A 93-year-old woman lay dying in her bed at home. Her family sat quietly crying by her side. The woman’s final words to her family were “Live every day. It all goes by so fast.”
This story has stayed with me for years. I was in my 20’s when I first heard it. At that time, I remember thinking that this beautiful 93-year-old woman had such a long, long life. But, as I’ve gotten older, now in my 50’s, I realize the beautiful woman was so right. The years do seem to speed up as we get older and it really does go by so quickly. So, all of that to say, I do try to really pack as much living into each day as I can. I hope you do, too.
One-third of our lives are spent at work. ONE-THIRD of our lives! Knowing this, it’s clear to see we should all be in a career that makes us happy! One thing none of us should do is waste our time in a career that doesn’t feed our souls.
Today, I’m giving you the five most important indicators that you need a career change. Use this list and take a mental inventory. If any of these five sound like how you’re feeling, I hope this is the push you need to help you create a work-life that lights you up!
#1 Your health is suffering.
This can be your mental health and/or your physical health. They work hand-in-hand you know. Stress can cause so many changes in our bodies and none of them are good.
Here’s a look at some of the most common changes that can be caused by stress:
Mental Health
- Being irritable, angry, impatient and wound up
- Feeling anxious or nervous
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling depressed and uninterested in life
- Losing your sense of humor
- Not enjoying life
Physical Health
- Feeling often fatigued
- Having panic attacks
- Having sleep problems
- Having difficulty breathing
- Having chest pain or high blood pressure
- Having hair loss
- Having blurred eyesight
#2 You’ve become disillusioned and stagnant.
We all have days at work when we just feel “off” and things aren’t going well. That’s totally normal. But, if you have those days pretty much every day, it’s time to take a look around. Remember…ONE-THIRD of your life.
You may be feeling disillusioned or stagnant because you’re not in the right position at work. We call this “not being in the right seat on the bus.” Maybe there’s a different role at your current company that would be a better fit for you and give you some motivation again.
Or, maybe you aren’t in the right career at all. We call this “being on the wrong bus entirely.” Either way, it’s an easy fix. Just change seats or hop on a new bus!
#3 You’re always stressed about money.
I know money can be a stresser for us all. What I’m really meaning here is that your paycheck is NEVER enough to cover your needs. This is a quick way to Crazyville. Trust me, I know. Having to worry every day about whether or not you have enough money to keep the electricity on, groceries bought, day care paid, etc is way more than anyone should have to worry about while trying to act like a carefree person at work…all at the same time. Ugh!
Like I said, I’ve been there and this is also an easy fix. You need a better, higher-paying job. Period. I know, sounds easier said than done, right? Yes, you’ll need to put in some work quickly upfront, but it will pay off for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. If you need some training, get it and get on with a better, worry-less-often, life!
#4 You know in your heart you should be doing something else.
If you know in your heart that you want to and are meant to be doing something else, go do it!
Please, I’m begging you, don’t let the world miss out on the amazing work you’ll do with what lies in your heart. You deserve to do the work that makes you happy. Find it and do it!
#5 You would leave if you could.
If this is you, I want you to know there are always options out there. You CAN find a new job, you CAN learn a new skill and you CAN start a new career!
The only thing stopping you is you! You just need to confidence to get out there and make a brand new work-life for yourself. As we say here in Texas, “pull up your bootstraps” and go do what is needed to find yourself a new position! You’ve got this!
The Wrap-Up
So, did any of that sound familiar? If any of these sounded like the way you’re feeling right now, I sincerely hope you’ll do the work needed to move into an exciting, soul-feeding, new position! Remember…ONE-THIRD!!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. If you feel like sharing, just email me at team@kimgreen.co
Here’s to your brand new career path!
