Sometimes we reach a stage in our life when we feel like we want to change. We get bored of the work that we have been doing for years and feel like switching jobs. This post will drive you with some helpful 3 things to keep in mind while switching careers.
In fact, there can be many reasons for a career change. If you are starting to feel that your job does not satisfy and fulfil you anymore, it may be time to look for a job that you will be passionate about.
But this is a decision not to be taken lightly. If you don’t switch your career in a correct manner, the results can be disastrous. You don’t want to end jobless in this economy.
Here are 3 things to keep in mind while switching careers:
Personal Inventory
Start writing in a journal. Write down how your current job makes you feel and whether you get any satisfaction from it anymore. Jot down the issues you are facing at work and think about whether they can be fixed over time by either you or your supervisor’s actions.
Through these notes, you will be able to form a clear picture of what you are missing at work. At the same time, take an inventory of your own skills, values and experience. Consider the moments you were most happiest in the workplace and figure out what exactly gives you the most satisfaction.
Think back to your various internships and early jobs and try to remember which job felt the most fulfilling.
Do You Want to Change Industries?
While looking for 3 things to keep in mind while switching careers has a major impact on industry. Perhaps you just want to work at a new place and not change the industry you work in. It is possible that the environment at your workplace is not suiting you. It could even be that you are not being treated right or are underpaid.
Perhaps the boss is handing too much work to you even though you have repeatedly requested a decrease in workload. In such a situation, it is wise to change your company. There is no need to change your field of work, and you can just apply to different companies in the same industry.
Your experience will help you get a good position with possibly even better pay. Changing companies at the right time can also make possible a jump to a higher rung in the career ladder. Perhaps you will end up becoming a manager at your new workplace!
Research and Action Plan
Before going for the career change, make sure you do your research. Interview experts in the new field that you want to switch to know what to expect when you get there. You don’t want to end up in a new job and realize that you are not feeling satisfied there either.
If you switch your careers too many times, employers will become wary of hiring you as it will show your indecisiveness and lack of commitment. This is probably one of the best among 3 things to keep in mind while switching careers.
Be it Writing, Teaching, Developer, Mentor, you should always create an action plan. Once you know all the details about required skills and specializations, get out there and join training institutes or workshops in that field. Make sure to use your network to land a job in a career of your choosing. Networking is a critical skill that will open doors for you at every step of the way.
Switching jobs late into your career can be a risky move. But it is also important to follow your heart and not be tied down with fear of failure. There are people who quit their jobs to get into business and become huge successes overnight, and others end up at better jobs with higher pay.
So don’t be too afraid to believe in yourself. Which tip will you apply if you decide to change your career? Let us know in the comment section below.