Everyone has those moments that see them questioning their life choices. For many people, their career choice is a the one aspect that’s questioned the most. Maybe your appraisal didn’t go as you hoped, or perhaps your boss micromanaging your every task has become too much to bear. There are loads of reasons why your career may not follow the smooth trajectory you hoped, and when this happens, every day at work can feel like a challenge. If all this sounds familiar to you, you are not the only one. Research shows that only 15 percent of the one billion workers worldwide are engaged at work. But, despite feeling dissatisfied at work though, many people never get round to making the leap in changing their careers for the better.
If you are tired of being one of the 85 percent of disengaged employees, you may be contemplating a career change. You may have even considered a career change a few times in the past but attempted to keep plodding on with your current role through gritted teeth instead. The weight of financial responsibility and fear of the unknown are just two reasons people avoid changing their careers. But, you do not have to stick with a job you hate until you draw your pension. Instead, you simply need to choose the best position. Whether you fancy a career in forex trading or would like to try teaching, it is never too late to change your career. If you are feeling anxious about making the change, it is helpful to weigh up your options as best you can to make an informed choice. Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering a career change:
What are my interests?
Finding a career that matches your interests makes every day feel like a breeze. When you are enthusiastic about what you are doing, it can improve your working day tenfold. Finding a career that suits your interests and feels meaningful is a winning combination, and an excellent way to beat those Sunday night/Monday morning blues.
What are my skills?
Having the right qualifications for your career change is essential. However, it is equally important to think about your skills and personal attributes. For example, if you like the sound of being a teacher, but your patience levels are low, this is probably not the right job for you. Likewise, retraining as a doctor may sound appealing, but if your people skills are lacking, this could impact upon your effectiveness for the role. If you feel brave and able to handle some feedback, you could ask your nearest and dearest to list your characteristics, qualities, and skills. You can visit a skills assessment center to test yourself and also prepare for future interviews. This will help you work out the type of occupation that matches your skills and personality.
How much do I need to earn?
Of course, the reason everyone works is for money. So your salary is also a crucial consideration. Calculating how much you need to get by on, and whether your finances can handle your career change is something to think about. You may find that working in a job you enjoy is worth sacrificing the odd takeaway or night out, so don’t dismiss careers that pay less than your current salary straight away.