How to Decide When a Career Change is Right for You

Making a career change is no simple task. It should be a bit frightening because there’s a lot at stake. Usually, it will require an investment in both your money and time, so it’s healthy to take your time and be prepared before making the switch. 

First, is a Career Change What You Need?

Before going over the other steps to make a successful career change, you should be absolutely sure that a career change is what you need and not just a new job. If you’re in a job that isn’t challenging, isn’t fun, or isn’t going anywhere, but you enjoy the possibilities and purpose within your industry, you should look for a different job rather than a new career. 

However, if your industry doesn’t excite and motivate you like before, it could be time to make a career change. To make the switch as successful as possible, follow certain steps to minimize risk and maximize your potential.

Steps to Make a Successful Career Change

Conduct a Self-Assessment

The first step in making a career change is to thoroughly assess your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and passions. The more you learn about yourself and your career aspirations, the clearer idea you will have as to which career is right for you. Tools like career tests are often free, and they include personality assessments as well. You might also consider the help of a career development professional if you want to have a dialogue with someone other than a friend or family member.

Explore Career Options

Once you complete the career tests or assessments, you will receive a list of career options that fit your personality and interests. Take time to research each option. Even starting with simple Google and Wikipedia research is helpful. 

After this initial research, narrow your list and set up informational interviews with local companies. Research is extremely important. To jump into a new career without an understanding of the industry is a huge risk and also very ignorant. 

Set Goals – Big & Small

Once you choose the new career path, you want to take time to set some goals! It’s good to set a big-picture goal, but you also want to include smaller goals that are short-term and very specific. Base your goals on the research you conducted, and these should serve as realistic benchmarks along the way.

Make an Action Plan

Creating a plan is a great idea as well. You should assign dates to your action plan so that your career change is seamless and you are prepared for as many events as possible, like lapses in pay and scheduled training.

Train for New Career

If it’s at all possible, before making your switch, you should try to get some training in your new field. This will help you get a realistic taste of what career you’re moving to and help reassure you of any doubts. You should have this experience before you put in any resignation.

Need Some Professional Guidance?

If you want a pro to help you make this crucial career change, contact Expert Staffing.

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