A career change can be one of the most thrilling times of your professional life. It allows you to open the door to new possibilities, work in an industry that you love. Self-awareness, lifelong learning, and transferable skills are all considered extremely valuable in today’s workplace.
1. Do I want a career change or just a new job?
An unhappy work situation doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the wrong field. Other factors may be responsible for your dissatisfaction. Get to the root of why you find your current job unsatisfactory. If you are beginning to doubt yourself and the work that you do, then something dramatic needs to change in your working environment. Staying in a job or career that makes you feel bad about yourself as a person is never going to be worth it, no matter what the pay or perks are.
2. Am I willing to start in a lower position than the one I currently have?
Let’s say that you hold a mid-level position in your current career. Ask yourself how you would feel if you had to possibly start at the bottom of the career ladder again if you were to switch industries. The problem is that when you interview for a job, the hiring manager is going to try to determine if you are willing to downgrade your career. The best approach is to frame your answer positively with a focus on the attractive elements of your target job.
3. Do you dream of a different career?
Dreaming about work represents your peace of mind now. The job in a dream is not a sign that you will get a new job, but it shows determination. You are not easy to give up on challenging work. It also indicates that you have a dream that you are striving for. But if you are dreaming of a different career then it’s time to focus on the things that love you the most. Because sometimes money does not matter but doing a job which you love the most can give you happiness and peace of mind.
4. What are my top concerns right now?
According to research, 65 percent of workers say that workplace stress has caused difficulties in their lives and 25 percent view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives. You could have been more willing to make compromises in your personal life as a young employee in order to work from the ground level to get the profession you want. Focus on your top concerns because these are the things that will matter to you the most to achieve success in your life.
5. Would I take a pay cut to make the change?
While both present and future earning power is bound to play some role in any career decision, examining what you are willing to give up can offer critical insight into just how strongly you feel about making a change. The people who are most fulfilled at work have jobs they are passionate about. It is this passion for the job and the results from doing the work that motivates them not their paycheck.