5 Things You Need to Consider Before Changing Your Career

Have you, at least for once, contemplated the idea of a career shift? If yes, then this article is for you. There is no doubt that stagnation is the enemy of progress, but on the other hand, a career shift is a big move, hence the risk you’ll take should be smart and calculated. While there is no time limit for a career shift, but definitely choose to shift their careers in their 20s have it easier than those who do in mid 30s or early 40s. Laying down all the possible scenarios and things you might face along that change can make things a lot easier and the vision clearer. This is why there are certain things you need to consider before taking that decision.

 

1. Contemplate the reasons behind this decision.

First and foremost ask yourself why you want this career shift. Is it money, status, fame, or interests, etc? If you can really answer this question then at least you’ve gone a long shot because you will be able to search in the right direction, also, you will be more resilient when it gets tough because you will always remember your ‘why’.

 

2. Whether it is a career shift that you really want or just a job and employer you want a quit. 

Sometimes, when we work in a place that doesn’t make us happy we begin to develop negative emotions towards our job and mistakenly think we should shift career. Before you consider a change in career you should ask yourself if it’s your current job that you don’t like or just the employer. If you still love your job then it is probably the work environment that is making you doubt whether you should continue in this field. 

 

3. Whether you are willing to start at the bottom. 

A career shift into something you have never done before means taking all those years of experience you had, throwing them behind your back, and starting at square one. In that sense, you are at a junior level all over again in this new job. 

 

4. The lifestyle compromises you have to make.

Financials is when of the most important factors you have to consider when shifting a career. First of all, you need to know that you might, or definitely, will have a cut down on your income since you’re starting from scratch. Accordingly, you need to have a financial plan ahead and make sure you have enough savings. Also, with financial limitations, lifestyle adaptation will be a necessity. There are certain things to cut down on, you will not be able to travel or enjoy a fancy dinner quite as often, and many other things you need to keep in mind. So, the question is, are you really willing to make some compromises?

 

5. How much you are willing to invest in yourself.

Entering a new career in which you have no experience means there will be a lot to catch up on. In that sense, you need to bear in mind that you will need to work on your skill and that there will be a lot you need to learn whether through courses, diplomas, or at least reading more books about the new field.