How to Know if a Career Change is Right for You

The thought of making a career change can be daunting, but seeking new employment opportunities can be essential to both professional development and meeting personal needs. Changing careers is also a good way to reset and work toward new goals and dreams.

What Does a Career Change Entail?

The term “career change” is quite broad and means different things to different people. In this article, “career change” can be described as moving in a new professional direction. A career change might be seeking or accepting a different type of position in your current company or industry, seeking a job in a different industry, or starting your own business.

A career change is influenced by goals, ambitions, and a desire to progress professionally and is not synonymous with a job change, though a job change is sometimes a career change.

Should I Consider a Career Change?

There are several reasons why people consider changing careers. These include income, benefits, interests, location, hours, skills, and development. The need or desire for a career change can also be influenced by changes in the job market. New opportunities might arise as new positions are created, and some jobs and careers might even go away entirely.

To get a better idea of where you stand, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I passionate about what I do for work?
• What causes am I most passionate about?
• Do I make enough money to support myself and those who depend on me?
• Do I feel that I am being compensated fairly?
• Do my values align with those of the company I work for?
• Are my work hours interfering with my personal responsibilities, goals, or desires?
• Am I utilizing my skills and talents in my job?
• Do I frequently get bored while on the clock?
• Are there skills I would like to develop that I cannot learn in my current position?
• Do I regularly dread going to work?
• Do I get along with my manager and coworkers?

Depending on your answers to these questions, you might consider making a career change. No job will be a perfect situation, but evaluating various aspects of your career and your level of satisfaction can help you identify whether you should make a change.

How Should I Prepare to Make a Career Change?

As you contemplate changing the direction of your career, there are some things to think about and prepare for to ensure that you are satisfied with your decision.

How Do I Find New Job Opportunities That Might Interest Me?

There are many ways to learn about job opportunities. Some of the most common are asking about other positions at your company, using online resources like job sites, and utilizing your professional network.

What Should I Consider When Making a Career Change?

If you have decided to move forward with a career change, don’t rush into a decision without having a plan and understanding how to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself and your family. You may need to relocate. You may need to receive further training. You may need to start over or take a slight step back (with the goal of advancing later). Whatever the situation, make sure you are ready with the correct resources. Without good preparation and consideration, you may take the wrong opportunity and regret it later.

Is It Too Late for Me to Make a Career Change?

It is becoming more and more common to make several changes throughout one’s career. In 2021, more than 50 percent of those who quit their jobs made a career change. Many people will make at least one career change by the time they are 40, and several will seek new job positions after 40. It is never too early or too late to make a change.