by : James Copper-5768
Have you been feeling frustrated at work lately and think that a new career change is just what you need? Or is it that boredom has crept into your daily routine? Well if you are thinking of getting yourself not just a new job, but also an entirely new career, then you need to think about these questions very seriously. You don't need to bounce out of bed everyday with this feeling of excitement and eagerness to get to work. All jobs like all marriages are exhilarating in the beginning and then slowly become mundane. If this is what's bothering you then you can rectify the situation through innovation and restructuring. However, if you feel that your present career is not intellectually stimulating enough, and you have interests and talent in other areas, then a job change is really what you need. But before you take the leap, here are four questions you need to ask yourself.
Do I Have The New Skill Sets
In order to make an easy transition, you need to consider whether you have the qualifications or at least the skills required in the new vocation. Considering that there are many who have joined in much before you, where do you stand among them? If you find something lacking in your abilities, go and seek training to compensate for it. You could do this while you are still at your old job via evening classes or online courses.
Do I Have Adequate Financial Resources?
By making a new career change you will be taking a risk that may or may not give you the expected returns. In the likelihood of a setback in your trajectory, you need to ensure that you have adequate financial support. In light of the recent recession you need to be guaranteed that your family and your debts are covered while you take your leap of faith. But this is not to say that you should not seek change if you don't have the money. In such a case however you do need to be prepared for all eventualities and the fact that you might suffer from the stress of strained finances.
What Kind Of Routine Am I Comfortable With?
Before making a career change you need to assess the alterations to your routine that your new career will entail. If you are a parent with a family to look after, or someone who enjoys a busy social life, then taking this into consideration will hold you in good stead. Not being able to have time for friends and family is one of the leading causes of dissatisfaction at work. And since you are already seeking some change in your life, you definitely need to take this into account. Working from home, or on weekends, flexi-time, leave entitlement should also be carefully thought of.
Do I Want To Be The Employer Or Employee?
Some people are built to work for others while some prefer to run their own enterprise - which is not to say that one is inferior to the other. Both are different types of people and you may also oscillate between the two throughout your career. For a number of reasons you might also prefer to freelance and work from the comfort of your home. This gives you your independence while allowing you to work on projects that stimulate you. But each of these have their pros and cons which you need to consider carefully while toying with the idea of a career change.
Once you have answered these questions satisfactorily, you will have developed at least some amount of clarity as to what you are willing to compromise on. Since considering the economy and the market at the moment won't be an adequate yardstick, it would probably be beneficial to also speak to the professionals in the field. By interacting with both the currently employed and the unemployed ones, you will be able to set up for yourself the worst-case scenarios. In the end it is only adequate ground work and introspection that will help you determine whether the new career change will be beneficial to you financially and professionally.
Do I Have The New Skill Sets
In order to make an easy transition, you need to consider whether you have the qualifications or at least the skills required in the new vocation. Considering that there are many who have joined in much before you, where do you stand among them? If you find something lacking in your abilities, go and seek training to compensate for it. You could do this while you are still at your old job via evening classes or online courses.
Do I Have Adequate Financial Resources?
By making a new career change you will be taking a risk that may or may not give you the expected returns. In the likelihood of a setback in your trajectory, you need to ensure that you have adequate financial support. In light of the recent recession you need to be guaranteed that your family and your debts are covered while you take your leap of faith. But this is not to say that you should not seek change if you don't have the money. In such a case however you do need to be prepared for all eventualities and the fact that you might suffer from the stress of strained finances.
What Kind Of Routine Am I Comfortable With?
Before making a career change you need to assess the alterations to your routine that your new career will entail. If you are a parent with a family to look after, or someone who enjoys a busy social life, then taking this into consideration will hold you in good stead. Not being able to have time for friends and family is one of the leading causes of dissatisfaction at work. And since you are already seeking some change in your life, you definitely need to take this into account. Working from home, or on weekends, flexi-time, leave entitlement should also be carefully thought of.
Do I Want To Be The Employer Or Employee?
Some people are built to work for others while some prefer to run their own enterprise - which is not to say that one is inferior to the other. Both are different types of people and you may also oscillate between the two throughout your career. For a number of reasons you might also prefer to freelance and work from the comfort of your home. This gives you your independence while allowing you to work on projects that stimulate you. But each of these have their pros and cons which you need to consider carefully while toying with the idea of a career change.
Once you have answered these questions satisfactorily, you will have developed at least some amount of clarity as to what you are willing to compromise on. Since considering the economy and the market at the moment won't be an adequate yardstick, it would probably be beneficial to also speak to the professionals in the field. By interacting with both the currently employed and the unemployed ones, you will be able to set up for yourself the worst-case scenarios. In the end it is only adequate ground work and introspection that will help you determine whether the new career change will be beneficial to you financially and professionally.
