Changing careers can be a nerve-wracking experience. If, like many people, you have felt a calling to a current career fade, it can leave you unsure of your next move. It is possible this situation has developed gradually, piece by piece, but other times it happens quickly. Perhaps a particular occurrence led you to consider switching careers. Either way, before doing anything drastic, consider a few questions about your career change.
What if the Career Switch Doesn’t Work?
When determining if a career change is the correct step, a pros and cons list might offer some clarity. These lists can be fantastic. However, they might not tell to whole picture, nor will they likely be able to consider your outside factors. These might be finances, insurance coverage, or other concerns. The question you have to ask yourself, along with other impacted people (spouse, children, etc.), is what happens if this does not work out? What will you do if something doesn’t work out? These questions could also be run past outsiders, like extended family, a therapist, financial advisor, or friends. Take their opinions into account, too, though know the ultimate decision lies on your shoulders.
Should I Stay?
Maybe the switching careers is a little more dramatic than what is really needed. Ask yourself if your opinion would be the same if only you worked on a different project, with different people, or in another role at the company. This question can spark whether it is the company or job that cause the issues in your life. Likewise, if it is neither the company or the job, it might be something else, and that could spark further self-reflection.
Can I Only Do This Career?
When we do something repeatedly, especially for an extended period of time, we might ask ourselves if this is the only thing we can do with our lives. This is a false notion, first and foremost, reducing our lives to just what we do, not who we are. Secondly, this notion comes from a tunnel vision gained when we are focused on one goal: our careers. However, if you take a moment and ask people around you: family, coworkers, supervisors, friends, what you are good at or what you bring to the table, all sorts of doors open.
Consider talking to some of these individuals before making any drastic decisions. Once you ask those questions, you may be surprised at the answers given. When considering if you should switch careers, this feedback may be invaluable.
Before making any career decisions, consider these questions. Once you have some answers, then you can make a more informed decision.
