If you ask kids back then what they want to be when they grow up, they would answer the usual things: a doctor, lawyer, teacher, soldier, and so on. Some stayed true to their childhood ambitions and became successful in their respective careers later on. Meanwhile, some did graduate on time, briefly pursued their chosen careers, but then shifted to a different career path.
Job hunting is another story. You need to undergo a series of interviews to determine whether you are a good fit for the company. You also have to complete the necessary pre-employed requirements once you get hired and ready for your first day at work. But most of the time, personal realizations can completely change the course of your life.
What to consider before a career change
A career change can be one of the bravest yet scariest decisions you can ever make in your life. It is going out of your comfort zone and doing things you have never tried before. Nonetheless, there are a lot of people who took the plunge and ended up making the best decision of their lives.
You don’t have to dig too deep to have a reason why you want to shift into a new career. The reasons why people decide to switch careers include the following:
- Their current job has become a routine. It doesn’t challenge them anymore.
- They feel ignored and taken for granted in their jobs.
- Some people love their jobs but not their bosses and co-workers.
- It wasn’t their first career choice in the first place.
A career change should be considered carefully as you might have to compromise some things. You might have to let go of a well-paying job over choosing a job that you have wanted for the longest time. In making this life-changing decision, you should choose from these three options:
- Do you want to work in the same field/industry but move to another company?
- Do you want to work in the same company but wish to transfer to another department?
- Do you want to shift into a new career?
Based on these questions, you can better decide on what you want to do in your professional career. You should also ask yourself why you want to change careers.
Is it because you see yourself in fieldwork instead of sitting on your desk every day? Do you want to have a flexible schedule, work on your own, or with a team? Do you want to work at home or prefer working in an office setting? Do you have at least the necessary skills you will need in case you want to shift into a new career?
In the end, these are things you need to consider before taking that career plunge. You need to evaluate and weigh your current situation before making that life-changing decision. More importantly, you should not let your emotions take over your decision-making. Instead, you should carefully think about how it can benefit you personally and professionally.
