Are You Considering Switching Career Paths? Examine Your Decision

If you are switching career paths, you must genuinely want to make the job transition. Making a life-changing decision can be a very daunting task. That’s why it’s necessary to examine why you’re making a career change.

The education you acquired and the various skills you had to develop to obtain your current job will be critical to the transition.

On the flip side, making a career change can be worth it. If you are currently unhappy with your job, deciding to switch career paths can positively affect your life. Being immensely satisfied with your professional life will hinder your happiness.

Why Are You Switching Career Paths?

Take a look at the reasons for changing career paths, and ask yourself, is this a spur-of-the-moment decision, or is it well-thought-out? Communicating you are optimistic about why you want to change professions.

The biggest reason for making a career transition is boredom and lack of appreciation from supervisors. Maybe your values and career goals have changed, and you discovered new interests you would enjoy incorporating into your professional journey.

With the ever-changing technology, many of my clients have secured new positions in the technology sector. As you know, new job titles are springing up daily.

Explore your career options to find the job you will enjoy going to each day. Do a complete evaluation of career alternatives and discuss the careers you are interested in with your family, colleague, or career coach.

Some people enter a different profession without understanding the unique challenges they may face. Never enter a new profession thinking it will be easier than your last job. This will usually not be correct. You might enjoy it more, but all professions have difficulties and challenges.

For this reason, you must adequately research your new career choice to establish realistic expectations.

Doing due diligence will help you understand what skills and characteristics you will require to thrive and enjoy the new sought-out position.

The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) is an excellent career exploration tool for job analysis.

Will You Be 100% Committed?

How dedicated will you be to this new job?

Are you willing to come in early, give up lunch hours, and/or stay after work to offer extra help to colleagues and learn your new duties?

Will you strive to develop your skills to ensure you are the best professional you can be in this new role?

These questions should be analyzed and answered before you commit to a career change.

Why is this Type of Job a Good Fit?

Discover why you think you would be a practical addition to this new profession. So how do you decide if the job is an excellent fit? Below are some discovery questions.

  • Do you possess the characteristics necessary to excel, such as patience, communication skills, organization, time management, problem-solving, etc.?
  • Do you have transferable skills from past jobs that would help you in this new position? You will need to uncover related skills and accomplishments to write a career change resume to generate an interview.
  • Will you enjoy doing the tasks this job involves?
  • How do you react to tense situations?
  • Are reputable companies hiring for this type of position in your geographical area?
  • Are you prepared to network to obtain career leads in a new industry?
  • If you wish to advance in the organization, have your possible research opportunities?
  • Will you enjoy the company culture? Check out the company website or any information via LinkedIn companies. What type of reviews did you find out about the company? Review the social media accounts of the company and key personnel.
  • Does this position pay enough to meet your financial obligations?
  • Will the position provide a work-life balance?
  • How fast do you learn new concepts?
  • Can you figure out problems on your own?
  • Do you work well in a team-oriented and/or independent work environment?

Are you an excellent candidate for switching career paths?

At first glance, these questions may not seem relatable to your future or present position. Still, looking at your current job responsibilities, you’ll find you have many transferable work skills and can use them in your new career.

Suppose you are enthusiastic about a particular profession, energized at the prospect of a career change, wish to give back to your community, have a passion for a field of interest, and are set on making your mark on a new exciting venture. In that case, you are ready to get started on your career change!

Need help switching career paths? Reach out to Candace for assistance!