A large factor in experiencing high life satisfaction is working in a career field you find fulfilling and meaningful. If you’re finding that your current job leaves you feeling drained and disconnected, it may be time to start exploring other options.
The thought of pursuing a new career while still in your current job may seem difficult, but adult degree programs at Point Loma Nazarene University are designed to do just that.
Which People Are Most Satisfied With Their Careers?
Pew Research Center has found that “highly educated workers [are] among the most satisfied with their jobs.” It makes sense, then, that many people who desire to shift careers feel as if their level of education is a barrier to finding career fulfillment in the form of a new job. Fortunately, degree completion programs and other flexible graduate programs — which can be completed in as few as 15 months — allow job seekers to advance their education and job prospects without jeopardizing their current income or work-life balance. If you’ve been thinking about making a career change, here are a few signs that now might be the time.
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Sign #1: You Dread Going to Work
As you continue to progress in your career, one significant red flag is feeling dread at the thought of going to work. Though almost all careers involve some degree of stress, a constant negative feeling about your job is a clear sign it’s time to start exploring alternative career options. Frequently experiencing copious amounts of work-related stress can have an injurious impact on your health. In fact, a study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found that heavy amounts of stress could shorten your lifespan by nearly three years.
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It’s not too late to start your journey.
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
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Rather than allowing your current career to potentially steal years from your life, searching for programs that can help you change your job will likely have a beneficial impact on your health. Universities, such as PLNU, offer flexible bachelor’s degree programs for working adults in computer information technology and criminal justice. Additionally, you can earn a graduate degree, such as an MBA. Finding an area of study you find enjoyable can be beneficial in many ways and potentially increase your long-term health and wellness.
Sign #2: Your Job Leaves You Feeling Drained
Your job may often cause you to feel tired by the end of each day, but it shouldn’t cause you to feel completely drained. If you’re finding that your job is causing you to feel depleted and exhausted outside of work, it may be time to start searching for a new career. Your career should enhance your quality of life rather than impair it.
Your career should enhance your quality of life rather than impair it.
Work-related overexhaustion can cause your leisure time to be less restful and can put a strain on your relationships. Deciding to advance in your field or completely change industries can likely improve not only your work-life but your home-life as well.
By finding the career that works for you, you’ll no longer have to experience the overwhelming depletion that comes from working a job you dislike. For many, staying at a draining job feels like the only viable option when, in fact, there are plenty of feasible ways you can make a career change without having to quit. In fact, PLNU’s adult bachelor's degree and graduate degree programs are specifically designed for working professionals by taking busy schedules into account.
Sign #3: You Find Yourself Dreaming of Other Careers
If you find yourself consistently fantasizing about a different career, or even envying people in desirable job positions, it’s probably appropriate to start seeking a new career. Rather than simply dreaming about it, actually changing your career is an option you should consider. Exploring your options by researching different degree programs can be a step in the right direction.
Let your dreams start to become reality by learning what requirements are needed to enter one of your dream positions.
Let your dreams start to become reality by learning what requirements are needed to enter one of your dream positions. Chances are, universities such as PLNU have programs that can both accommodate your schedule and help you get closer to achieving that dream job. Rather than allowing visions of a different career to monopolize your attention, start taking the steps to get yourself in a position to make the switch.
Sign #4: You Don’t Feel Fulfilled by Your Work
Though financial security is an important part of why you work, it shouldn’t be the only one. Finding a career that fulfills you is an important aspect of a healthy and sustainable work-life. If you’re finding your work doesn’t feel gratifying, it’s probably a good idea to start taking the steps to switch careers. Although it’s important to feel content with your salary, finding a career that leaves you feeling fulfilled can radically change how you feel about going to work.
Although it’s important to feel content with your salary, finding a career that leaves you feeling fulfilled can radically change how you feel about going to work.
When looking for a fulfilling career, a good place to start is deciding what meaningful work looks like to you. Do you want to care for patients in a hospital or outpatient care center? Do you want to design the structure of buildings? Exploring graduate and advanced degree options can help give you an idea of your options. Rather than feeling complacent in your current, ungratifying job, take the time to branch out and find a fulfilling career that is in line with your calling.
Make the Change
Obtaining a degree can help you make the transition into a more rewarding career that aligns with your calling and purpose. If you’re looking to explore your higher education options in San Diego, look no further than PLNU’s graduate and advanced degree programs, or adult bachelor degree completion programs, which are designed to be complementary to the schedules of working professionals. Discover career paths that you’re passionate about by browsing through PLNU’s vast range of degree options. If you’re ready to take the plunge into having a more satisfying and fulfilling career, apply here now.
