Is it Time to Break Up With Your Job?

Is it Time to Break Up With Your Job?

3 signs that you should move on.
By Chris Kyle
Your relationship with your career is like any other relationship.
There will be good days and bad days. Ups and downs.
You may have to make compromises. You may get something unexpected in return.
But, unfortunately, sometimes, you just need to end things. Maybe it's best to just say goodbye and let it go.

Check out these three signs that it's time for a career break up, as well as ways to ensure that your next job is your dream job.

Break Up Sign #1: You're not really in love.
You need to be honest with yourself. This career relationship is one of the most important in your life.
Here's a test: When you're at a party, do you dread that moment when someone asks you: "So...what do you do?"
If you answered yes, you likely aren't a physical therapist. According to a University of Chicago employment survey, more than three quarters of physical therapists describe themselves as "very satisfied" at work. The only occupation to rank higher: the clergy.
Generally speaking, the happiest employees work in creative or helping professions:
Graphic designers, for example, use their artistic ability to create designs for posters, flyers, and websites. An associate's degree in graphic design can get you started.
If you're active and want to help others like you, massage therapy and fitness programs can give you the skills you need to go into business for yourself and ultimately find flexible full-time or part-time work.
Likewise, a teaching certificate program can help you trade your office cubicle for a classroom and the rewards of working with students.

Break Up Sign #2: You fight about money.
Parade magazine's 2008 survey on marriage found that money was the most common cause of marital fights.
So if your career is like a marriage, it makes sense that money can be an issue.
Depending on your interests and skill-set, here are several options that can help you get the financial aspects of your career relationship in order.
Consider earning a bachelor's degree in computer science. With an average starting salary of $61,407, it was ranked sixth in CNBC's highest-paid bachelor's degrees of 2009.
By earning your nursing degree, you'll be qualified to enter one of today's fastest-growing professions with an average starting salary of $54,900, according to a 2009 report from PayScale.com.
Finally, if you really want to get your financial life in order, consider a career in accounting or finance. You'll make good money in your career (average salary of $59,430) and be able to carry your skills over to your personal finances!

Break Up Sign #3: You feel trapped
A little break is healthy for any relationship - or any job. That's what weekends and vacations are for.
But if a little R&R isn't enough to cure you, you might be in a job that's not allowing you room for professional growth and advancement. Break up alert!
It's time to examine your goals to see if they are compatible with your current role
Maybe quitting or leaving your current job isn't feasible. Going to school online is one way to gain the skills you need to advance. By earning your master's of business administration, you'll really become corner office material.
If you really need a fresh start, try one of today's most interesting careers like video game design, forensics, massage therapy, or fashion design. These careers might seem a little crazy, but in relationships you have to follow your heart!