8 Key Considerations Before Changing Jobs or Careers

PLEASE NOTE: The ideas and guidance in this piece are courtesy of “Get Five”, a Career Coaching and outplacement company from New York City where I received my Career Coach training in 2011.

Perhaps you have heard the term “The Great Resignation,” over the last year or so. As an outgrowth of the Coronavirus pandemic, many are currently taking a step back from the workforce to consider their next move and opportunity, as it relates to the world of work.

Here are 8 things that you should weigh, either before you make such a move, or indeed to commit making such a change in your life.

Conduct a deep self-assessment: Why do you want to leave your job? If it’s office politics or a career plateau, a complete change may not be the answer. However, if you are continuously unhappy with your work and it has nothing to do with your company or co-workers, it could mean a new career is the answer for you.

Learn as much as you can about the new career: When researching a new career interest, learn as much as you can before making any decisions. Explore work-life balance, typical advancement expectations and what training you need to get noticed in a new industry.

What are your transferable skills: What skills do you currently have that can transfer into your new career? What will you have to learn? Research what training you will need to gain (certifications, degrees, etc.) in order to make a career change successful.

Consider financial implications: Research the salary estimates for moving to the new job or career? Not only do you have to understand if you will make more or less than you currently do, but you also need to estimate how much you need to invest into such things as training courses or new technologies

Explore paths to reaching your goal: There may be different paths you can travel to successfully make your change. You will need to decide what makes the most sense to you. Will you need to switch companies or move to a new city? If you were working in person, are you willing to now work virtually? Would your current company be supportive of a career change? If so, can you talk to your boss or HR about such a move?

Assess the Marketplace: Even if you are passionate about the new career, are there jobs available in it. Research the employment marketplace both today and the long-term projections for the role you are targeting.

How Will This Affect Your Loved Ones:  Ask yourself how this change will affect your family and friends? Are they supportive of your decision? Having a strong support system helps to ensure success.

Work with a career coach: Because a career or job change is an important decision, it is worthwhile to work with a career coach who can provide insight and expertise to support your journey. Navigating the path to a new industry, to developing your long-term vision, a career coach is a secret weapon to help ensure success in your job or career change.

For each person, decisions such as a job or career change is a significant undertaking. A change does not have to be made all at once. However, focusing consideration to the suggestions provided above, will help one to map out a path that will make the process far more manageable.