Is your job making you feel miserable and bored? You don’t have any motivation to keep working at the same place? Does it feel like you have outgrown your position?
If yes is the answer to all these questions, you may need a career change.
Switching professions can bring a lot of benefits, however, Do your homework before you make any decisions.
If you feel like you are stuck in your current job and want something new, consider this first:
Think About It: What is the Actual Problem?
Are you completely sure you cannot stand your current job?
Keep in mind that the thing that affects your motivation and performance could be completely unrelated to your job.
Knowing the real reason, you are not happy with your current job, will allow you to determine whether you need to change your entire career path or just switch companies.
If you are experiencing things like a lack of growth opportunities, no recognition, tenuous working conditions or a poor relationship with your manager, there is a good chance you only need a new workplace.
On the other hand, if you have a burning desire to learn something different, your circumstance have changed drastically or your values no longer align with the organisation, it is probably time to switch professions.
Assess Yourself
Having your sights set on a different profession does not mean that the profession in question is the right choice. Remember the grass often looks greener on the other side so, every other career looks better when you are having trouble with your own.
Before you make any decision, assess yourself.
Assess your professional strengths and weaknesses, in relation to the market. Determine your personality fit for the career you are looking to move into. There are a host of free and paid assessments that can give you a pretty good idea of personality type and suitability for certain career options.
When you know yourself very well, it is easy to see if a profession switch is the right move. Career assessments are equally important. If there is a potential career path that interests you, research it thoroughly. Learn about the industry by reading related articles, talking to people working in it, and by visiting industry events.
Question Your Skills
When questioning your own skills, you need to be brutally honest with yourself and completely objective. Do you have what it takes to succeed on a new career path?
We all know, the job market is unforgiving. Sometimes, having both the experience and the necessary skills is not enough. Do your homework and determine what you need to land a job in the desired field.
In case the position requires skills you do not have, acquire them. There are a range of options for this too, from applying for internships, taking online courses, going back to school, etc.
Maybe you already have some skills that you can transfer into your new sector. These days, some transferable skills are highly valued in a lot of jobs. To avoid disappointment later, remember to stay objective and honest when self-assessing your skills.
Know What You are Getting Into
You are considering a career change so know which profession really interests you. Ask yourself the following question – do I know what I’m getting into? Keep in mind that things can change drastically even with the smallest career change.
One of the first things to think about is whether you can or can’t afford a career change. The transition can be costly, particularly if you need to take some time off to acquire the necessary skills. Determine whether you will be able to finance the change? If you have a partner who will be affected by this, it’s best to have these conversations up front.
It is essential to have a financial plan to support yourself during the transition period. Moreover, make sure to research industry reports and find out if your desired position comes with a salary that is realistic for your lifestyle. Check out job boards to see what potential jobs in the sector you are looking at, are being advertised at i.t.o salary ranges.
Develop a Plan
Some people who want to change careers simply do not have funds to get it done. If this is your case, keep in mind that your plan B could be that you keep your current job while working on your career change goals.
Even if the financial aspect of a profession switch demotivates you, keep pushing and do not give up on your goal. If you can, consider cutting any unnecessary costs you can think of. Downsize if you need to and if it is practical to do so. Whatever you do or don’t do, keep your eye on the end goal
There is no easy answer to the question of whether you should or should not make a career change. Only you can make this decision however, if you do decide to go for it, keep in mind that the transition can go a lot smoother if you do your homework. Remember that making informed decisions may take a little longer however, it will save you time, money and energy once you know exactly what you are getting into.
Renat has been working in career development for over a decade and has worked with a huge range of clients, which has made her knowledgeable on many different subjects. She has recently rediscovered a passion for writing and hopes to make it a daily habit.
If you have made a successful career transition share your pearls of wisdom in the comment section.