Essentials To Consider When Making A Career Change

The lockdown occasioned by the pandemic gave many people time to rethink their lives and take stock of their career journeys to determine if everything aligns with their overall goals. Few people contemplated a career change before the lockdown, but the times have necessitated such thoughts because of economic uncertainties.

However, the change is not a straightforward affair for many. It is never a decision to take lightly. Switching jobs entails temporary disruptions to everyday routines, and the first few weeks can be very nerve-wracking and daunting. Nevertheless, the transition can be rewarding if you take the time to consider everything with a long-term view and make an informed choice.

It would be best if you weighed the advantages against the drawbacks, taking a realistic approach to picking the career depending on your skills, experiences, interests, and happiness. It requires you to consider the personal and professional benefits of switching jobs from one career to another.

When Is The Right Time For A Career Change?

Answering these questions requires taking a closer look at the reasons pushing you to make such a move. You might desire to earn more, want a job with flexible work hours, a less stressful profession, turn your hobby into a bustling career, or wish to run a business instead of being employed. The motivation differs, but a few issues can help you determine the right time for the career change.

• Your Job Impacts Your Self-Esteem

Your career should be a confidence booster, building your self-esteem professionally and personally. It should not make you doubt yourself. You risk grinding yourself down if you force yourself to endure a career that you consider boring or are in an office with toxic workplace culture. Your mental and physical health is vital to your professional success; thus, preserve them. It is best to call it deciding it is time for a change if you are in such a predicament in your current job.

• You Mostly Are In It For The Money

Are you in a job you hate but endure because it pays well? Is your well-being worth the payoff? It is better to switch to something that balances the two, giving your professional and personal satisfaction. Consider switching if you spend your income on things that compensate for the pain and frustration you experience at the office.

• You Are Perpetually Bored

We rarely get out of bed feeling excited about work. The days we feel uninterested and lazy about going to the office are more than we would want to admit. However, you know you have it worse if you have this feeling daily. It is time to change your career if every aspect of your profession is mind-numbingly dull.

The Perks And Potential Pitfalls Of A Career Change

Joblist’s recent survey of career changers shows a significant percentage of people who switched jobs were happy with the move. Many expressed positive outcomes. The data shows that:

–           80% of the respondents wished they had made the career move sooner

–           77% of the survey respondents were happier with their career change

–           75% were more satisfied

–           69% felt more fulfilled

–           65% said they felt less stressed by their new jobs

Nevertheless, some respondents were not happy with their decisions. They were asked if they would consider changing their careers again and:

–           75% said they would switch jobs again

–           13% were unsure

–           12% said they would not

While a career change might be done with hopes for better things, at times, it can be a regrettable decision based on the following reasons:

1. Financial Insecurity – Jumping from one industry to the next can require paying for further education to attain the necessary qualifications, which can occasion a period of unemployment.
2. Trial And Error – What you expect in joining a new industry is not what you find when you start working. So, finding your footing and enjoying your new job might take some time.
3. Stress – Finding a position that accommodates your professional experience can be more challenging and stressful than anticipated.
4. Higher Stakes – The emotional and financial investment involved in a career change where you aim at starting your business can elicit professional and personal concerns about how to achieve your dream.

Choosing The Right Career For You

You can avoid heartaches and save time in the long run when you take the time to evaluate your current predicament and the potential alternatives. The more research you do about the career change, the better you position yourself to make the right choices. It also is essential to avoid getting overly analytical because weeks, months, or years will pass as you ponder if the move is the best thing.

You can start by taking small actions. For instance, narrow the options and list down the steps to take that steer you in the right direction. You can email a contact in an industry of interest to inquire about online courses worth taking to help you attain the required skills as you prepare to join the sector. For example if you would like to become a social care leader reach out to career advisers or consult professional coaches and reputable career mentors to expand your scope of thought. Also, consider voluntary work to help you gain experience as you research potential jobs to consider when it is time to make the leap.

Expert Tips For Career Change Success

(a.) Assess your current job to determine why you feel unfulfilled.

(b.) Evaluate your skills, interests, and values to determine if your career suits you or if it is time to make a change.

(c.) Research alternative jobs to find out what other industries offer, the job roles, and the required qualifications. You can check out LinkedIn to find contacts in sectors of interest that you can contact and network with.

(d.) Review your work experience and consider taking other responsibilities that expose you to new experience opportunities instead of sticking to the same day-to-day job.

(e.) Upgrade your skills by taking courses that arm you with new knowledge, helping bridge the gap between career-required skills and your current qualifications. Consider broadening the scope by going for educational opportunities that do not directly impact your current job.

(f.) Spruce your resume, refocusing it depending on the new professional goals. Write a cover letter expressing your interests and passion for being part of the new industry while emphasizing your transferable skills.