Switching Careers Is Not Rocket Science

It is amazing how many people get stuck in a rut and think they have to stay in a career they are unhappy with. There are endless opportunities out there, why would you want to continue with one that makes you miserable day after day? Many stay with their current career because they assume switching is just too much of a pain. Really? Is the effort of switching careers more of a pain than the grief you are feeling every day?

Should You Make a Change?

The first thing you need to do is determine if you really need to make a change. Quite often, people start feeling unsatisfied, but really it is because they are suffering job burnout. Have you taken a vacation lately? Could you possibly just need to recharge your battery? It is important to determine this because the last thing you want to do is be unhappy with the change you make.

• Lifestyle Change – If you have been traveling with your career or manage a nightclub, and now you are married with a brand new baby, lifestyle changes may dictate a new career path.

• Outlook – How does your field look? Are you in a position that is being replaced by computers or robots? Perhaps your career looked promising years ago but now it looks like a dead end. If so, it is time to change.

• Health – Is your career stressing you out? That is horrible for your health! Alternatively, are you working around fumes, chemicals, gasses or smoke, and you’re concerned about long-term health effects?  If so, then now would be the time to switch before more damage is done.

• Not Challenged – Are you not being challenged or mentally stimulated anymore? Even if you are getting a great paycheck, it may not be enough.

• Income – The last reason you likely want to switch careers is to make more money. Although, most people agree that higher earnings does not necessarily equal satisfaction.

Change Careers Successfully

The main reason people avoid changing careers is because they are scared. The fear of the unknown and the chance for failure is so frightening that it keeps countless people in a career they hate. If only they took a chance, they could be doing something that they love. Yes, it is a huge decision, but if you take the necessary steps, you will likely find yourself feeling rewarded in a very favorable position.

• Evaluate Yourself – Are you ready to change careers? Even if you want to, you have to make sure the timing is right. If you are ready to take maternity leave or you just had six weeks off from being in a half-body cast from skiing, now may not be the best time. Changing careers may be in your future, just not so immediate.

• Qualifications – Are you qualified to switch careers and compete with others in the field? Maybe it would be in your best interest to take a few night or weekend classes to further your education while remaining at your current job.

• Financial Stability – Whether you need to go away for special training, or if you won’t get your first paycheck for three weeks, you need to make sure that you have enough money to live on during this time. Keep in mind that emergencies always come up at the most inconvenient times, so make sure you have a nice nest egg.

It’s not a bad idea to talk to a seasoned veteran in the field. Sometimes, the grass seems greener, but it’s really not. You may find through networking that everyone is trying to get out of the field you are trying to get in for a reason you know nothing about.