Over the years, you may start to feel that your current job is not satisfying even if you used to enjoy it. There are plenty of career options available that are in very high demand and will continue to be for many decades to come.
Making a career change is the answer in some cases, but it is important to consider some things before taking the leap. Here are some signs that you may be ready to make a career change:
No longer meaningful and fulfilling
A lot of people have taken a job just because they need a paycheck coming in but that doesn’t mean it is a good idea to stay in a job that you do not value beyond having a way to pay your bills. Finding a meaningful and emotionally rewarding job is important for your long-term happiness and mental wellbeing.
For example, a job where you know you are contributing to helping a lot of other people may be more fulfilling to you than running a cash register at a big box store.
Bored or lacking a challenge
If you like to confront and overcome challenges, then staying in a job that doesn’t offer them any longer is not a good idea. Boredom can lead to unhappiness in your work and home life and can have a lasting effect on those around you as well. Boredom also increases the odds that you will not work to your full potential at times.
Your work is not highly valued by your employer
Working really hard and facing the fact that your employer doesn’t seem to care that you are trying so hard is not a position you want to stay in. You deserve to have your work valued. Working in an occupation where your work is never recognized is incredibly disheartening.
Over time, staying in a job that doesn’t value you or your co-workers results in people just giving up on trying. After all, what is the point of doing something well if you are treated the same no matter what?
Factors to consider before making a major career change
Job demand and salary
Job security is important. Trying for a career that is hard to break into may be too risky for those that have obligations to consider, such as supporting a family or paying a mortgage. If you can afford to make a career change that allows you to do what you love and be happy but make less money, then it may be worth it to take the plunge at some point.
Many people make career changes like this after working in higher-paying positions for years and gaining some financial stability.
If you will make more money in a new career, then that is a great incentive to go for it. Who doesn’t want a career they love that pays more than their current job?
Training and development while working
If your new career involves a significant training period or degree program, you need to consider how to complete this. There are a lot of online degree options that allow you to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree on your own schedule, so you can continue to work and earn an income.
For example, if you are thinking about becoming a nurse and already have a bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible for accelerated degree programs like those offered through Baylor University.
These types of programs allow you to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing in as little as one year. Baylor University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an intensive full-time online course designed to prepare you to provide direct patient care.
Of course, earning a degree means you need to carve out at least some time from your life for your classes. If you have a lot of other obligations or a family to look after, it is important to consider all that so you can figure out a schedule that makes it feasible for you to pursue your career change.
Remember that many online degrees allow you to take classes part-time or full-time. It is far better to work towards your degree at a slower pace than to never do it at all.
Relocation
The ability to relocate to move into the job you want can be a big help when making a major career change. Even if your chosen career path is in high demand and it is not likely that you will have any trouble finding a position near where you already live, having the flexibility to look for positions in other areas could allow you to find a position with better pay and benefits.
Nursing and law enforcement are great examples of careers where many regions are having trouble finding enough qualified applicants to fulfill the needs of their communities. As a result, some employers are using tools such as offering sign-on bonuses and help with relocation expenses.
Since the cost of living can vary a lot based on location, it is an important factor to consider when weighing the pros and cons of accepting a position. You want to have a realistic idea of how far your wages will go.
Conclusion
Making a career change can lead to a lot of positive life changes. It is important to consider personal factors when planning to leave one career for another. It may be that you need to plan your exit and take steps toward a new career on a slightly longer timescale than you would like.
However, it is critical to remember that taking small steps towards a big change is far better than staying stuck in a position you are unhappy with and that doesn’t offer any potential for growth or promotion.
