This is an article I submitted to CareerBuilder.com last spring. Given the amount of inquiries I have received this month, I thought it was work reprinting here:
Everyone gets stuck in a rut professionally at one time or another. Sometimes it’s just a temporary state of mind and it passes quickly. Soon you are back on track after a weekend off or a holiday break. But what happens when that feeling inside of you that you are definitely ready for a change does not pass? Many times this unease manifests itself emotionally as well as physically. You are tired more often, even though you didn’t do much at work all day. You get up in the morning dreading going to work and once you get there, you just can’t concentrate and become a clock-watcher.
Fantasizing about a new career on a regular basis and perhaps taking action by going on an interview or requesting information about a home business opportunity are usually good ways to gauge if this is a phase or something you should pursue.
Ten Signs You Need A Career Change:
1) You no longer feel excited about going to work.
2) You find yourself daydreaming during meetings.
3) You leave a bit early or sneak in a bit late.
4) You aren’t as thorough as you once were when it comes to completing projects or meeting deadlines.
5) You aren’t feeling challenged anymore – your workday is just a routine.
6) You call in sick more often.
7) You haven’t come up with a new idea or procedure in months.
You go through the motions at work and put in minimum effort..
9) You surf the internet looking at other opportunities when you should be working.
10) You make more personal calls on company time just to make the day go faster.
How did you score?