I just finished reading a great article about things that you should consider if you are planning to switch careers, especially if you are not quite sure what it is you want to do when you make that change.
Oftentimes we burn out of our jobs and want to do something different. Some people make huge leaps that require more education. Others prefer to step lightly during that change, and perhaps just move a department over, or change to a different company but continue doing something similar.
This article was written for those who know they are interested in making a change but who are still on the fence about what that change may be.
If this is you, consider some of the points that were listed in the article and some that I have come up with on my own. Doing so may help guide you toward the career that you’ve always dreamed of having (but never knew you wanted until now!)
First, consider the work environment. Do you want something inside or outside? Standing up a lot, sitting down a lot or walking a lot? Do you want casual or executive? Suits or jeans? Creative or more rigid when it comes to flexibility of job details?
Next, think about the amount of education required and what you have now. Will they work together? Do you need to return to school full time for a few years, or can you make a switch while attending some night classes or without going back to school at all. (Neither option is the best-it depends upon your needs, wants and availability-but if you know you can’ t go back to school right now then something that requires a drastic change may be out of the question, whereas if you have a lot of time on your hands this won’t make much of a difference.
Consider the number of hours you will have to work and compare to those that you are working now. Are they more or less? Does it matter. Those whose children are a little older might not mind working more hours, while those with young children at home may want to find a job that requires less of a time commitment, at least for the short term.