Wrong Career Path

Wrong Career Path

Career Counseling April 07, 2021

Wrong Career Path

Wrong Career Path

It is Monday and you have the worst case of Monday Blues, you are tired and actually melancholic as you imagine the week to come, you get no satisfaction whatsoever when it comes to your job and you lack that enthusiasm or drive to face another day. You feel you are stuck in the wrong job or perhaps you need a midlife career change. When your job becomes a burden and constant source of anxiety-like this, it is perhaps time to leave the wrong career path and focus on something new. It may be time to think about how to get out of a career rut. This, however, is easier said than done. Some people remain miserably trapped in the wrong career for years until they fall into despair, negativity, and depression. One needs to let go of their wrong career choice before they reach rock-bottom. How then does one get to let go of a wrong career path?​

• Do not be scared of disappointing others

​Career shifting is not an easy decision. Many people stay in the wrong career just because they are scared to disappoint their families and loved ones. The job might be prestigious or high-paying that others might consider you a fool if you ever leave it. Let this not force your hand and get you to stay. If you are not personally satisfied, learn to let go. Being trapped in constant anxiety, stress and lethargy are bad for your health as many types of research have shown. It drains you of all vitality and leads to depression, affecting your relationship with others in a negative way. Be courageous and get let go even when others might mock you for your choice. Why do you have to sacrifice yourself just to please others?

1. Understand that letting go is not a failure

Many will never back down even from a very bad career path because they are afraid to look like failures. We are indoctrinated with piths like "winners never quit" from an early age that any motion of letting go is considered an intolerable weakness. However, letting go is never a sign of weakness. In fact, it shows some high strength of character and will. When we let go and pursue our passions, we demonstrate a level of non-conformity. We show that we are daring enough to choose that which defines us best.

• ​​​Understand why you are leaving 

For you to get the courage to let go, you need to lucidly go over 8 reasons why it may be time to change your job. This will help you reinforce the idea in your mind and help you not to walk the same road again in the future. Know what you love and hate and why you do. This will help to stay motivated and courageous about your plan. You may also want to look up a few tips to stay motivated. When everything is clear in your head, when your grievances are fresh and lucid in your mind, you can easily find the strength to break the cords that hold you back. That’s when you start to think about how to prepare to quit your job.​

1. Have a plan

Once you are resolute and are sure you have to let go, you need to have a plan so that you will not be stuck in another anxiety loop over a source of livelihood. Have a rough idea of what you really want to do. This will help facilitate the transition phase between what you are doing now and what you will be doing in the future. But of course, it is understandable when your desire to let go is imminent and you really have to leave before you have a plan. In such cases, you will need some strength and mental fortitude to carry the burdens that follow such decision.

1. Do not burn bridges

It is time to take that final step and leave. It’s important to learn how to quit your job too. Remember, do not burn that bridge. You might have some strained relationships with your bosses and colleagues, but this is not an excuse to burn it all down. You might need some references in the future so try to be courteous and professional when you leave. It might mean you might have to give some weeks' notice before you leave or to hand in a resignation letter. Try to communicate clearly and respectfully why you are leaving while remaining candid when it comes to appreciating things that you learned during your stay there

Leaving your comfort zone and following a path that you define for yourself is never easy. Sometimes you have to do it silently since others will not fully understand your grievances and reasons. Remember that letting go is not a sign of weakness, nor do you have to let go only when it is the last resort. Do not prioritize other's happiness and well-being over your own. It might be tough the first few weeks while you are transitioning but it will pay up eventually. All you need is courage and the right attitude. Never be scared to let go of a wrong career path. Follow your passions​

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Mandy Fard

About the Author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.