I’m Not Happy in My Career Field - What Can I Do?

While I’m pleased to say that I don’t often talk with young adults who are unhappy in their chosen career, it does happen. It’s an unavoidable truth that there’s an adjustment period of transitioning your college-learned skills into real world application. Sometimes, what bears out in that transition is an awareness that this line of work is not for you.

What can you do when you discover that what you thought was your chosen field just isn’t the right fit? You poured so much time, effort, and money into learning these skills, and the feeling that it was all wasted is overwhelming. First and foremost, don’t despair. While transitioning into something new may come with costs, you are most definitely not back at square one.

Identify the Problem with Your Current Career

The first thing to do when you discover that you may not have chosen the right career is to identify the real problem. Sometimes, it’s as simple as changing departments, companies, or roles. Make lists about what you do and don’t like about your current position. Once you get more granular, you will be able to hone in on the exact problem. There is a big difference between being unhappy in the general environment and being unhappy in the functional aspect of your job.

If you find that your biggest problem is with people, whether your colleagues or your supervisors, get really specific about what is causing you the most distress. Unfortunately, toxic work environments do exist. When this happens, the only viable solution is to change departments or companies to find a healthier place to work. The problem with the people, however, could simply be your adjustment period to becoming part of the culture. It’s never easy being the new person, but with time and experience, most workplace tensions settle down into familiarity and better relationships. Is this a situation where time might make the difference for you?

Explore Your Options for Change

If you decide to make a definite change, you will need to think about how much change you need. Some people decide that they prefer theory to application, so they pivot to teaching rather than working in the field. This transition may require more time in school, but it will be time spent building on what you already know.

Others decide to move into an adjacent field, which may require a few extra classes, but not necessarily a new degree. Sometimes, no further education is needed at all, though you may have to start at a lower rung and move up with experience.

Even if you decide that you need to move in an entirely different direction, you will not be starting from scratch. You have your degree, and that is definitely valuable! Obtaining new training will take your existing education into account, and you may be able to go through an accelerated program to pick up your new skills.

Career Change or Career Adjustment: You Are Not Alone

What you are feeling right now may be insecurity, disappointment, embarrassment, or frustration. While I can’t fix this for you with a magic wand, I can promise you one thing: you do not have to go through this transition alone. If you are feeling really depressed or hopeless, please start by seeking help from a mental health professional. On the other hand, if you feel like a career change will produce an outlook change, contact me to schedule a chat. I have supported many young adults through transitions such as these, and I am prepared to be your brainstorming partner, sounding board, and cheerleader as we strategize your next step together.