Is It Time for a Career Change?

Here’s how to know and what to do.

Author

Lex Gonzales
December 15, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

MISSION:

Career Ladder helps motivated professionals grow their career and income twice as fast by providing proven frameworks so they can stop wasting time and money.

Feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or wondering if you’re in the wrong career?

You’re not alone.

But how do you know if it’s time for a change—or if it’s just a phase?

The signs aren’t always obvious, but with the right steps, you can turn uncertainty into clarity.

Here’s how to find out…

In This Issue

  • Today’s Ladder: When should you consider a career change?

  • Takeaway: A career change requires clarity.

  • Resources: Free resources to help you plan a career pivot.

  • ICYMI: Links to recent editions.

Today’s Ladder:

Career changes can be daunting, but they can also open doors to growth, fulfillment, and success.

When Should You Consider a Career Change?

Here are some tell-tale signs:

  1. Learning Feels Like a Chore
    If you’re no longer excited to learn or grow in your current field, it’s a big red flag.

    • A lack of curiosity signals stagnation—an indicator it might be time to explore new horizons.

  2. Your Gut Won’t Stay Quiet
    Those sleepless nights, wondering…

    “What if?” 

    • That’s your intuition telling you to take action. Ignoring it only delays the inevitable.

  3. It’s More Than Short-Term Pain
    Don’t jump ship because of a bad boss or challenging coworkers.

    These hurdles exist in every role.

    • Instead, focus on long-term alignment with your passions and skills.

Three Steps to Prepare for the Leap

  1. Leverage Your Network
    Relationships are the backbone of any career move.

    Tap into your connections for advice, mentorship, and opportunities. With platforms like LinkedIn, networking has never been easier. Start expanding your network by connecting with me!

  2. Get Financially Ready
    Career transitions often come with changes in income.

    Build a financial runway—three to six months of savings—to navigate this shift with confidence.

  3. Experiment with a Side Hustle
    Not ready to dive in full-time?

    Start small.

    Volunteer or launch a part-time business to test the waters before fully committing.

Have a Smooth Transition

  • Preserve Relationships: Avoid burning bridges. You never know when a former colleague could become an ally in your next chapter.

  • Repurpose Your Skills: Skills like leadership or adaptability often translate seamlessly into new industries.

  • Welcome the Jitters: It’s normal to feel nervous. Remember, your success benefits everyone around you—most people are rooting for you to win.

Embrace the Change

Change is never easy, but it’s worth it.

By trusting your instincts, preparing thoroughly, and leaning into your support system, you’ll not only survive the transition—you’ll thrive.

Your new career is waiting. Take the first step today.

Life Think GIF by Learner Circle

Gif by LearnerCircle on Giphy

Takeaway:

You're wondering if it’s time for a career change, but uncertainty keeps holding you back.

Maybe you feel stuck in a role that no longer excites you or drained by work that feels meaningless. The thought of starting over might seem overwhelming.

Here’s what I strongly believe in…

Staying where you are, while feeling unfulfilled, is far riskier than pursuing something better.

Dr. Lex

After all, more than a third of your life will be spent at work!

Imagine waking up excited about your work—feeling aligned with your purpose and confident in your path.

A career change doesn’t have to mean chaos.

It’s about clarity:

  • knowing when it’s time to pivot

  • what direction to take

  • how to move forward with intention

If you’re questioning whether now is the moment to leap, start with a simple step: reflect on the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

Then, ask yourself…

What’s one action I can take today to move closer to the career I deserve?

Build your future, one step at a time.

Download my “Transition Strategy” framework below to get started.

It’s my gift to you!

Resources:

  • Squiggly Career TED Talk - shift your focus from titles to talents, from career plans to possibilities, from limited learning to learning that is limitless for you.

  • Transition Strategy Framework - use this framework to map out a career change that aligns to your skills and passion!

  • Do What You Are: Discover the perfect career for you through the secrets of personality type.

💣 Win the Tough Conversations: How to handle difficult people without losing your cool.

🧟 Office Politics Decoded: The secret to thriving in any organizational culture.

💰 Earn What You’re Worth: How to master your next salary negotiation with confidence.

I appreciate your feedback! It will help shape the future issues of CAREER LADDER!

If you’re curious why I want you to succeed twice as fast, here’s why.

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Let’s Connect!

If we aren’t already connected, come say hi on LinkedIn.

Believe it or not, I read all of my subscribers’ emails to me. I’d love to hear from you too, just hit reply to this email! 💌