One of the toughest decisions is deciding whether to change careers. The difficulty lies in the weight associated with a big change that has a number of pros and cons. On one hand, you may be a lot happier in the long run, you may learn new skills and you may discover something you are deeply passionate about. However, making the transition can sometimes be difficult and you may end up missing some of the things you left behind. Still, you owe it to yourself to embrace changes in pursuit of happiness.
The first part of making the right decision is to do an assessment of the careers. This will
help you learn about your interests, work-related values, personality types and aptitudes in
order to find out what occupations are best suitable based on those traits. Reports have revealed that making an informed decision regarding your career will certainly increase the likelihood that you will be more satisfied with the decision. However, according to the Balance Careers website, "even if individuals do everything right, there are no guarantees the career they choose when just starting out is the ones they will want to remain in for the rest of their working life. Additionally, changes in one’s life or the economy can all influence whether they will want to, or can, stay in the same career. At some point, they may find themselves wanting/needing to, follow another path.
Here are some valid reasons to make this transition
Boredom/change of lifestyle
One factor that might influence persons to change career is that they find themselves bored in their work. Even though, this could be a viable reason to look for something new, it is important to take a look at the source of it. For instance, are you having the occasional boring day, or are you no longer excited about the work you do? If it’s the former, here are ways to change up your routine (WHAT ARE THE WAYS?) . On the other hand, if you have lost interest in your field it might be time to start looking at some new career options. A person’s life can change from what it was when they started their career. Thus, the current career will no longer match their interest. This is also a good indication that a change in career may be necessary.
2. Health
Another reason for deciding to change your career is your current work negatively affects
your physical or mental health. It should be noted that even a career that someone once loved has the potential to wear them down. After years of performing in the same role, an individual may begin to experience what is known as job burnout. It is important to pinpoint the source of your suffering before committing to the change. This will help to determine if the challenge is specific to your job in particular or if all jobs in your career would be detrimental to your health. You will be able to make an informed decision if you just need to find a new job or change careers entirely.
3. Not utilizing your full potential
The possibility exists that individuals may feel their talents and abilities aren't being fully utilized and this can lead to them wanting to change career. It is imperative to feel value in the work you do. But, before committing to a change, consider discussing these feelings and thoughts with your supervisor or manager, especially if you still feel passionate about your career. There may be other duties or projects available that could make you feel more useful.
4. Income
One of the major factors of changing careers is the individual is unhappy with the monetary
compensation package i.e. it is either not enough or it does not outweigh the negative aspects of their jobs. If you feel similarly, take a look at the potential for advancement in your existing career path. If there is opportunity for promotion or a pay raise, you may want to consider sticking with it. If not, you might want to seek out a career with better opportunities.
It should be noted that if you do change careers, there is a chance you may have to take
an initial cut in your pay. The odds are that you'll be taking a position that is more toward the entry-level end of the spectrum. There may be other reasons you're unhappy with your job, but we hope the ones we have listed above have given you a better idea of what to consider before deciding if you should make the change. In the end, the final decision is entirely up to you. Good luck!
Contributed by Vice President Shauna McLeod.
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