Your profession is what that either makes you or breaks you. A researcher named Gallup did a worldwide research polling 25 million employee’s answers with regard to job satisfaction. What did he find? That only 13% of those workers actually feel “engaged” in their jobs, which means that they are highly satisfied with what they do and have a “deep passion” for it. The rest of the 86% are not that passionate about what they do.
Not surprisingly, many people around the world are just working for the heck of earning money. In the rapidly changing and competitive environment of today where people are required to not only be a specialist in their area, but also have a passion for what they do, many people are pondering about career shifts. That way, when the interviewer asks, “Why did you decide to apply for this job,” you can answer honestly by saying, “Because, I simply love it!” and they will believe it. Trust me on that!
So before you decide to jump the off boat of your current profession, do a little planning first. Ask yourself these questions to make sure you will survive and freestyle your way to safety without any trouble.
1. “What is it about my current profession that I don’t like?”
This is your first reason for a change. It could be that you don’t like the environment, the job description, the company, the people you work with, etc. If you can come up with at least three solid reasons like the ones I just mentioned, it means you really are unhappy with your job and require a change. However, if your answer is “I’m okay or happy with it”, then who am I to say anything else?
2. “Does this new profession have what my current one doesn’t?”
Now match your first questions’ answer with this one. Your reason for change may be valid. However, that doesn’t mean the other career you are planning to jump into is perfect for you. Maybe it will give you the same result as the current one did. So, make sure your fresh start is good enough to jump into.
3. “Do I have the skills, interest, talents, and passion needed for the new profession?”
Some of you may think otherwise, but this one’s a must! Changing your career is not something you do often – and you shouldn’t! The only way it will be fully justified to make the shift is if you have what the new career requires. Your future employer wouldn’t like to hear you say, “Oh, um, I decided to change because I just wanted to try something new.” Nope, you’re not hired.
4. “What is the scope of this new career?”
Sorry to say, but if your new profession doesn’t have a good outlook, you shouldn’t waste your time making the shift. How about asking someone you know who is already in that career for a long time. Ask him to honestly tell you what he thinks the outlook for that profession is. Is it likely to grow in future?
5. “Is the pay good enough?”
I don’t mean to sound overly materialistic, but this one is an important one to consider. You have to consider the salary expectation when it comes to a career change. Will you be able to make a decent living with the income? How about in the years to come? Will it be enough to support a family in future?
6. “How do I see myself in the next 20 years after this career change?”
This question will answer your own potential for growth. What long-term opportunities are associated with this career? What are the promotion prospects? Certain jobs are great for experience, but not as a long-term career. For example, a sales person’s experience is valuable. However, choosing sales as a career may not be good idea. There comes a point when you need to move forward and explore other lucrative opportunities that are more rewarding.
7. “Will I need more education/ qualifications?”
If this is a yes, then you certainly need to wait before you make the transition. Possibly, after several years of service, the profession will require a qualification in order to be eligible for promotion.
8. “What obstacles will I have to face while making this transition?”
Other than necessary qualifications required, there could be other struggles you’d have to go through before and after the transition. Maybe you’ll have a hard time convincing a family member. Or possibly, after you’ve made the change, you’ll require financial resources to make the career work.
Think about how you can minimize these struggles which you have predicted.
9. “What do I hope to gain from this career?”
Happiness shouldn’t be the only answer. (Apologies, Confucius) That shouldn’t definitely be one of the answers, though. However, the experience you gain should also be an answer.
10. “Am I being realistic?”
This answer will pretty much sum up all your answers to the nine previous questions. After evaluating the benefits, your skills, education options, experience, struggles, the pay, and long-term prospects, you will be able to answer this one, final question. If more than five of these questions are bordering on the “no” side, then you should reconsider. Maybe, you’re better off with your current job. If more than five of these questions are affirmative and encouraging, then put your swim suit on and dive in!
Author: Sabrina Walker is an academic analyst at mightyresearchpapers.com in USA. She has worked with a variety of different instructive firms in order to serve her expertise.
