason why you can’t take the leap and start a career you love. 

If you’re in any of the situations described above, then make a career change sooner rather than later.  If The Great Resignation 2021 has taught us anything, it’s that you aren’t alone!