BLOGS

Is a career change right for you? Here’s how to decide…

Are you stuck in a job that you KNOW just isn’t right for you? Maybe you’ve found yourself dreading Mondays. Or maybe you’re having a tough time motivating yourself to even wake up and get to work. Or perhaps you’re consistently zoning out on the job and find yourself daydreaming about a new career.

It is never too late to make a career change in your life.

If you’re ready but have no idea where to start, consider these four tips to decide if a career change is right for you.

1. Think about your monetary situation

Be honest with yourself. Do you dislike your current job because you don’t get along with your boss, or is it something deeper? If the passion simply isn’t there and you can’t shake that nagging feeling that you’re not where you should be, it’s probably time to start making some moves.

However, before you pack up and quit, consider your finances before you pull the trigger to make a big change. If possible, be sure to save enough money in your current job to cover all of your predicted expenses for three to six months, or for the time that you plan to be studying/training for your career change. Plan for lead time to find a job in your new career to avoid feeling anxiety around expenses while you search for the job of your dreams.

2. Consider all the options

There’s no getting around it: you’re making a big life change, so it’s only fitting that you’ll need to think about the answers to big questions. Will you need to go back to school for your newly selected career path? Are there night courses or online certifications available to you? Are you prepared to take a pay cut as you navigate your way up through your new career? Can you lean on friends and family through your career change? Answering these questions may influence how you approach your potential career change.

3. Be honest: What are your skills, strengths and weaknesses?

The good news is that you likely have some (if not a LOT) of transferable skills! These are qualities that can be transferred from one job to another. These can range from “excellent communication skills” to “proficient in Excel” or “management experience.”

Being aware of these transferable skills (and which ones you thrive at) can make your career transition much smoother. Consider why employers should take a chance on you and how you can sell your strengths or past experiences as an advantage. This also means considering your weaknesses too. Self-reflection should always be from a positive mindset, and being aware of how you can improve can only benefit you professionally in the long run.

4. Reach out

Get on LinkedIn and start reaching out to people who currently work in your field of choice or who have the job that you want! Connect with them, ask them out for a coffee to chat, or perhaps ask for a more formal informational interview.

Ask your new mentor to share any advice or tips from an insider’s perspective. Inquire about their experience and qualifications, and if they view any major gaps in your resume or education. Ensure that you thank them for their time and asking if they can connect you with any other industry contacts that might be helpful to you.

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