Things to consider before making a career change

Everybody will go through a career change, one way or another. It’s a turning point or a milestone for any professional seeking a shift in their vocation. But like anything in life, there are things that need to be considered before taking the leap.

What is a career change?

For most people, deviating from one’s current profession is considered a career change. For instance, a sales representative may switch to a teaching role, which is a whole different profession and industry from sales.

In any circumstances, these can happen due to external factors such as compensation, job engagement, and relocation. Internal factors can serve as motivators for a career change too.

Job change vs. career change

Some use these phrases interchangeably, especially for young workers, but job change and career change do have a difference.

To put an end to the confusion, a job change is simply changing roles. People who change jobs would still work in the same industry and within the same role. 

On the other hand, a career change is an absolute 180-degree turn from whatever role or job they were in before. Career shifters look for jobs that are totally different from their current role.

Reasons why you need a career change

Ever felt like your job is moving too fast or too slow for you? Maybe you’ve hit your maximum capacity and you feel stagnant, or maybe you’re not the right fit for the work culture. 

If you’re considering making a career change, here are the top reasons that can justify making the shift.

Personal development

If you have been a rank-and-file employee for too long now and you want to test your skills and other abilities, you deserve a career change.

Facing your shortcomings as an employee can be overwhelming yet enlightening. Maybe then you will see how you can be the best version of yourself.

Change of pace

If your job is way too slow, boring, or chaotic for you, no matter how many times you’ve changed companies or positions, maybe it’s time for you to take the shot.

A change of pace frees you from the monotony of your current job routines. Some people get bored of doing the same things over and over again, thus leaving their posts in mere months.

Continuous learning

Maybe you’ve got tired of being a virtual agent and you want to try something new—like being a business owner. Even if you don’t have prior knowledge, you can join an introductory class for starting a business.

Lifelong learning is a concept that every professional is familiar with, and a career change can help achieve this. There are always opportunities to explore for those who are looking for new things to learn.

Accelerating your goals

Job development is an important facet of an employee’s career. If you feel stagnant in your current role or you haven’t been tending to their professional goals, it may be time to consider a new profession.

Accelerating personal and professional goals is one of the leading reasons why people look for a career change. 

4 things to consider before deciding on a new career

Before handing in your resignation notice, there are some things that you should consider before taking that leap of faith.

These factors heavily influence your major decisions and how you will handle such a big shift in your life.

Upskilling

Looking for a job that is outside your comfort zone and expertise can be a bit daunting. 

Each job post that you come across lists down the core skills you may or may not have. Before applying or reaching out to a recruiter, make sure you possess the skills needed for that role.

Tip: Want to upskill for free? Try Google Digital Garage, edX, Coursera, and free LinkedIn online classes.

Emergency funding

Hopefully, you’d get an offer before rending your final days, but sometimes that isn’t the case. Chances are, you will have a gap of at least a month after resigning from your recent employer.

That said, you should assess your personal funds first and be ready for any gaps during your career transition phase.

Passion vs. compensation

Ask yourself this question: am I doing this because I like it or because it’s good money?

There are cases where employees like their job because they enjoy doing it. But most of the time, people work because it’s a necessity. So, think carefully about what takes priority: passion or pay?

Short-term and long-term goals

Your short-term goals may change once you start your new career. External factors may influence your goal planning, but don’t let that veer you away.

Always maintain a vision of the bigger picture and always be ready for rejection.

2022: Is it time for a career change?

If you’re one of those people who believe that the new year will come with new opportunities, you might have considered a career change.

By asking yourself the right questions, you can decide whether a career change is a right move for you at the moment. What’s important is that you make the necessary considerations and preparation, both mentally and financially, to ensure success in the new path you’re taking.