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’ve outgrown your position?
If yes is the answer to all these questions, you need a career change.
While switching professions can bring a lot of benefits, one needs to be careful when thinking about a career change. Before applying to positions on job lists, it’s important to do your homework – do to some research and think everything through.
If you feel like you’re stuck at your current job and want something new, here’s what you should do:
Think About It: What’s the Actual Problem?
Are you completely sure you can’t stand your current job?
Keep in mind that the thing that affects your motivation and performance could be completely unrelated to your job. By knowing the real reason you’re not happy with your current job, you’ll be able to determine whether you need to change your entire career path or just switch companies.
In case you’re experiencing things like the lack of growth opportunities, no recognition, or a poor relationship with your boss, there’s a good chance you only need a new workplace.
On the other hand, if you have a burning desire to learn something different, or your values have changed, it’s time to switch professions.
Assess Yourself
Having your sights set on a different profession doesn’t mean that the profession in question is the right choice. After all, every other career looks better when you’re having trouble with your own.
Before you make any decision, assess yourself.
Take assessments such as My Career Industry Fit, StrengthsFinder, or the Myers-Briggs test. Ask mentors and trusted coworkers to help you determine your professional strengths and weaknesses. When you know yourself well, it’s easy to see if the profession switch is the right move.
Career assessment is just as important. If there’s 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?
As we all know, the job market is unforgiving. Sometimes, having both the experience and the necessary skills isn’t enough. Do your homework and determine what you need to land a job in the desired field.
In case the position requires skills you don’t have, acquire them. Do this by applying for internships, taking online courses, going back to school, etc.
If you are, for example, interested in digital marketing, you’ll have to learn everything you can about data analysis, search engine optimization, basic design principles, etc.
Maybe you already have some skills that you can carry over. 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’re Getting Into
You’re considering a career change and know which profession actually interests you. However, 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’d like to take some time off to acquire the necessary skills – for example, if you have decided that you would like to become a driving instructor, you’ll need to complete something like this driving instructor training consett before you are able to get out there and offer your services to learners. Will you be able to finance the change?
This is why it’s essential to create 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’s realistic for your lifestyle.
Develop a Plan
Some people who want to change careers simply don’t have funds to get it done. If this is your case, keep in mind that there’s always a plan B – keeping the current job while working on your career change goals.
Even if the financial aspect of the profession switch demotivates you, keep pushing and don’t give up on your goal. You only need to create a good plan and save money in any way you can.
Consider cutting any unnecessary costs you can think of. Moving to a cheaper apartment may be a good idea. Giving up your current apartment may be the last thing you want to do, but think of it as a worthwhile investment.
There is no easy answer to the question of whether you should or shouldn’t make a career change. 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 before jumping ship.
Michael has been working in marketing for almost a decade and has worked with a huge range of clients, which has made him knowledgeable on many different subjects. He has recently rediscovered a passion for writing and hopes to make it a daily habit. You can read more of Michael’s work at Qeedle.