Ask These BIG Questions Before Changing Careers
I've made several big career changes in my life. Began my professional life as an engineer and moved into human resources in labor relations. Then I left my corporate position of 13 years to go into entrepreneurship as a commercial real estate broker and developer. Then moved into three serial entrepreneur ship opportunities moving from auctions, to building a procurement and investment organization, and then a retail brokerage organization with 13 officers and 225 agents. Finally, as of today into building a coaching organization.
With each major shift there were a myriad of questions that needed to be asked and diligence that needed to be done in order to determine if this was the right move or not. Here are some questions that you can use in order to get to why you're feeling like a career change now.
1. Do I want a career change or just a new job?
There are a few things to consider before choosing any major life decision. Unhappiness from job may not always mean you're in the wrong field. Find the root of your dissatisfaction and see if there's anything you can do about it.
There are many reasons people leave a company. Gossipy coworkers, messy office politics, and a less-than-stellar manager are not good enough reasons to change careers. Instead, it’s often better to find a new job with the same standards of pay in the same field.
Is your current position bringing challenges and boredom to your life? Perhaps you are just not challenging yourself enough and therefore feeling distant from your own business. Talk to your boss about some potential new responsibilities with the same company that can expose you to new projects and tasks. Consider a side move for a different perspective or exposure.
If you are often dissatisfied with your work, or have begun to be less excited by the idea of going to work in the morning, a career change may provide some relief.
2. Do you know what you need to do to successfully change careers?
Knowing what to expect from your new career before you change careers is the key to staying satisfied. Understand the expectations in your industry, as well as daily tasks like skills, experience, and more.
When contemplating pursuing a new career, it is helpful to do some investigation into the different paths that may be available to you. Reach out to your network and start connecting with people in your new field. Use informational interviews to learn about how you could make the switch and what different departments are looking for based on their needs. For instance, while some companies may offer interesting interview opportunities like developing new skills, other companies are more interested in hiring candidates with years of experience. Would you like to have the opportunity
3. Would I hire me... who has my experience, skills and abilities?
Before considering a career change, evaluate your skill sets. Is the career you are going for transferable from what you have or new to fresh start? Many people overestimate the skills necessary for the job which leads them frustrated when giving it their all.
When looking at a new career change, ask yourself, "if I were job search would I hire myself?"
Motivation is one of the key factors when abandoning a job to pursue a different career. In order to jump into the next job, you need to understand if you’re really qualified for it and come up with strategies to overcome any challenges you might face.
4. Would I take a pay cut to make my desired career change happen?
When it comes to changing careers, examining and understanding what you are willing to give up can offer a greater insight into how strongly you feel about your decision. While both present and future earnings will play some role, a job change might not be the best move if changing careers means leaving too much behind.
The people who are most fulfilled at their jobs have jobs that they are passionate about. The passion for the job and the result of doing the work motivates them - not money--and this leads to more productivity and motivation among employees working in a company.
Before taking the plunge into a new career, ask yourself what sacrifices you're willing to make to make the change. This includes examining not just your salary, but retirement plans and company benefits like vacation time or flexibility.
5. Would I be ok with a lesser role to start?
Making the decision to change careers is hard. If you get into a mid-management position in your current field, ask yourself how you will feel if you were to start at the bottom of the ladder again in another industry. For some people, starting at an entry-level again might be a too big of a blow to the ego and something that they may create too much dissatisfaction.
6. Am I willing to retool all together? Go back to school or volunteer to gain the education and skills?
Adding a new field to your resume is invigorating, but it's not the same as when you were in school and could slack off at 2AM. Depending on your planned entry point, the amount of time it will take, and if you are having issues transitioning skills into jobs with your desired industry, you might be required to have more schooling or training. Are you prepared to do the training at night, weekends while continuing in your current career?
7. What other topics like personal time, location, and family?
For example, you might love your schedule and co-workers, but hate the location. Main reasons for unhappiness with your job could be that you don’t have time for other activities, can’t work remotely, or don't have the skills you need at the current company. Secure in your strengths and desires, changing careers doesn't stake as difficult as it may seem.
Make a list of all the items you included in your new life, and then lay them out in a line. What is most important? Can this activity be done from your current job? If so, can you physically do it from there or can you shift to a role that provides more self-direction?
Instead of changing careers, improving your current career may be more fulfilling. Figuring out what satisfies you outside of work can help determine if a career change will fulfill the problem.
When you’re changing careers, consulting your partner and scrutinizing the practical implications is important. Failure to do so can put immense pressure on the relationship and make the already strenuous exercise of shifting careers even more difficult to undertake.
With a support system of 100% dedicated friends and family, changing careers will be much more fun. There are many reasons for changing careers such as pursuing your interests, increasing autonomy, raising your salary, and decreasing your income gaps.
Know what you want before you do it.
Before taking on a career change, there are several questions you should ask yourself to check if your new path is right for you. Spend the time and be diligent about the real reasons for your wanting to change.
If you'd like some help with a proven process to determine your Wi-Fi and then put plans in place with real goals check out our online course of CEO For Life -6 weeks to your goals.
https://www.ceoforlife.academy/offers/v9Ydb28L/checkout
6 Weeks To Achieve Your Goals
Get started ONDEMAND and at your pace to achieve your goals. You will receive 6 courses in achieving highest levels of performance and 6 courses helping you achieve your goals.
