3 Questions to ask yourself before a career change

What new beginnings await us in the new year?

As 2024 draws near, you might be thinking it’s time for a career change. But switching careers can be easier said than done, and it is not a decision to be taken lightly. The prospect of something new, though exciting, may also be daunting as you may have to give up a number of things, including the financial security of your current career.

Here are 3 key questions to ask yourself to make sure a switch and the timing are right for you.

There are many factors to consider when changing careers, including your current stage in life. When I transitioned midway through my career, I had enough financial security and wanted a more challenging job. Over the past two years, I have been preparing for the transition from corporate work to entrepreneurship, which is a more challenging undertaking, but I now have the experience and confidence I need to make the leap, even if it means sacrificing the security of a steady salary.

A transition at the early stages of your career may be desirable but not an option as you are more likely to be motivated by gaining experience, a good salary, and having the financial security of a stable job. You may find that a change of direction is more attractive at a mid- or later stage of your career because you are likely to be more financially stable and able to take risks to align work with your purpose.

Consider what stage you are at and how this marries with your professional motivations. For instance, do you want to earn more, or is a job that aligns with your values more important than pay? How will the change impact your current lifestyle or your personal and family commitments? Is workplace flexibility important to you, or is nine-to-five office life more convenient? Do you live to work, or work to live?

Once you have been able to identify your key career motivators, you will be able to apply this to your search to find the best path that fits you.

It is likely that you will need to upskill in some form or another, especially if you are thinking of changing industries. Doing your research into your desired industry/profession is vital to determine whether a career change is pragmatic and how you can equip yourself if so.

What skills/qualifications are required? Is there an investment (both time and money) you need to make to upskill? What transferable skills do you have to get you through the door? Have you spoken to people currently in the industry, about their experience of what work is actually like? How can you test that to make sure this is the right move?

Switching careers is a big decision that requires a lot of effort and resilience. Doing your research to ensure your decision sets you up to succeed in reality is vital.

Gone are the days where emotions were said to have no place at work. Let’s face it, we can’t just switch our feelings off when we enter the office door, so taking your emotions into consideration when deciding on a career change is very important.

Take a moment to think about how your current job makes you feel. Do you feel excitement or dread at the start of each week? Consider where these emotions are coming from. Do they stem from your actual job, or your workplace? Having a workplace where poor teamwork, colleague conflicts and high stress abound is a toxic combination that can lead people to think their actual job is to blame for their dissatisfaction.

If this sounds familiar, try to reframe the situation—how would you feel about your job if this context and challenges were removed? Would you still find it exciting? Would you still want to do this job if it were in a more positive work environment?

If you determine that your job no longer excites you, then maybe it's time to consider a career change. However, before you rush into your next career path, ask yourself: “How do I want to feel after this change?” Name the emotion you want to feel. Having a better understanding of our emotions helps us make better choices.

Changing careers can be an exciting prospect, but it requires careful consideration of both internal and external factors. Take the time to do research and reflect to make sure this transition is right for you. Talk to people in the industry, and ask questions to gain a better understanding of what will be expected of you. Finally, make sure you’re prepared for the financial, emotional and professional implications of making the switch.