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Deciding whether to change careers is no easy task. Going through with it can come with some big changes, and there are a number of pros and cons. You may be a lot happier in the long run, learning new skills and finding something you're more passionate about. But making the transition can sometimes be difficult, and you may end up missing some of the things you leave behind.
People decide to change careers for all kinds of reasons. If you've listened to our Turning the Blind Corner podcast, you'll hear all sorts of reasons from a variety of different individuals. No two people have the same experience. This means you are the only person who can determine what's best for you.
In order to make the right decision, you'll need to assess the reasons you're interested in changing careers. While some may require a career change to be dealt with, others may be manageable through other means. Below are several popular reasons, as well as some things to consider for each.
Watch the video below to learn about some factors you should consider before changing careers.
You might be interested in changing careers because you find yourself bored at work. While this is a viable reason to look for something new, it's important to take a look at the source of it. Are you having the occasional boring day, or are you no longer excited about the work you do? There are ways to change up your routine, but if you've lost interest in your field it might be time to start looking at some new career options.
Some people want to change careers because they're unhappy with the money they're making; either it's not enough or it doesn't outweigh the negative aspects of their jobs. If you feel similarly, take a look at the potential for advancement in your existing career path. If there's opportunity for promotion or a pay raise, you may want to consider sticking with it. If not, you might want to seek out a career with better opportunities.
If you do change careers, there's a chance you may have to take an initial cut in your pay. The odds are that you'll be taking a position that's more toward the entry-level end of the spectrum.
Another reason for wanting to change careers is that your current work is negatively affecting your physical or mental health. Before committing to the change, be sure to pinpoint the source of this suffering. It's important to determine if it's specific to your job in particular or if all jobs in your career would be detrimental to your health. This can help you to decide if you just need to find a new job or change careers entirely.
There's also the possibility that you feel your talents and abilities aren't being used to their full extent. If your work's not using your full potential, it's completely natural to want to find a job or career that will. It's important to feel value in the work you do. But before committing to a change, consider discussing these feelings with your supervisor, especially if you still feel passionate about your career. There may be other duties or projects available that could make use of your capabilities.
There may be other reasons you're unhappy with your job, but we hope the ones we've listed above have given you a better idea of what to consider before deciding if you should make the change. In the end, the final decision is entirely up to you. Good luck!
