At some point, most of us have asked, “Is this really what I want to be doing for the rest of my life?” or “Is there something else out there for me?” These types of questions are common. In fact, according to a recent release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals may change jobs up to eight times between the ages of 18 and 30. If you’ve thought about changing careers but aren’t sure if it’s the right move, here are a few things to consider.
Figure Out What You Want
Before changing careers, make sure that you have a good sense of what you are looking for in your next career. Take time to reflect on what’s important to you. What type of work excites you? What kind of work environment is most conducive to your productivity? How deeply do you want to dig into a task or project? Asking these questions will help you understand what drives you and what is most important to you in your career. If you’re not sure where to begin, there are online assessments that can help you start the process.
Money, Money, Money
A recent Gallup survey found that money has increased in importance for Americans. Often, changing careers can mean accepting a lower-level role, which can come with a lower salary. Think about how important compensation is to you. Are you in a position to afford to take a cut in pay? Will your long-term earning potential make up for any current losses? Regardless of the answer, ensure that you are compensated appropriately for the work you are doing.
Where Are You Personally?
While we like to think that we can keep our personal and professional lives separate, there is always some overlap. Major life events, including getting married, having a baby, and caring for aging or ill relatives, can be overwhelming. Before making a change, really think about your personal situation. Do you have underlying support and stability in your personal life? You may find that you don't have the capacity for making a career change.
Think About Who You Know
A recent LinkedIn survey found that 85 percent of jobs are filled via networking. Do you know anyone working in your field of interest? If yes, reach out to them to learn more. In addition, take the time to make new connections. Having an established network can help with the transition to a new career and set you up for success.
Be Realistic
Changing careers will likely take time, so be prepared mentally and financially. Also, it’s important to realize that a change may not fix all the issues you’re currently experiencing. Likewise, workplace connections aren’t guaranteed. According to a recent study from BetterUp Labs, 43 percent of workers believe their company should be doing more to promote workplace connections. At the end of the day, it’s important to be realistic about why you are looking to change careers, and what you can reasonably expect if you do.
Changing careers can be an exhilarating and scary prospect. It can create new opportunities, but it should not be taken lightly. Make sure you take the time to consider what you need and want, what your new career could provide, and whether you are prepared to make the leap. With proper reflection up front, you’ll be able to confidently move into a new career and take advantage of the opportunities that await.
ON TOPIC
Vickie Oldman is co-manager of Seven Sisters Community Development Group, where she specializes in culturally relevant approaches to organizational development. She has more than 25 years of expertise in strategic planning, board development, leadership training, team building, asset building, and executive coaching for Native and rural communities. A certified coach, trainer, and facilitator. Oldman is recognized nationally as a skilled facilitator, trainer, and speaker.
What are the top three signs that it might be time for a career change?
At some point or another, we all have realized that it is time for a career change. Our bodies often know long before we decide to make the move. One of the main indicators is noticing that you no longer feel passionate about the work. Do you remember feeling excited and spending hours learning, applying new tools and practices, and eagerly sharing what you learned? Now you notice that you have become complacent and find yourself unmotivated. Another factor could be your environment, internally or even externally. Sometimes, your personal life affects your work, or your work environment and style can affect your personal life, which leads to stress and missing work or important family events. Another factor that could lead you to shift your career is how unhappy you are with the organizational culture. Being in a workplace where the culture is not aligned with your values can lead to anxiety, stress, and dreading work.
When transitioning to a new career or field, what should you keep top of mind?
It's worth spending some time thinking about how your new career or field supports your values, family schedule, potential growth in leadership (if that’s what you want), and the longevity of the career path. You also want to think about your current and future finances. Will this new career sustain your current financial picture? Does it require a move to a new location? Do you need to earn a certification? Keep in mind that with any career path, it usually takes two to three years to feel comfortable in your new role, and acclimating to a new organizational culture requires time and patience.
Is there ever a time to think twice about changing careers?
There will always be something to consider when changing your career. Explore what matters to your well-being and your family's needs first. Does this align with your strengths, values, family needs, and finances? This may include getting a sense of your new career path's longevity. Talk with others in the field to get a better understanding of what you need to consider before taking the leap.
If you decide it's time to take a new path, hiring a coach to explore all the pathways to feel good about your decision may be worth your time. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my values and how do they align with my current and potential new career path?
- What are my strengths?
- What are the potential challenges if I choose a new career path or if I stay?
- What do I need to do to feel good about my choice?
- What can I do to ensure that I have done some intentional planning?
