Are you feeling tired of your job?

Do you feel like you just can't take it one more day?

Are you drained by your daily slog through the work day?

Do you feel you just don’t fit in?

Are you wondering if it’s time for a change?

For some people, it’s hard to know if it’s time to begin a new job search and move on or stay and make some changes where you are. These 5 questions (well, 5 sets of questions) won’t tell you if you should quit your job and become a novelist, go to law school, or open your own coffee and book shop. Your answers to these questions will, however, suggest whether you should stay in your current job and give it all you’ve got (possibly making a few strategic changes) or get up the gumption to follow your bliss in a different direction.

So, sit down with a cup of coffee and write out the answers to these questions. You don’t have to write complete sentences but it is important to write down the answers. You can see where you are in black and white and begin to look for patterns and possibilities. Write the date at the top of the page so you will remember how you were feeling on this particular date in your life. 

• Do you have to pretend to be someone else to get through your work day? Are you miserable each morning when you leave for work? What parts of your job do you absolutely loathe? What parts of your job do you find draining?

• Does this job fit you so well that sometimes work feels like play? What daily tasks energize you and feed your soul? What parts of your job do you look forward to?

• What compromises do you find yourself making to stay in this particular job or profession? Think about family, personal growth, achievement, stability, values, ethics, etc. Are you coasting along instead of growing professionally?

• How do feel about what you accomplish each day – the end result or product of your work? Are you proud of what you do? What values are you living out each day? Does this job open the door for promotions or more appealing future jobs – or is it a vocational dead end?

• Pull out your crystal ball and look into the future. Is this what you want to be doing for the rest of your life? In five years, what can you imagine yourself doing? In ten years, where do you want to be in your vocation and career?

Review your answers and take stock of where you are. Make a pros and cons list. Is it possible to make some changes that will improve your work life where you are? Or is it time to make the hard decision to begin a new job search. This is just the first step in considering a change in career - but it requires some soul searching and job researching. Remember that you don’t want to burn bridges so make a careful game plan if you decide it’s time to move on. It’s a hard question to answer so take your time and consider each factor carefully.

Still not sure what to do? Career coaching can help you explore these questions, research your options and make a game plan for moving forward. Contact Anita for a free 30 minute consultation to get started on the path to more satisfying and fulfilling career and life.

Anita Flowers is a Board Certified career and life coach at Blue Sage Career Strategies. A little different than most life coaches, Her background in clinical psychology and years of experience as a counselor gives her a rich understanding of human development and family dynamics. Her work history includes 13 years working with an international business company and 12 years doing individual and family counseling as well as career counseling. This blend of counseling and business experience gives Anita a unique perspective on the world of work and life. Anita works with people literally all over the world to help them discover a life and career they love.       Contact Anita here to get started on your new career and life!