There’s a fine line between staying committed in your career and knowing when it’s time for a change.

The dilemma boils down to timing. Staying in a job you’ve outgrown can feel like treading water, yet the idea of changing careers mid-life can seem daunting.

Navigating the mid-life pivot is about recognizing the signs that it’s time for a career change. And believe me, there are certain indicators you can’t ignore.

In this article, I’ll walk you through 9 unmistakable signs that it might be time to take that leap and shift gears in your career. Because let’s face it, no one wants to be stuck in a job that’s just not a good fit anymore.

1) You’re constantly bored

We all have moments where our work feels monotonous. But, there’s a big difference between the occasional bout of boredom and constantly feeling disinterested in what you’re doing.

If you’re persistently finding yourself clock-watching, or your work no longer stimulates or challenges you, this could be a sign that it’s time for a career change.

It’s natural to want to grow and learn in your profession. When this growth stalls and your work becomes a source of boredom rather than fulfillment, it might be time to consider making a pivot in your career.

Remember, life’s too short to be stuck in a job that doesn’t excite you. So if the boredom is relentless, it might be time to explore new career opportunities. But be sure to do your homework first to avoid jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

2) You’re feeling unfulfilled

I’ve been there. I remember waking up one day, looking at myself in the mirror, and realizing that I was just going through the motions in my career.

The work I was doing just wasn’t fulfilling me anymore. I was successful, yes. But there was this nagging feeling that I could be doing something more meaningful, something that truly resonated with my passions and values.

If you’re consistently feeling unfulfilled in your work, if you’re constantly questioning whether you’re on the right path, then it may be a sign that it’s time for a career change.

Again, it’s important to do some soul-searching and introspection before making any drastic decisions. But remember: your career should not only provide a paycheck, but also personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose. If that’s missing, it might be time to consider a change.

3) You’re constantly stressed

Work can be stressful – that’s a given. But prolonged, chronic stress is a different beast altogether. It can lead to health issues like heart disease, depression, and even a weakened immune system.

If your job is causing you constant stress and anxiety, it could be a sign that it’s time for a career change. No job is worth damaging your health over.

Consider this: A study from Stanford University and Harvard Business School found that workplace stress contributes to at least 120,000 deaths each year in the United States. That’s a sobering statistic.

While some level of stress can be motivating and help you perform under pressure, too much of it is clearly not healthy. If you’re finding yourself constantly stressed because of work, it might be time to reevaluate your career path.

4) You’re envious of others’ jobs

Take a moment and think about the last time you heard a friend or colleague talking passionately about their job. Did you feel a pang of envy?

If you regularly find yourself wishing you had someone else’s job, it could be a sign that you’re not satisfied with your own career.

This envy isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It could be an indication of what you truly want in a career. Instead of brushing these feelings under the carpet, use them as a guide to explore new career possibilities.

Remember, it’s never too late to pursue a career that brings you satisfaction and fulfillment. If others’ jobs are making you green with envy, it might be time to start seeking a career change.

5) Your skills are not being utilized

You’ve spent years honing your skills and developing your talents. But are they being fully utilized in your current job?

If the answer is no, then it might be a sign that it’s time for a career change. It’s incredibly frustrating to feel like you’re not living up to your potential or that your skills are going to waste.

A fulfilling career should provide opportunities to use your skills and abilities, while also challenging you to grow and learn. If you’re feeling underutilized, it might be worth exploring careers that can better make use of your talents.

Remember, everyone deserves to feel valued and appreciated at work. If your current job isn’t doing that, then perhaps it’s time for a change.

6) Your work-life balance is off

We all juggle different roles in life – parent, spouse, friend, caregiver, employee. Striking a balance between these roles is essential for our overall well-being.

If you’re consistently missing out on precious family time, unable to pursue hobbies or personal interests, or constantly taking work home, it’s possible your work-life balance is off.

Never underestimate the importance of balance in your life. Work is undoubtedly important, but so is your personal life and mental health.

If you’re sacrificing too much of your personal life for your job, it might be a sign that it’s time for a career change. Your career should complement your life, not consume it.

It’s okay to prioritize yourself and your happiness. After all, you deserve a career that allows you to live a fulfilled and balanced life.

7) You’re losing sleep over work

There was a time when my job haunted me even in my sleep. Deadlines, pressure, and anxiety from work were all I could think about, even during the wee hours of the night. I was losing sleep over work, and it was taking a toll on my health.

If you’re experiencing something similar, if your job is keeping you up at night causing restlessness, it’s likely a sign that you need a career change.

A good night’s sleep is crucial for our overall well-being. It’s when our body rejuvenates, our brain processes information and emotions, and we prepare for the next day.

If your job is causing you to lose sleep regularly – it’s not just an unhealthy work-life balance, it’s an unhealthy life. Don’t ignore this sign. Your health and well-being are far too important.

8) You dread going to work

We all have those days where we’re not exactly jumping out of bed, excited to go to work. But if your normal state has become one of dread and apprehension about your job, it’s time to pay attention.

If every morning feels like a struggle to get up and go to work, it could be a sign that you’re unhappy in your current job and that a career change is needed.

Work should be a place where you feel challenged, appreciated, and fulfilled – not a place that you dread.

If the thought of another day at work fills you with dread, it might be time to consider making a change in your career. Don’t let fear hold you back. Sometimes, the best decisions are the ones that scare us the most.

9) Your gut feeling tells you it’s time

Possibly the most powerful sign of all is your intuition. Your gut feeling. That little voice inside that keeps whispering, “it’s time for a change.”

Your intuition is your most honest friend. It knows what’s best for you. If it’s telling you that it’s time for a career change, then it’s likely time to listen and take action.

Trust yourself. Trust your instincts. You know yourself better than anyone else. If your gut is telling you it’s time for a career change, don’t ignore it.

Final thoughts: Embrace the journey

Navigating the mid-life career pivot is more than just recognizing the signs. It’s about understanding that change, while often daunting, can lead to growth and fulfillment.

Consider this quote from Richard Branson, “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”

Life is too short to stay stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you. It’s okay to seek something more, something better. It’s okay to prioritize your happiness and well-being.

Whether it’s a nudge from your intuition, a persistent feeling of unfulfillment, or a longing for better work-life balance – these are not just signs. They are invitations to change.

Embrace them. Embrace the journey. And remember, every end is just a new beginning in disguise.