by The Health Sciences Academy — Get free science updates here.
Do you get out of bed every day dreading your workday? Do you feel like all you’re doing is counting down the minutes until you can get back to your actual life, like work is just something you HAVE to do to facilitate your other activities?
I’m going to let you in on a not so subtle secret – it shouldn’t be this way…
Yes, we know that not every person will enjoy every aspect of their profession every day. But you should still be able to find joy, excitement, and personal fulfilment on a fairly regular basis.
If you can’t, then it may be time to consider making a career change that enriches your life instead of simply taking up space in it.
So, how do you know when it’s time to leave your current job in pursuit of something you’ll love?
(We’re partial to nutrition, ourselves)
Keep reading to find out…
Is it a career, or just a job?
A career is a long-term professional plan that allows you to evolve into a position that you find substantial, fulfilling, and that aligns with your personal values and goals.
In short, when you pursue a career, it’s a sign that you’ve discovered a path that ticks all of your boxes for your current and future life.
A job, on the other hand, is a short-term steppingstone between your personal and professional goals. It’ll do in a pinch but shouldn’t be your final destination!
A career will make you feel:
- Challenged
- Appreciated
- Hopeful
- Provided for
- Like you’re making a difference
On the contrary, a job will leave you feeling:
- Stuck
- Stagnant
- Unstable
- Bored
- And largely unhappy
The bottom line – do something that makes you feel good about the difference you’re making, and that makes you feel valued and excited for your future! If you aren’t, then you’re doing yourself a huge disservice.
Again, we may be biased, but choosing a career in nutrition is an amazing way to reach people, change lives, and to take control of your professional journey. It also has the power to take your current job and to turn it into a career with the introduction of new skills and capabilities.
Does your position fulfil your “why”?
If you’ve followed The Health Sciences Academy over the last year or so, then you may have heard or seen one of us refer to our “why”.
Your “why” is the motivation that’s at the core of your professional goals. Why are you doing this? What gets you out of bed every morning? What would your motivation be if you could do something every day of your life for YOU, that meets YOUR goals, and fulfils YOUR ambitions?
Before you can be successful, you need to know why your pursuing your career in the first place…
Whether you prefer a vision board, journal, or a well-crafted business plan – all of these things can be used to help you identify and stay true to your “why”.
Making sure that this aligns with your core values is a great way to ensure that your success is consistent with what drives you personally.
Because, let’s be honest, just working for a paycheque isn’t enough. If you don’t walk away feeling like you’re accomplishing something you can feel good about, then it’s time for a career change!
Are you happy and making a positive impact?
One thing that we’ve discovered to be fairly consistent with our students is their drive to make a positive impact.
Everyone has a personal reason that pushes them towards success (the aforementioned “why”), and if you’re not happy, then there’s a good chance that your “why” and the impact you’re making through your job aren’t lining up.
We all know that you can’t be happy all the time. There will always be activities that you don’t enjoy that are related to your career (think tedious paperwork that you can’t outsource – yet). But overall, you should feel like you know your purpose and that you’re making a positive impact on the world.
Without this, showing up to work every day becomes another means to an end, and won’t be a fulfilling. You need to feel that the work you’re doing is providing true value. When you do, success will come so much easier for you.
Are you stuck or poised for growth?
No one wants to feel like they’re stagnating in their work, showing up every day and never seeming to get anywhere. That’s where the term “rat race” comes from, and it isn’t something that’s exactly associated with professional or personal success.
Going through the motions won’t be good enough if you have the ambition and drive to start your own business or to truly flourish in your career.
Working in a dead-end position that doesn’t allow you to grow and reach your potential is a fast track to nowhere, and you deserve better!
Is a career in nutrition the answer?
If you’re reading this, there’s an excellent chance that you’re looking for a career change and have a definite interest in nutrition. And having a “why” centred on helping people means you’re in the right place!
Becoming a nutrition professional allows you to develop and cultivate a vital skill set that’s relevant and beneficial to everyone in the world. Really think about that…
You’ll never have a shortage of clients, and you’ll have the power to do something that you love while taking control of your personal and professional life.
It takes some hard work but is completely worth it when you finally feel that sense of purpose and professional fulfilment!
Ready to get started?
Click here to explore our full suite of certifications, and start pursuing your career today!
