After spending the best years of your young adulthood in lecture halls and libraries, you finally have a degree or diploma to your name. Congratulations!
After a bit of job hunting, you finally land one and hit the ground running. But after some time, you realise your job isn't what you'd imagined it would be. The thought of changing careers has crossed your mind, but you understandably have a few concerns. There's no need to feel alone. People change careers for several reasons: they may not be passionate about the field they're in, they're craving a new challenge, or they desire a better salary.
Whatever your reasons are for changing careers, there are few considerations you have to make before taking the leap. Here are a few tips to consider:
Measure Your Current Job Satisfaction
On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you at your current job? Don't just throw out a number. Keep a diary of what sets you off at work and how often you feel discouraged, angry or annoyed. What triggers these emotions and can something be done to fix the situation? You'll be surprised to find that the conditions that annoy you the most can be fixed with just a bit of effort.
Evaluate Your Skills, Interests and Values
Have a look at your employment and volunteering history. What made you successful in those roles? Which skills prove invaluable to the projects you were part of, and can those skills be useful in another job? When that's done, it's time to consider what sets your soul on fire as well as what your core values are. This information will go a long way in helping you decide which direction your career should take.
Consider Your Options
Now that you've done an audit of what makes you tick and what you bring to the table, you can decide which job best suits your skills and values. If you're not sure which careers would be suitable for you, consult a professional career counsellor.
Get an Insider's Perspective
It's one thing to research the roles and responsibilities of a job; it's an entirely different thing to do the job for eight hours a day, five days a week. This is where an insider's perspective comes in. If you know someone who's working in the career you’re considering, it's not a bad idea to shadow them for a day or two or ask them for realistic feedback.
Think of the Risks
You probably have a few financial responsibilities: rent, car insurance, groceries, electricity, and so forth. If you change careers, there's a chance you may have to take a slight pay cut until you have enough experience in that field. Before you start your new job, save up enough money to cover three months' worth of living expenses. That money will act as a buffer while you work your way up the corporate ladder.
Many well-intentioned people will warn you against changing careers, but there's nothing wrong with taking a calculated risk. You deserve to be happy, and that can only happen when you live your way.
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