You’ve been in a rut lately. The universe seems to be working against you. You haven’t had a pay rise in over two years now, your clientele seems to be getting smaller by the day, and your financials have been in the dumps since the year began.
Your family, friends, and colleagues keep suggesting a career change, and after struggling for months, you think it might be the most logical move for you.
But, what does making a career change entail? Where do you start? What should you consider, and do you have to go back to school? According to experts, before making any drastic career changes or moves, you need to consider these essential factors first. Evaluating your motives, exploring your job options, and seeking professional advice will help you experience ultimate fulfillment in whatever career path you choose.
What is your motive?
Before you hop into a new career, you need to consider your drive for the career change. Why do you want to leave your current job? Is your boss making your life difficult, or do you dislike your current career path? Are you looking to make more money, gain fame, or boost your interests? If you can answer these questions, you can better substantiate the why, and according to ‘Motivations for Making Big Career Moves,’ substantiating your why will allow you to pull yourself through when things get tough, and they will. Trust us.
Individuals who experience deeper levels of career success don’t make moves out of desperation, nor do they look to gain fame or elevate their social status. They evaluate every aspect. You have to consider if the new job or career path matches your skillset and interests, if the new firm upholds your core values, and if the job will provide you with room for growth.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to elevate your social status. Still, if your main driver is fame, money, or status, then you’ll find yourself trying to gain financial security at the expense of your career fulfillment.
Is it the best financial alternative?
It might seem a bit counterintuitive, but you need to consider your financials. As much as we’d like to focus on personal fulfillment and love for the job, you need to ensure that your pockets are considered. In any case, money drives the world, at least in the 21st Century.
So, look at the numbers. How will the new job affect your financials? Will it push back or your retirement, or will you have to push your kids to get scholarships to go to college? Will you have a substantial amount to invest with, or will the entire amount go into paying your bills? Can your family handle the possibility of downsizing for a while before you get back on your feet? How many hours will you have to put in per week to achieve your monthly financial goals?
Unfair as it might seem, you need to consider the salary you’ll earn in your job.
However, this doesn’t mean that you need to make more money to switch careers. Some people drop down a few tax brackets and are completely comfortable with the change. As long as you’re happy with your financial future and the prospects you’ll be getting, then it might be feasible to switch careers. If not, then you need to re-evaluate your choices. It’s a matter of balancing your risks with the rewards.
Does the job offer any growth potential?
Switching jobs might seem exciting, but have you considered the possibility of growth? Will you be able to climb as far up the corporate ladder, or will you find yourself in a dead-end career and regret your decision to move? It might seem unfair, but some jobs might not allow you to get as far up as you’d like. So, be sure to check if the new firm will help you see your dreams through to fruition and what the future in the new career path entails.
Who can help make the transition easier?
If you don’t know by now, networking is vital in any field, and if you’re looking to switch your careers, you need all the help you can get. Reach out to professionals working in the field you’re interested in and ask them questions about their work. You can even shadow them and observe firsthand what the new job will entail.
If you don’t know where to start with this, you can consult a mentor or certified career coach who can link you with professionals in the same field as you. Doing this will give you an idea of whether or not the new job will be excellent for you. Reading through publications and browsing through industry-related blogs can also give you an idea of what to expect in the new career and help you learn as much as you can, and boost your chances of landing your dream job.
Every career path sparks different emotions. It might be joyous, smooth sailing, painful and challenging. Choosing broadcast journalism over print media doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll become the next Oprah. Starting your own business might also not make you the next Jeff Bezos.
It would help if you made some significant tradeoffs to achieve your dreams. What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your life-long goals? What are the risks vs. the rewards? It would be best if you considered every aspect thoroughly. You don’t want to be fooled into thinking that you’ll eliminate the struggle and worries by switching careers because you won’t. You might experience a different set of worries and struggles, and that’s fine. It’s life’s reality.
As long as your new career helps you achieve your dreams, financial expectations, values and allows you to grow, then you’re good to go. Everything else will be a bonus!
