Having the itch to switch careers or jobs is common and a feeling you should take seriously and give some thought to. This could mean you’re no longer happy where you are or that you’re satisfied but want to see what else is out there.
Changing Jobs
Don’t sell yourself short and always give yourself a chance to at least explore your different options for moving forward. Understand there’s a lot to think about, and you should make sure that you take your time before making a final decision. This isn’t a process you should rush or jump into quickly if you want to be happy in the long run.
Why You’re Leaving:
Think deeply about why you want to leave your current role and your options for where you could possibly go next. Maybe after doing some soul searching, you realize it’s your boss that’s bothering you, and you can quickly get this taken care of by switching teams. On the other hand, maybe you determine you’re leaving because your current company is no longer challenging you or you dislike the type of work you’re performing. Get to the reason behind these thoughts so you can figure out the right next step and not have any regrets later on. Answering these types of questions are going to allow you to move forward in confidence and find a solution that truly makes you happy.
Time off & Lifestyle:
It’s possible you’ve been at your company for so long that there a lot of positives about working there such as an easy commute and knowing how to do your job. Keep in mind that changing careers or positions will require you to learn new skills and ways of completing your work. You may have a more involved commute that cuts into the time you used to spend working out. Your vacation days may decrease too because you’ll have to earn these at your new job, whereas you already had them built up at your current company. Ask about how much overtime a new company will expect you to work and get a feel for the culture and how strict each new place is when going for interviews and take tours. Think about your long-term goals and how switching jobs will allow you to get closer to achieving them.
Location & Work Environment:
You’ll want to consider the location and work environment when you’re looking for new jobs. After searching, you may find that your dream job is across the country or overseas. This will mean picking up and leaving your home, budgeting for moving expenses and covering costs for moving your cars. If you’re interested in further information, read more here about how to prepare for this type of transition. You’ll also want to make sure you go tour the area and get to know the people you’d be working with before you decide to sell your house and relocate. You don’t want to arrive at your new place of work and realize it’s not what you were expecting and you dislike the area. Do your homework and see if you can picture uprooting your entire life for a new job.
Pay & Benefits:
You have to consider the pay and benefits as you think about switching careers. This is especially true if you have a family and your loved ones are relying on you to provide for them. You have to be realistic and not simply hope that one day you’ll make enough to support yourself and current lifestyle. Know exactly how much you’d be increasing or decreasing your pay before jumping ship. Also, compare what health, dental and financial benefits you’d be receiving at your new place of work before you fully commit. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s better to stay where you are if they’re paying you competitively and providing you with undeniably good benefits.
Job Responsibilities & Room for Advancement:
The last situation you want is to switch positions and get in way over your head. Consider the new job responsibilities before you decide to change jobs and if there will be future opportunities for advancement and a promotion. Make sure you understand exactly what you’d be doing in your new role and if you have the right skills to perform the job. You don’t want to get hired and find out later that you aren’t a good fit for the position and left a good company for a disappointing role. In addition, make sure there’s a career path mapped out for you and you know where you’ll be heading next as you embark on this new journey. Get with the hiring director and ask all the right questions so you’re clear on what you’ll be doing.
Working with A Career Coach:
Someone who can definitely help you in this confusing time is a career coach. They work with people who want to switch jobs for a living and will know exactly what topics to address and how to work with you. Find one who you like and meet with them until you’re able to come to a conclusion you feel comfortable with and can get behind. They’ll likely be able to offer you up some good tips that will be worth mulling over as you determine your next steps in life. Come prepared with questions and ideas for what you want to do so you’re not starting from scratch with them. They’ll have expert advice to offer you and will be able to talk you through all the hesitations you’re feeling.
Conclusion:
Don’t underestimate how much time you should spend preparing to change jobs if you want all to go smoothly. It’s a big decision and requires a lot of careful thought and consideration on your part. Meet with people who’ve perhaps made a similar life change and ask how they got through the transition and what advice they have for you. Once you make a decision, stick with it and don’t spend time worrying about if you made the wrong choice. You can always revisit the idea when you’re feeling up to it again.
