Are you considering changing your career? Let’s start by saying you are not the only one. And that’s reasonable. The world around us is changing rapidly and most people change more than 10 jobs in the course of their careers.
In fact, recent statistics show that more than 30% of 25-44 years old considered changing careers in 2021.
Whether you need a raise or are simply interested in a different field, changing careers can be a smart decision. However, there are some parameters you should consider before making such a decision.
7 Questions You Have to Ask Before Changing your Career
In this article, we will go over everything you should ask yourself before you change careers. From practical preparation for interviews and extra work to answering the question of how this change will affect your family, nothing is left out.
So without further ado, let us take a look at the 7 questions you should ask yourself before making a career change.
1. Should you Seek a New Career or a New Job?
This is by far the most important question you should ask yourself before making a life-changing career decision. If you are not happy with your current work environment, it does not necessarily mean that you should look for a new career.
Dissatisfaction can make someone ‘hate’ an area/industry. But if you get to the bottom of the problem, you can find out if you should change careers or just looking for a new job. To be precise, there is a possibility that you just need a new challenge in the same industry.
Re-entering your career through a new job could be the answer to your dissatisfaction. However, if you simply want to explore a new field that will make you happier, a career change is the best solution.
2. Which Job is the Best for You? How to Get Prepared?
Now that you have made sure you need a new challenge, it’s time to think about the path. Although changing careers is exciting, choosing the right job is very important in the long run. You should always think about the advancement and growth that a new career can offer.
To achieve this, all you need to do is research and talk to other people about this new opportunity. This will also help you prepare for your upcoming interviews.
Let us say you have an online interview. While choosing a well-designed Zoom background template and other interview tools is crucial, having a good understanding of the field is what will ultimately give you the job.
So, research the new career path you want to take and prepare yourself for the new challenge.
3. Are you Prepared for Radical Changes in your Routine?
A career change does not just impact your work environment. In most cases, a career change affects a person’s work-life balance. Of course, that does not mean it will negatively impact your routine.
For example, working remotely will likely allow you to spend more time with your friends and family. Still, that’s not always the case.
That’s why you should always consult people who know how such a change will affect your daily routine. Then it will be easier for you to decide whether this change will be beneficial for you as a person.
4. How Can This Change Alter Your Payment? Can you Afford the Risk?
Although money can’t buy happiness, it’s not wise to neglect how a career change can affect your finances. In general, a career change will likely affect your salary.
Even if you are excited about a job, always consider the sacrifices you’ll have to make before taking it. Also, try to keep your future in this field in perspective: What would this career change mean for your development, as well as for your retirement plans?
5. Does the New Career Fit Your Identity, Values, and Skills?
For the same reason, before you take on a new challenge, you should first do a self-assessment. For example, does this new career path fit perfectly with your values and skills?
There are many cases where people change careers for financial reasons. However, if a new job does not match your needs and preferences, you will probably be unhappy.
Therefore, when making such life-changing decisions, it is very important to strike a balance between your life goals and your financial needs.
6. Are you Willing to Reset your Career? Starting at the Bottom/ Volunteer/ Study
Reorienting your career means that you will probably have to start in a lower position than the one you have in your current job. Are you willing to make that sacrifice?
In addition, to change your career, you may need to volunteer and expand your knowledge through workshops, internships, etc. Although this is a very exciting process for many people, are you willing to do it?
If you answered yes to both questions, then congratulations: you are passionate and a career change is exactly what you need. There is only one more thing you need to answer before you change your career.
7. How Will This Decision Impact Your Loved-Ones?
Last but not least, you need to ask yourself how a career change will affect your relationships. No matter how hard you try, a career change will take a lot out of you, and you need to discuss that with your loved ones.
So be sure to explain why you need this change and how the new job will benefit you as a person. But most importantly, listen to what they have to say.
Conclusion
It is clear that a career change is both exciting and challenging. Answering the questions above will help you determine whether or not this new path is the best one.
Remember that there are several ways to achieve your dreams, such as setting healthy living goals. So it all boils down to one question: is a career change what you really need? If so, now is the time to do it!