9 Signs That You're Ready To Change Careers

Knowing that you need to switch things up and change your career is good to know, as not enjoying or feeling valuable at your work can lower our wellbeing and esteem. Thus, knowing when you're ready to change careers and how best to transition can make us feel happier and more in charge of our lives and what the future holds, according to Kathy Caprino, a success coach and contributor for Forbes.

As a certified health coach, I work with clients on feeling happier and more successful in their business ventures in order to gain a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and accomplishment that can instill consistent motivation to keep moving ahead in the day and doing their best work. Feeling confident in where you are is so important for a high quality life, and thus knowing when you're in need of a change, if it'll make a vast difference in your life and wellbeing overall, is so critical for taking initiative and living the life that you deserve to its fullest potential. Here are 11 signs to know that you're over your normal routine and in need of some sprucing up in order to boost happiness and productivity in whatever new career avenue you are embarking upon. So start living for you, and make it worth every moment!

1. You Hold Out For The Weekends

While most people can attest to loving the weekends (hello boozy brunch and pancakes, sleeping in and delicious restaurant bites and sips!), hating the week leading up to the two days of "freedom" is not a healthy mindset and can signal that there's a problem, suggests licensed marriage and family therapist Erika Fay, LMFT, over email with Bustle. "If you feel like you are living for the weekends and have a really difficult time dragging yourself to work each day, it might be time for a change," Fay says.

2. You're Not Passionate About Work Anymore

"Take inventory of what ignites your interest," says Fay, as it's important to be interested in whatever field you are working in. "What do you get excited about? Be as creative as you can in your answers to these questions. Then spend some time with the answers," Fay says. "Does a particular path emerge at all? If not, it might be a good idea to talk to a therapist or coach in order to help you find your passions and interests," Fay advises.

3. You Don't Feel Your Worth Is Valued

Wherever you work, you want to feel valued and important in allowing your company to grow and thrive, says Fay. "Take a look at what type of impact you are having," Fay recommends. "See if you can look at the big picture and try to understand the long term impacts of your day to day duties," Fay adds, as this will help you realize if you need a change in order to feel more purposeful in a new avenue.

4. You Want To Reach A Higher Level

Perhaps you want to move up to a higher role? Consider your future plans. "360 Reviews are useful tools in helping people be more effective in their current roles, and also to help them understand what areas they should focus on if they want to move into a management role," says Greg Ford, CEO/Co-Founder at TalentClick over email with Bustle. If you want to progress, go after it!

5. You're Too Stressed After Work

If you notice that work stress seems to be never ending and follows you home into your evening, it might mean that you're in need of a change in career path or duty in order to get some more rest and "me" time, says Chicago-based therapist Chelsea Hudson, LCPC, over email with Bustle. "Prioritize work nights as a time of rest and recharging. Some people report that post-work exercise is a good way to destress because of the distracting and endorphin-releasing nature of exercise," Hudson recommends.

6. You Forget To Eat Or Don't Eat Well

If work chaos is preventing you from finding time to prepare healthy meals or even just remember to take a breather, sit down and eat your food, then it might signal overwhelm and a need for a new path, advises Hudson. "Make an effort to plan out meals for the week ahead of time and let this guide your grocery shopping which can be done on a weekly basis to avoid frequent grocery store visits," Hudson suggests.

7. You're Depressed

If you notice feelings of depression, it's clear that there's something in your life preventing you from feeling absolute happiness and ease, advises Hudson. Of course seeing a therapist is a great idea, but Hudson also recommends eating omega 3's, as "there have been a number of recent scientific studies that have yielded some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can have anti-depressant effects," as well as, L-tryptophan products, which are "building blocks for serotonin, the neurotransmitter involved in positive mood states," found in "eggs, salmon, almonds and cheese," Hudson advises.

8. The Idea Of A "Break" Scares You

"We have been socialized to thrive best in states of busyness and 'striving to get ahead,'" says Hudson. "In my recent clinical work I have witnessed a steep increase in both burnout symptoms and 'break related anxiety.' When overexertion has become one’s automatic mode of functioning, taking a break can often be experienced as anxiety provoking because of the unfamiliarity and ambiguity," Hudson continues. If you feel this way, it might mean you're overwhelmed and should be doing something else that is more manageable.

9. You're Not Making What You Deserve

If you find that you are not making the amount of money that you deserve for your career, duties and level, as well as perhaps time spent in the company and evident investment that you have put forth, then it might mean that you career path is stagnant and unable to reach those higher numbers that you're after, advises Glenn Llopis, Opportunity Expert based on the proprietary leadership methodology called, "The Innovation Mentality," and contributor at Forbes.

10. The Culture Is Untrustworthy

According to Llopis, if you feel that your work environment and co-workers are untrustworthy and that there is a lack of transparency within the company and its members, then it might be wise to shift to a new profession or company where there is more established trust, support and acceptance amongst the team. Feeling on-the-outs can be upsetting, so it's best to make a move if you feel vulnerable.

11. You're Daydreaming About "What Ifs"

According to executive and leadership expert Libby Gill, in interview with U.S. News, if you are spending time daydreaming about what you could (and maybe should) be doing with your life instead of your present career, then it's a sign that something better is calling your name. Get your head out of the clouds and into a brand new office and career path!

If you notice any of these signals, it might mean that your current job isn't working, and you're in need of a change that will bring you more happiness, less stress and a greater quality of life each day. It's awesome to feel energized to go to work each morning, especially Mondays, so start making a change now to feel full of energy and urgency.

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