If you’re thinking about making a change in your career, chances are you’re feeling unhappy about one, or multiple aspects right now.

That feeling of living incongruently, with the work you do going against your own grain, feeling undervalued either in salary or in recognition, feeling capable of so much more, OR wanting to be doing less.

It’s impossible to push away career unhappiness, and here is a fact; if you don’t make the change, change will still happen, it just won’t be of your own design!

So YES, change WILL ultimately make you feel happier and more fulfilled and here is how:

• Ensure the work you choose feels sustainable. That is, something you will be happy working in for a while and with opportunities for growth if that is what you are seeking, rather than feeling you need to plan your escape route.

• Ask yourself what you value most in life right now? List the top three things. Does your job align with these areas? If not, it’s little wonder you feel unhappy. Working and therefore living incongruently with your personal values is exhausting and at its’ worst, soul destroying.

• What financial reward to you require to feel fairly paid and valued? Most jobs have a six month honeymoon period where you feel the money does not matter, but once you start feeling like you are delivering beyond the scope and above others, this is going to matter a whole lot more. Ask for what you truly want…and then some.

• Check in with yourself that your next move or change aligns with your longer-term vision for your career. Even in a very small way. It’s the little steps that you consistently take that matter most. You will see this by looking back on your career to date.

• Reflect on your own work patterns you need to change or boundaries that need to be set to ensure your happiness. Take responsibility for these otherwise, what has made you unhappy previously will follow you…regardless of the job, money, company, or leader you work with.

• Ask yourself IF in a year or two, you’re still in the same place in your career, what will you regret not doing, trying, or being?

So go ahead and follow what excites you and feels aligned, silence your inner critic, step out of your own way, and enjoy the increased confidence and fulfilment that will ripple out into all areas of your life!