There’s nothing worse than spending 40+ hours a week at a job that bores you. No career is exciting every single day, but if you’ve mastered your job and no longer feel challenged at work, it’s time to look for something different. Rather than browsing job listings for a new job doing the same old thing, consider one of these career-defining moves if you’re ready for a career challenge.
Chase a Promotion
You’re so good at your job, you could do with it your eyes closed. Instead of disengagingout of boredom, use your expertise to negotiate a promotion. A new role means more challenges and higher pay. If you decide to leave the company later on, you’ll have more skills to showcase on your resume.
Start a Business
Do you get a thrill out of learning the ins and outs of a company? If you enjoy wearing many hats at work, entrepreneurship could be the perfect fit for you.
Related: 5 steps to successfully transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship
Change Your Career
Not up for the risks of entrepreneurship? Consider a career change if you’re unhappy with your current field. Although it might mean a pay cut, switching industries could be the first step toward a fulfilling career.
Going back to school isn’t necessary for many career changes. Odds are, you have transferable skills that would make you an asset to any job, even if your technical skills need some work. Research the careers you’re interested in and take note of the qualifications you see on job listings. If you check most of the boxes but not all, use online learning to close the skills gap.
Go Back to School
If you want to make a big career leap — say, from marketing to medicine — going back to school is a must. Attending university as a non-traditional student isn’t for everyone, but lots of mid-career women find that they’re more focused and driven as students now than they were straight out of high school.
Related: How to go back to school as a working mom
If you’re going to spend eight hours a day, five days a week (or more!) at your job, it ought to be something you enjoy. Instead of feeling trapped in a job that bores you, start thinking about the next opportunity. You don’t have to make the leap today, but by weighing your options and planning ahead, you’ll be ready when opportunity strikes.
Are you ready for a new career challenge?
Gloria Martinez is the creator of Womenled.org, a website dedicated to educating people about the many women-led achievements that have shaped our world. Her mission is to inspire young women to act boldly when it comes to their careers.
