How to Recognize When You’re No Longer Content with Benchwork.

Have you ever woken up one morning and realized that what used to excite you now feels like a chore? It’s like an itch you can’t scratch — that growing feeling of discontentment. For me, that’s exactly what happened.

My Experience: When the Lab Stopped Feeling Like Home

I spent years working in one of the largest diagnostic labs in Lagos, Nigeria. Night shifts, countless samples, and the hustle of processing data was my life. I remember the excitement of coming in early before the afternoon shift would leave, eager to see the wave of samples coming from our collection centers scattered across Lagos. We were at the heart of it all — the head office — a fully automated lab buzzing with energy. The vacutainer tubes, barcodes, the click of machinery, and even the manual slide readings in hematology kept me on my toes. I loved it.

But then, slowly, things began to change. What once felt like a calling became routine. The thrill faded, and what used to energize me started to feel like a burden. I was no longer that excited about processing samples or seeing the lablog fill up. Instead, I found myself staring at the loads of samples and feeling... well, upset.

I remember thinking, "I don’t want to be here anymore." It was no longer fulfilling, and the peace I once had was gone. Even on my days off, I couldn’t sleep. I spent endless hours on the internet, checking out other industries, browsing LinkedIn, and admiring professionals who seemed to have it all figured out. I felt restless, yearning for more, for something bigger, something beyond the bench.

Are You at This Stage?

Does this sound familiar? Do you find yourself scrolling through LinkedIn, admiring others and wondering how they got to where they are? Do you feel like you’ve outgrown your current role, but aren’t sure what the next step is?

If you wake up each day dragging yourself to work, feeling that strong sense of discontent, it might be more than just dissatisfaction with your boss or the regular stress of life. If you feel this deep unrest, it could be a sign that you’re being called to something more.

Signs You Might Be Ready for Something New

Here are a few key signs I noticed in my journey:

• Discontentment: What used to excite you now feels like a chore. The spark is gone.
• Routine: The job feels like the same thing over and over. You’re no longer growing.
• Restlessness: Even when you’re off work, you can’t relax. Your mind is always thinking about a change.
• Admiration: You spend hours admiring other people’s careers, wishing you had the same fulfillment.

These feelings are normal, and they’re often the first indicators that you’re ready to evolve, to step out, and to explore new horizons.

My Turning Point

For me, I knew something had to change. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but I knew I didn’t want this. Looking back, I realized that what I was experiencing was a call for growth. It wasn’t just about leaving the bench; it was about stepping up the value chain and finding my place where I could have more impact, more fulfillment, and honestly, more peace.

You're Not Alone

If you’re reading this and it resonates with you, trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and so have countless others. This is why I’ve started writing — to share my journey and to remind you that it’s okay to want more, to feel that pull toward something bigger.

What's Next?

I’m here to help you walk through it. Watch this space as I continue sharing my story and insights. Follow Bloodwork Innovations across social media, join the community(Upcoming), and let’s get inspired together. You may just find the courage to dare to step out and pursue the more that’s calling you.

So, are you ready to start listening to that inner voice? The one that’s telling you that it’s time to leave the bench and embrace a new phase of your career?

Stay tuned for the next post where I’ll guide you through the process of gaining clarity on exactly what that next step could be. The journey starts now!

Written with love,

Nancy