Most of us spend a third of our lives at work. That’s 90,000 hours throughout a lifetime.

The path to a career isn’t always straightforward. Maybe you chose your career at a young age, or earning a university degree wasn’t an option. Or maybe your current job has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and you want to pursue something with stronger employment prospects.

So, ask yourself this – are you happy with the way you’re spending most of your life?

We looked into what research and recruitment industry leaders had to say on the life cycle of careers. Check out some of the most common signs it may be time to make a change. 

1. Motivation to go to work is fading

Getting back into work mode after a weekend can be tough (even if you’re working from home), but fighting the battle each morning can be a sign you’re dissatisfied with your career. In fact, there’s a stronger correlation between not liking the job itself and being unhappy than there is between liking your job and being happy.

In other words, your career has a direct influence on emotional wellbeing, making the right fit all the more important. But the good news is there are ways to make the switch no matter your stage of life.  

2. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities

Does it feel like you’re being held back from achieving your professional and financial goals? Have you gone as far as you can go in your current job? Maybe you’re already in a senior position or feel trapped in your current role.

Either way, frustration over a lack of opportunities to grow is a huge motivator behind career changes. In fact, online job search platform SEEK found that boosting earning potential is one of the top reasons Australians change careers. Don’t settle for less – make a career switch and get back on track to reaching your goals.

3. Thinking about a career in another field

Once you’ve secured a job and built up years – or even decades – of experience, considering a career switch might feel like throwing away a lot of hard work. But if your current industry has felt the impacts of COVID-19, or if you’re just ready for a change, now could be the right time to start looking at your options.

The idea of starting from the beginning again can feel overwhelming. But did you know the average Australian has five different careers in their lifetime?

Over one million Australians change jobs every year, with more than half moving to a new field altogether. If you want to chase a new professional goal, you’re not alone.

Making a career change (or two) throughout your life is not only achievable but expected.

4. You’re not doing something you love

We’ve all heard the expression, “choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” According to the Australian Institute of Business, feeling the work you do is meaningful is critical to job satisfaction.

You don’t have to work for Oxfam or the Red Cross to feel like your career has meaning. Satisfaction comes from a career that aligns with your goals, values or interests. That could mean earning enough to achieve financial independence, working for a not-for-profit or simply being a part of an industry that excites you.

We spend one third of our lives working. Don’t settle for a career that doesn’t satisfy you.

5. Daily tasks are no longer challenging

Do you find yourself doing the same tasks over and over again? According to SEEK, monotony is common when you’ve been with a company for an extended time.

But it’s also a sign a career change could be right for you.

Taking on new tasks, using skills and finding solutions is how we learn. Feeling challenged by your responsibilities is vital for the growth of your career. So, if every day seems like the one before, it might be time for a career change.

Once you’ve left school and entered the workforce, it’s easy to feel locked in to a career. Taking those first steps towards making a change or jumping back into a career can be intimidating.

At La Trobe University, we hear these concerns every day from potential students. But there are options available. We offer a range of courses tailored to your interests and flexible learning options to help you plan study around your life. 

Ready to make the change? Find out how you can prefer La Trobe.