Should You be Prepping for a Career Change?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Have you ever been driving for a long time, you’re getting tired, but you know that there’s a destination ahead you’re trying to reach only to realize that you’re taking the wrong road or that you would rather go some other way? It’s okay, it happens. In times like that, maybe you want to bravely soldier on, or you’d rather take a second to redirect your route. It’s up to you.

But what if that road is actually your career?

With the Great Resignation having adjusted the way people think about their jobs, it is not uncommon to hear that some people are reevaluating their lives, their jobs, and even careers. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the average American worker spent around 1,791 hours working in 2021. That is 74.6 days in a year. If you’re spending a third of your day in a job, at the very least you should be able to enjoy your career.

So, if you don’t feel like your current career fulfills you, maybe it’s time to prepare for a change.

Signs you’re ready to switch careers:

1. You don’t care about your job.
2. You feel stagnant.
3. You dread going to work. Even when you’re off.
4. Your personal life is being affected.
5. You keep fantasizing about a new career.

Are you sure you’re ready for new career opportunities?

Even if you see greener grass somewhere else, there are many things that you should consider before making a transition into another patch of land.

Why do you crave change?

There’s a big difference between needing a career change and wanting to look for a new job. Dig deep into your reasoning to avoid ending up in a similar situation even though you’re on a different road. 

Gossipy coworkers, micromanagers, tight deadlines–all of these are not unique to a single profession. That is not to say that you can’t avoid them or that all jobs are full of these kinds of people. If you think this might be what’s troubling you in your current position, maybe there’s a job out there for you with a culture that’s more aligned with your ideal work style.

If this is not the crux of your issues, it could just be time for a shake-up. 

A career change is treated as such a big deal because it is. It’s a challenge, and you must invest your time, reevaluate your skills, learn new things, earn new certifications, and sometimes even spend money to get to your new career destination. That’s why so many have hesitated before making this life-changing decision. The fact is that even though it’s hard, a career change can be thoroughly fulfilling.

Research. Research. Research.

Okay, let’s say you know that you’re ready for a career change. Now you must know not only what you want to do, but what you’ll be able to do. Are you looking for an entry-level job in a completely new field? Do you want to go back to school? Can you retool your skill set to suit the career of your dreams? Are you financially prepared to leave your current company? How do you even go about changing jobs?

These might sound like daunting questions, but you’ll need to consider them before making any sudden moves. As a matter of fact, you don’t have to jump in the deep end all in one go. Certifications, volunteering, workshops, and conferences are great ways to test out aspects of your potential new career while acquiring new skills in the process. 

Another option to try out is looking for an expert in the new field you’re interested in. You can talk to people who are immersed in the industry, such as professionals or recruiting industry experts who specialize in the area, to learn about what you need to make your way toward achieving your professional goals and aspirations. 

A career change doesn’t mean canceling out your previous skills and accomplishments, but enhancing them and highlighting them from a new angle. 

Stick it out

If you are genuinely considering a transition into another career, you must know one thing: it’s hard. It doesn’t matter if you’re starting over from the very bottom or if you’ve managed to land a lateral move, things will change. And that’s a good thing! Remind yourself of your original reasons for change and work hard to fulfill the professional goals that motivate you.

Career Changing Checklist

• List your reasons for change.
• Consider your personal goals in the short and long term.
• Research your ideal job.
• Talk to an industry expert or recruiter.
• Assess your transferable skills.
• Budget aside six months of salary.

Are you ready to try new things?

Contributed by Ana Martinez