Signs You’re On The Wrong Career Path (And What To Do About It)
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of burnout, pushing through each day despite feeling utterly drained? As a former corporate burnout turned holistic coach, I know that feeling all too well.
For years, I allowed myself to reach the point of complete exhaustion before realizing something needed to change. It wasn’t until I took a hard look at my job and its impact on my well-being that I understood the root cause of my burnout: a significant misalignment of my values and who I was as a person.
Looking back on this time, I recognize that I drifted further away from my true self each year, trying to fit into a mold society deemed successful—a certain title, salary, and status. But the more I tried to change who I was and what was important to me, the more disconnected I felt.
Working 40 or more hours a week in a job that didn’t resonate with my core beliefs led to overwhelming stress, dissatisfaction, and burnout. However, through introspection, self-discovery, and a supportive well-being routine, I’ve realigned my work with my values, bringing newfound joy and fulfillment into my daily life.
Reflecting on my personal experience with burnout, I’ve compiled a list of signs that you may be on the wrong career path and what you can do about it.
10 Misalignment Signs to Watch for in Your Career
1. Listen to Your Signals
Reflecting on the past, I can see now that my body, mind, and spirit were sending me clear signals that something wasn't right. I felt constantly tired, stressed, and unhappy. Instead of listening to these signals, though, I pushed them aside and blamed myself for not coping like everyone else. Why couldn't I deal with having a full-time job like everyone else?
But those signals were cries for help, indicating my life was out of balance. Sure, stepping out of our comfort zone or learning new things can be uncomfortable at times, but if we're constantly feeling drained and dissatisfied, it's a sign we need to pay attention to.
2. The Sunday Scaries
I used to dread the thought of going back to work after the weekend. Sundays were spent trying to psych myself up for another week, and the cycle repeated endlessly. Let me be frank—it sucked.
Looking back, I see it as a big warning sign. Trusting our instincts when we start dreading the upcoming workweek can steer us away from a path of ongoing misery. We should seek a career that genuinely brings us joy, and we get excited to do it each and every week.
3. The Future Seems Bleak
I remember thinking, "I can't do this for another 25 years." If continuing in your current job until retirement fills you with dread, it's a clear sign that something needs to change.
The future looks bright and exciting now that I'm on a different path. Life is too short to spend it feeling miserable, day in and day out.
4. Lack of Enjoyment at Work
When work that used to be enjoyable becomes a chore, it's a sign that something's not right. Or maybe it never was enjoyable to begin with.
Sure, there are always tasks at work that we might not love, but if we rarely or never find joy in what we're doing, it's time to reconsider our career path.
5. Wired and Tired Phenomenon
I used to constantly feel "wired and tired," like I was running on empty but also buzzing with energy. It was a sign that my nervous system was in overdrive, always pushing and pulling.
What I really needed was rest and self-care. If you're always feeling wired and tired, unable to sleep at night due to racing thoughts, it's a sign that something in your routine needs to change, especially regarding work-life balance.
6. Desperate for Escape
If you find yourself counting down the days until your next vacation, it's a strong indication that you're not happy with where you are. I used to hold my breath until I could finally escape the dissatisfaction with my job for a full week.
Even after returning from vacation, I longed for my next escape. Of course, we get excited for some rest and rejunivation, but if our battery never reups, then it's a clear sign that something needs to change in how we work or what we're doing.
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7. Disconnected from Needs and Wants
Many of these signs indicate a disconnect between ourselves and our basic needs. I used to neglect things like eating properly, spending time with friends, and resting.
And once I realized the importance of addressing these needs, I felt lost and confused about my future desires. I just didn't know what they were. Feeling disconnected from ourselves is a sure sign that we're not on the right path.
8. Not Being Ourselves at Work
Feeling like we can't be ourselves at work strongly indicates something's wrong. Suppressing parts of ourselves or hiding who we truly are is no way to spend the majority of our waking hours.
Work should be where we feel safe expressing ourselves and utilizing our unique talents. If that's not the case, it may be time to find a career that better aligns with who we are.
9. Values Misalignment
Discovering that we can't fully embrace our values at work is a clear signal of discord. Whether it's because the company's practices clash with our ethical standards or the workplace culture doesn't resonate with our core beliefs, feeling out of place is disheartening.
Work should provide a space where we can authentically express ourselves and contribute in alignment with our principles. If this isn't the case, it might be time to seek out a new job or career that better reflects our values and allows us to thrive authentically.
10. Not Knowing Who Your Are
If we're unsure of our own identity, it's nearly impossible to figure out what we want from life. Taking the time to explore and understand who we are at the core is crucial.
It helps us find a career that aligns with our values and aspirations. When we know ourselves, figuring out our path becomes much clearer and staying connected to it in the long term is easier.
Finding Your Unique Career Path
Recognizing the signs of being on the wrong career path is the first step toward reclaiming your well-being and fulfillment.
My journey taught me that burnout isn’t just a byproduct of overwork—it’s a symptom of deeper issues, often stemming from a misalignment of values, ourselves, and our needs. Acknowledging these signs and taking proactive steps to address them can pave the way for a more fulfilling professional life.
I truly believe that it’s never too late to realign your career with your true self. Listen to your intuition, trust the signals your mind and body are sending, and don’t be afraid to make the necessary changes to live a life that truly resonates with who you are.
Your journey to finding professional fulfillment starts with recognizing where you are and boosting your well-being today so that you can open up space to reconnect with who you are. Then, you will have the courage to pursue what truly brings you joy and satisfaction.
For me, getting support to escape constant stress was crucial. I worked with a coach to figure out how to move forward, and it made a big difference.
Now, as a coach myself, I help others break free from the burnout cycle and find more fulfillment in work and life. If you're feeling stuck in burnout and career dissatisfaction, reach out to see if coaching could help you too.
Stay Connected with Rebecca:
Website: https://crescentcoaching.ca/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/crescentcoaching
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crescent-holistic-coaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crescentholisticcoaching/
Meet The Writer!
Rebecca Visser is a holistic coach and the founder of Crescent Coaching. After nearly a decade of working in corporate and as a freelance marketer, she felt completely burnt out and disconnected. Her life-changing experience with coaching inspired her to become a coach herself.
As coach and client, Rebecca has witnessed the power of letting go of old stories and beliefs that hinder our success. She loves how coaching enables people to connect with their own wisdom and solutions—believing this creates enjoyable and lasting changes in our lives.
Based in Vancouver, Rebecca shares life with her loving husband and spirited cat.
