Want to Make a Career Change? Consider These Points First

Changing careers is never an easy decision to make, especially when you are earning big bucks out of it. A common motivator for career change comes in the form of either hating what you do or liking it but not being 100% happy or satisfied with the role you are in.

In addition, the idea of making a career transition also brings with it a ton of questions that need to be answered before changing your career route.

So, if you find yourself staring at the clock at work, just watching the minutes tick by, then you need to stop killing yourself slowly and make a turn on the road to your passion.

We’ve put together a list of things to consider before they decide to switch their career.

Clear your mind

When it comes to our careers, we are often taught to go after the most lucrative options available to us. To do this, we often push aside any dreams we have about “what we want to be when we grow up” in order to pursue the more “logical” career. However, more often than not, when we are deep into our successful career we start to think about what would have happened if we went after those dreams.

In your 60s, when you are basking in the sun with a glass of iced tea in your hand, it would not be a pleasant thought if you suddenly started to regret not doing what you actually wanted to do. At that age, the drive to earn the great money won’t be as appealing then as pursuing your dream would be.

When you are thinking of making a career change, you have to ask yourself what you are really passionate about. Is there anything that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning? Something that gets your blood pumping just thinking about it? Something you can dream of all day long?

Well, I say don’t just sit there dreaming about it and get to work. Because that is the one thing you’ll want to do for the rest of your life. So clear your mind and THINK!! What is the one thing that you truly actually want?

Are you scared of change?

Fear is a solid motivator but it often results in us getting stuck. The fears of denunciation, regret or failure are some of the many reasons which might stop you from taking a step further.

Changing careers does contain risks. You have to build new relationships and develop the required skills necessary for the new job. But, remember, anyone who has ever done something worthwhile or unique was also afraid, at first.

In order to overcome that fear, you first want to understand where it’s coming from and own it. What are you afraid of? Is it a lack of financial security? Is it a fear of what your friends and family will think? Are you afraid to disappoint both yourself and those around you?

When you understand what exactly it is that is holding you back, you can evaluate the risks, have conversations with loved ones about your feelings if needed and take hold of those fears. We are all afraid sometimes. It is a natural human emotion. However, it is often the things that scare us that lead us to achieve our greatest accomplishments. If you can own that fear and gain the courage to step out of your comfort zone, there could be amazing things waiting for you.

Don’t let fear stop you from following a new path that could make your life a lot better in many ways.

How it will affect your lifestyle?

The goal of all those well-dressed people going to work in the morning is achieving a healthy, happy lifestyle for them and their family.

Sure, careers are important, but in the end, it is the lifestyle and family that’s important and cannot be compromised at any cost. Well, a career change could interfere with some of the most important commitments and priorities of your life and your family. Thus, you need to be well-planned and structured about every step you take further as it will affect your lifestyle and of those around you greatly. So, do take advice from your family and friends if required as they are also the one getting affected directly or indirectly with every decision you make.

Make sure you have a good reason

Many people think that making a career change will solve all of their problems, which is often far from the truth. When things aren’t going right, we often blame our career and think that making the switch will mean everything else falls into place.

Be sure to stop and reflect before planning a major shift. Sure, spending 40 hours per week with annoying co-workers around you can be a pain, but that is it a valid enough reason to quit?

Of course, if your career is interfering with your family life or your health, it may be clear that a change is in order. However, if you are thinking of making a career change because you had a tough week, you may want to consider a shift in perspective. Even your dream job will have some bad days, so you may have to look at the pros and cons of your current position and go from there.

Even a new career becomes old with time. Learn to stay true to your attitude and work ethics rather than jumping between careers one after the other.

If you are giving a job all you’ve got and still not the getting satisfaction in return and really feel like things are not going to improve, feel free to make a move.

Once you decide, keep going!

It takes courage to leave any job, but if you have already decided to move on, don’t fret now and just follow through with all your heart and soul. The best things in life take time to manifest and can often require your full attention to bear the sweetest fruits.

When the process gets tough, don’t ever look back and judge yourself. The decision was all yours and has been already made.

Plan everything in advance – thoroughly research companies and industries of interest, conduct informational interviews and be aware of all the possible roadblocks that may come up in your journey ahead. Not everything will come your way easy, but you just have to push through and have faith in yourself.

Thinking of hiring a career coach to help you make a successful career change? Browse our directory of career coaches and get a FREE consultation or request a personalized coach recommendation!