Career change in Vienna

Career change: between a symptom of crisis and a developmental step

A career change is rarely a purely objective decision. There is often a longer internal process behind it: dissatisfaction, exhaustion, the feeling of „no longer being right“ in one's own job - or a quiet longing for something else that hasn't had room for a long time. Some people change jobs of their own accord, others due to external pressure. In both cases, professional reorientation is a significant turning point that is linked to identity, self-worth and social security. Find out more →

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Mastering professional changes

Picture of Fachbeitrag von Dr. Katrin Wippersberg

Specialist article by Dr. Katrin Wippersberg

Dr. Katrin Wippersberg is a multi-skilled psychoanalyst and psychotherapist who works with great empathy and extensive experience in the treatment of trauma, anxiety disorders and depression, as well as being a profound couples therapist.

A career change is rarely just a decision made on paper. It is usually preceded by a longer inner journey: doubts, excessive demands, the desire for change or the search for meaning. For many people, their career is closely linked to their own self-image, which is why a change often also means facing oneself anew. Regardless of whether the impulse comes from within or without, professional reorientation is an important step towards greater coherence and a self-determined path in life.

At a glance

At a glance: Career change
More than a job change: A career change not only affects work, but also identity, self-worth and your own sense of security.	Long internal process: The desire for change usually arises gradually, through dissatisfaction, excessive demands or the feeling of no longer being in the right place.
The working environment is crucial: Toxic structures, a lack of appreciation or stressful dynamics are often the reason for the desire to change.	Emotional hurdles: Fear of insecurity, loss of status or feelings of guilt can make the step more difficult - this is completely normal.
Important signs: Exhaustion, loss of purpose or the feeling of no longer being „right“ at work should be taken seriously.	Accompaniment makes it easier: Professional advice, coaching or psychotherapy can help you gain clarity and actively shape change.

Profession as an anchor of identity

For many people, their job is much more than just a source of income: it shapes their self-image, daily structure, status and sense of belonging. „What do you do for a living?“ is often the first question asked in social contact. Anyone thinking about a career change is therefore not only questioning activities - but often themselves: Who am I if I no longer do this?

Particularly in academic professions, vocations (e.g. in nursing, social work, the arts) or family businesses, the professional role is deeply embedded in the identity. A change can therefore trigger feelings of betrayal, guilt or fear of losing meaning - even if the current job has long since ceased to be coherent.

When to consider a change

A career change rarely comes out of nowhere. Certain warning signs or inner tensions can indicate that a change is necessary. The most common signs include

Typical signs of a necessary career change
1. Persistent exhaustion or emotional emptiness despite recovery: recovery is no longer enough to feel better in the long term.
2. Loss of meaning or a feeling of inner emptiness in everyday working life: the job seems meaningless or no longer gives satisfaction.
3. Repeated conflicts or the feeling of „no longer fitting in“ in your own environment: constant tensions with colleagues or a lack of a sense of belonging.
4. Physical or psychological symptoms without a clear cause: for example, sleep disorders, headaches or increased anxiety.
5. Envy or longing at the thought of other career paths: the desire for a new direction or a different task becomes stronger.

It is not always the job itself that is the problem - it is often about how, with whom and under what conditions you work. Sometimes a change within the current professional field can also bring relief. If several of the above signs persist over a longer period of time, it is worth taking a closer look and seeking support.

Self-test: Am I ready for a career change?

Are you unsure whether a career change might make sense for you? Do you often feel exhausted at work, have doubts about your decision or feel the need for a change?

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Toxic work cultures and their consequences

In many cases, it is not the job itself but the working environment that triggers the desire to change. Toxic leadership, power games, constant availability, devaluation or bullying lead to chronic stress, anxiety, self-doubt or emotional withdrawal.

Hidden toxic dynamics in which problems are trivialized but subtly perpetuated are particularly dangerous: through micromanagement, silent exclusion or excessive expectations. A working environment that makes people ill is not an individual failure - it is an expression of structural imbalances.

Mental health and work

Excessive demands at work can exacerbate mental health problems - or vice versa: depression, anxiety, ADHD or the effects of trauma can make it extremely difficult to perform certain tasks. A cycle of over-adaptation, withdrawal and self-criticism often arises, which distorts one's own performance experience.

If a career change becomes necessary during this phase, therapeutic support is often needed to differentiate between internal conflict and external stress.

Social and internal hurdles

Despite clear inner signals, many people stay in an unsuitable job for a long time. This is often due to fear of financial insecurity, loss of status or recognition, disappointment from those around them, such as parents, partners or colleagues, or even the admission that they have made the „wrong“ decision.

Women, people with care responsibilities or migrant backgrounds in particular often report feelings of guilt when seeking career changes. However, a career change is often a sign of autonomy and maturity, not instability.

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Professional change as a development task

A career change does not have to be dramatic. It can take place gradually, for example through reorientation in the same field, further training, a part-time change or starting your own project. It is important to take an honest look inside yourself before making the leap: What is really missing? What does your own self need in order to feel alive? Which needs have perhaps been suppressed up to now?

Professional fulfillment arises where competence, interest and inner values come together. Not every job has to be a vocation - but it should not be permanently overwhelming, exhausting or alienating.

Many people benefit from support during a phase of professional uncertainty. Psychological counseling helps with self-esteem conflicts, decision-making difficulties or psychological exhaustion. Coaching helps people to clarify their own strengths, values, resources and realistic options. Career counseling or career planning offer orientation in specific fields. And therapy can provide relief if burnout, inner emptiness, fears or underlying patterns - such as repetitions from the family of origin - play a role.

A career change is not a break, but often a transition: from a self-image that has become alien to a more authentic approach to life. Anyone who dares to take this step sets an example - for personal responsibility, further development and the willingness to take oneself seriously.

Frequently asked questions & answers

How can you tell whether it's time for a career change - or whether it's just a phase of exhaustion?

A career change can be considered if dissatisfaction, loss of meaning or emotional exhaustion persist over a longer period of time and do not improve even through recovery or change within the existing working environment.

Does a career change mean personal failure?

A new career start is not an expression of failure, but often a sign of inner development. Life phases, interests and values change - it is legitimate to realign professional decisions accordingly.

Why is it difficult to let go professionally - even when there is dissatisfaction?

The job is often closely linked to identity, security and social recognition. Changes can therefore trigger unconscious fears - of loss of status, rejection or inner emptiness, for example. This ambivalence is normal and deserves attention.

How can you determine whether a career change is really a good fit?

Long-term fit is not demonstrated by quick decisions, but by careful self-exploration, realistic planning and testing new fields. The first steps can be interviews, further training, internships or professional coaching.

Is a career change in midlife (e.g. after 40 or 50) still realistic?

Yes, later changes are also possible - often even particularly successful, because they are based on grown life experiences and clearer values. The idea of a „too late“ change is often based on external norms, not on inner maturity.

What should you do if it is unclear where you want to go on your professional journey?

In such cases, a phase of clarification is helpful: Which skills, interests and values are in the foreground? Which activities give you energy - which take it away? Career counseling, self-reflection or test procedures can provide support here.

What role does financial security play in the decision to change careers?

Financial stability is an important factor that should be taken seriously. Planning ahead - for example by building up reserves, part-time solutions or transition models - can help to combine security and development.

How do you deal with criticism or a lack of understanding from those around you?

Career changes can trigger irritation or defensiveness in your social environment - often due to your own fears or projections. Dealing with these reactions is important, but should not distract from the individual coherence of the decision.

How can we distinguish between wishful thinking and realistic options?

It is helpful to compare your inner desire with the concrete reality: What are the requirements of the new professional field? Which skills do you already have and which still need to be acquired? Initial practical steps often provide more information here than theoretical considerations.

Is there professional support for professional reorientation?

Yes, in addition to career counseling and coaching, psychological methods can also be used to diagnose resources, interests and motives. Psychotherapeutic support can be useful for underlying issues such as exhaustion, burnout or fear of failure.