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As we head towards the end of the year, it is quite normal to find oneself pondering how the new year should go and what opportunities it might bring. For some, the prospect of a career change comes into question. The advent of the internet and the possibilities it brings in terms of accessibility to training and networks has enabled people to go for roles and careers that they never would have previously. It is a trend that continues to strengthen. However, just because changing careers is relatively easier to go about than once it was, should you do it? Here are some choice questions to ask yourself if you’ve set your sights on a new career path.
How did you get into your current career?
Asking yourself how you got into your current career is a good way to remind yourself of why you’re there in the first place. Did you fall into it somewhat randomly or is it an area you’ve had a life-long interest in. Knowing why you’re in the career you’re currently in will tell you something about how happy you’d be if you left it.
What made you consider a career change?
This is an important question that looks at your motivation for moving away from your current career. The answers will tell you if you’re simply reacting to a bad week/month/year at work or whether you really have completely fallen out of love with the industry you’re in. Perhaps you have aspirations to start out on your own or you simply want to get more out of your professional life and a new industry is the way you want to do it.
If you stayed in your current career, where could you go?
You might be unhappy where you are, but you don’t necessarily have to leave the career in order to change that. Take a look at your prospects if you stayed – consider this question taking into account extra training you might require and if you really are serious, have a chat with your boss about the situation.
Is re-training feasible?
The chances are you’ll need at least some training in order to move to a new career. It’s important to be realistic and find out whether the training you need will align with the rest of your responsibilities. Could you do it alongside your current job or are you likely to be out of pocket for the duration? You may need to look at creating a finance plan that will accommodate all of your needs while training.
Are you giving up too quickly?
Consider the amount of time that you’ve desired a career change for. Have you given your current career a good enough shot? Are you certain that you won’t regret the move away? Take time to be absolutely sure about moving away from your current industry. Have you truly examined all possibilities?
The idea of changing careers can be one that we find intoxicating, especially when currently unhappy with our work. Leaving behind your career in order to pursue a new one is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is crucial to be brutally honest with yourself as to why you are interested in doing it. Asking the above questions of yourself and giving truthful answers will provide some guidance as to whether it is the right thing for you to do.