Changing careers may be hard, but spending 40 hours a week doing something unfulfilling is harder. While it’s important to pay your dues, holding a job you hate may not be the best way to achieve your professional goals.

Here are a few signs it’s time to call a career coach to discuss more fulfilling—and lucrative—alternatives to the current job situation. 

When to Call a Career Coach 

1. Your Body Is Breaking Down 

Stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways. If a doctor rules out any health conditions but you can’t seem to shake recurring headaches, chest pain, fatigue, digestive problems, or insomnia, it’s reasonable to assume work is the culprit. After all, most people spend nearly half their waking hours at work. That means unless your personal life is responsible for the stress, it’s time to call a career coach. 

2. You Often Look But Have Yet to Leap 

Perhaps you already know what you’d rather be doing. Perhaps you’ve talked to your friends repeatedly about it, read numerous articles or listened to a handful of podcasts on the subject. At the end of the day, if you spend a considerable portion of time dreaming about a different career or a new job, you will never feel fulfilled until taking concrete steps to pursue it. 

3. You Have No Life Outside of Work 

Whether your work takes up all your time or leaves you so unhappy that you can’t enjoy the free time you do have, it’s unsustainable. In order to perform at full capacity, everyone needs to unwind. They also need to use their enjoyable skills. Fortunately, a career coach can help you find a path that is both fulfilling and flexible, so you actually look forward to going to work but also get to enjoy time off. 

For more than 30 years, Margaret M. Enloe, Esq. has been helping clients set—and then achieve—both short- and long-term goals. Based in New York City, this knowledgeable career coach gives ambitious professionals the tools they need to pursue their dreams. A motivational speaker and life coach, she also offers guidance on finding personal fulfillment. To reach out and discuss your needs and goals, email her at ME@MargaretEnloe.com or fill out the form on her website.