Are you among the many individuals who are unhappy with their current jobs or careers? If you answered yes, what’s the cause of your unhappiness?
- You earn too little money?
- Office politics are too distracting?
- You made a bad career choice?
Whatever the reason, you should think twice before you decide to leap into a new career. Answer these 5 questions to be certain you’re ready to make a change.
1. Why do you want to change you career?
Your first response may be money. What about lack of promotion or no sense of achievement? Maybe it’s boredom.
Are your reasons something you know you can find or alleviate elsewhere? Is making a change really worth it?
No career is perfect. You’re going to face challenges in any job. Enjoying what you do motivates you through those challenges.
Never pick up a career just because someone else succeeded in it.
2. Where do you want to go?
If you feel that your current job isn’t working for you, what is your new career plan? Is it a promotion, a lateral move or a completely new field?
Do research. Talk to people who are in that field.
3. What skills will you need?
If you plan to change careers, new skills are a MUST. They are necessary if you are to establish your personal brand (the skills and qualities that make you unique).
For example, if you move from Finance to Counseling, you will need more in your resume apart from your confessed love for people.
Develop a career plan that will:
- Take you where you want to go.
- Help you avoid any mistakes you made before.
4. In which direction is the market moving?
Market needs change over time. What was hiring like crazy yesterday may cool off tomorrow.
The point is to choose a career that is able to withstand market changes. Your success depends on the DEMAND for and the SUPPLY of your skills.
5. What price are you willing to pay?
Changing careers, especially in our current economic climate, can mean that you will face difficult challenges:
- Long study hours.
- Financial difficulties (especially during transition).
- Reduced family time.
Discuss these challenges with family members. Your decision will obviously affect them as well.
Put some serious thought into how you answer the five questions and feel confident that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to change your career.