When It May Be Time For A Career Change

Do you need a new career?

From childhood it is ingrained in us to attend college at 18 and decide on a major quickly. The pressure is on to pick a career that you will continue in for the rest of your working years.

While I’m not saying that college at age 18, or any age for that matter, isn’t advantageous, for most sticking with one career is no longer the status quo. According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics from the United States Department of Labor, a person will change jobs in their lifetime 11.3 times. And people will have 3 to 7 different careers in their lives! 

Only 28% of people remain in the same career throughout their working years. If you're thinking about a career change, know that you are not alone. 

The reasons for so many changes could be that we are living longer and thus extending our working years. It could be because we are seeing increased volatility in the job market due in part to economic fluctuations. Or perhaps it is our collective realization that life is short and we now strive to be happy and pay the bills.

The majority of us have what I like to refer to as an internal compass: those gut feelings that things are not as they should be. I’m not talking about that random bad day at work but a persistent disconnect with a regular activity. 

Are you dragging yourself out of bed every morning dreading the work day ahead? If this is something you are struggling with, a career change may something to consider. 

First you have to ask yourself if it is just your long commute, difficult boss, or lack of career advancement opportunities that is bothering you. If any one of these obstacles was resolved, or removed, would you enjoy your position again?

Perhaps a frank discussion with your employer or looking for a new job within your current industry could solve the problem.

If you can find little to no redeeming qualities in your current job, then think about what you would rather be doing. Your employment is a big part of your life and you deserve to find satisfaction in it.

Is there something you have always had a passion for but were scared to go for it? Fear is one of the single largest things that hold us back in life. True, there is no crystal ball that can definitively tell your future, but if you believe in yourself, create a detailed plan to make the change, and strive for something you have an interest in, the odds of success are stacked in your favor.

Imagine how invigorating it would feel to be doing what you wanted to do and make money while doing it. Will you need any additional education or certifications in your new desired career? Most programs offer classes that are held in the evenings and weekends making it possible to remain in your current position while preparing for your next phase. Also, many of your current skills can be used in a your new career (probably more than you think).

Have you always wanted to hone into your entrepreneurial spirit and start your own business? More and more individuals are making the choice to work for themselves and are enjoying the flexibility because of it.

Work on conducting extensive market research and creating a business plans while still being employed. That saves you some time so that you are sure that your new endeavor is set up for success once you launch.

Listen to yourself and follow what you interest are in life. Do not let fear trap you in a place of mediocrity and unhappiness. Trust me you will thank yourself later.