Do you want to make a career change, but are hesitant to do so?

Even in times of economic uncertainty, a surprising number of individuals think about changing their jobs. This can be due to a growing sense of dissatisfaction with their current position or the recognition of new opportunities emerging as businesses transform. 

Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Career Change

It’s important to understand the underlying motivations behind career transitions and ensure that individuals make informed decisions that lead to greater success and satisfaction.  

Before diving into a job search, it’s important to take a moment for introspection. Ask yourself some key questions: Are there aspects of your current role that leave you frustrated, such as your boss, pay, or specific job responsibilities? Is there a different industry that you feel drawn towards? What are your immediate and long-term goals? 

Answering these questions may provide an opportunity to find greater career satisfaction without necessarily switching roles. 

For instance, let’s say you feel undervalued in terms of compensation but genuinely enjoy your job. Before pursuing other opportunities, it may be worth discussing your compensation with your current organization to see if it can be changed. By proactively addressing such concerns in your existing role, you may find greater financial fulfillment without leaving an organization and job that you truly enjoy. 

Develop a Personal Scorecard

When considering a career change, it’s essential to understand what led you to this point and avoid carrying any dissatisfaction into your next role. Taking an objective look at your situation helps you identify your needs and sets the stage for success in your future position. 

Often, individuals make the mistake of solely focusing on their career prospects without considering the broader impact on their life goals. To overcome this, developing an individual scorecard framework can be very helpful. This framework encourages candidates and prospective hiring brands to identify the factors driving their life and career choices. It involves reflecting on three key categories:

Professionally

Consider what type of company culture you seek, the responsibilities you crave, the desired seniority level, and the work that truly ignites your passion. For example, if you’re passionate about working in a socially responsible industry and making a positive impact, it’s important to align your career move with a company that lives by those values.

Personally 

Recognize that our jobs significantly influence our overall happiness and daily lives. Think about your objectives beyond the professional realm. Do you want a job that allows you to spend more time with your family, pursue personal interests, or support specific lifestyle goals? For instance, if you dream of traveling extensively, finding a role that offers flexibility or remote work options could be a priority.

Financially 

It is necessary to separate financial goals from professional ones. Consider your desired financial state beyond just your annual salary. Are you saving for a particular milestone, such as buying a house, supporting your children’s education, or planning for retirement? Identifying these financial targets helps you align your next career move with your long-term aspirations. Look beyond the base salary to the total compensation and benefits package, such as equity offerings, relocation bonuses, annual and performance bonuses, and tuition reimbursement. 

By documenting your desires, you gain clarity on your goals and ambitions. It enables you to prioritize which aspects are most important to you at a given time and make decisions based on what truly matters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to successfully make a career change. Embracing a career change requires a deep understanding of your own desires and aspirations, ensuring that the next step you take is aligned with your true ambitions. Before taking the leap, however, take time to engage in some introspection and gain clarity on your immediate and long-term goals. By taking these steps, you can make informed decisions that set you on a path toward greater success and personal satisfaction.