Career change
Should You Make a Career Change?
If you are considering whether to make a career change, this may not be the first (or the last) time. Most people change their careers several times in their lifespan, and the frequency of this happening is increasing.
Many are forced to change. For example, their industry has moved to other countries, like manufacturing and administrative services; their jobs and careers have gone with them. Automation of repetitive job tasks and technology are also changing jobs - both eliminating and adding them.
Others choose to change. Many are looking for better work life balance, more meaningful work, or a brighter future. A new job search may prompt you to ask, do I want to change jobs or do I need a whole new career? Some feel stuck, dissatisfied with their job and want to do something different. Some are making the transition from military to civilian jobs after a tour of duty.
Regardless of your reasons, you want to take the time and make the effort needed to make an informed, confident decision. The resources on our site will help, including our personality assessment and decision-making tool, Career Key Discovery Transitions.
Follow these three principles to make a more confident career change decision
1. Know Yourself
You want to clearly understand why you want to change. By understanding the reasons, you can make a more rational choice. Read about how to manage transitions and download our free self-reflection worksheet Manage My Transition.
More...
You want to understand your personality, values, skills, and abilities so you can find the careers that fit you best. More...
2. Know Your Options
Think of as many alternatives as you can. And, then learn about each one. More...
Accept the possibility that when you change career paths, regardless of what option you choose, your income and benefits may be reduced - at least at the beginning. Research shows that in the first couple of years after a “pivot” many people make less money. Much of that is related to starting out in a lower-level position. Sometimes it is related to career choice and industry. But over time, as you get experience and learn new skills in that pathways, your income will grow in that new pathway.
3. Make a Good Decision
Follow a 4-step, scientific method of decision making. Consider getting professional help. More . . .
Handling career change challenges
As part of the 4-step decision making process above, you brainstorm about potential barriers and challenges you may encounter - so you can plan how to handle them. If you have a trusted, open-minded friend or mentor, you could talk over your ideas with them.
For example, if you’re concerned about finding the job you want in a specific town, is there an option to work remotely? Is there a possibility you could start a business to do that work? You could research whether employers willing to hire remote workers, or whether there is market demand for a new business in your town.
Here are some examples of common issues people experience:
Keeping motivated to make a good decision;
Grief over losses from change, such as loss of identity, coworker relationships, finances, and prestige;
Finding a job immediately;
Finding the job you want in a specific town;
Finding a balance between available jobs, your wants, and your qualifications;
Lack of support from family and friends
Sufficient time to devote to a thorough job search;
The possibility that your present employer will learn that you are looking for another job;
Financing additional training or education;
Fear that you cannot find another job;
Fear that you cannot succeed at the new job.
Fear of making a mistake in choosing the next career path.
Create a career change folder
As you work on this, keep an electronic or paper folder. In it you will keep the ideas you jot down, assessment results, print outs, and anything else relevant.
Be sure to write your ideas and observations down. Journaling about your emotions also helps. Whether it is electronic or handwritten, it is important and research shows it is helpful.
Review your folder from time to time, and reflect on its contents. When you are finished, keep your folder for the next time around.