When is it Time for a Career Change?
For some, a midlife career change is a choice. For others, it is a necessity. Today, many individuals face a significant career change resulting from a layoff, termination, a physical accident or other external circumstances. In his article about how to prepare for a career change, Mike Bellah refers to the study by a Harvard economist that show that today’s “middle-aged men are twice as likely to lose their jobs in a permanent layoff as they were 13 years ago.” Sometimes life determines for you when the career change is necessary.
Well then, with the exception of external circumstances, when would you want to consider a career change? A common answer is when you want (or need) to make more money. I mean, that’s why you have the job in the first place, right? Okay, that’s one way to look at it. But money is only one of the benefits of working. What about enjoying what you do, making a difference and having new and exciting experiences?
Needing to make more money is not the only reason to consider a career change. Other reasons can include: your career no longer excites you, your work is too stressful, or your work is in conflict with other aspects of your life. When you find yourself dreading work, it’s time to consider a change. I don’t mean the occasional, “I don’t want to go to work today.” I mean the everyday wish that you were doing something different.
Is there an ideal time to make a career change? According to the advice at AllBusiness.com, “the best time to consider a career change is when you are safely ensconced in your existing one. A steady paycheck can relieve a lot of pressure.” This allows you to examine your talents, explore career options and even test the waters of various careers without the fear of how bills will be paid.
So, if you find yourself unhappy at work, but still employed with a steady paycheck, you might want to do as I am doing and consider a career change. Take control now when it is your choice. Do something today to start that change. Just one step. The possibilities are vast and the next great career might be just around the corner.
4 Responses to “When is it Time for a Career Change?”
By Stac on Nov 13, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for the comment on Shall We Get Over It? Read your blog and will be encouraging you each step of the way. It is hard to make that change when you have the “golden handcuffs” on. You are very brave!
By Carla on Feb 1, 2008 | Reply
I went back and read this post today and it makes a lot of sense. Since you have a job, exploring your options while still employed makes a lot of sense.
In my case, I’m already a freelancer so I have to do my exploration while still drumming up work. But I guess I have less to risk if I decide for any kind of major change, since I’ll just keep freelancing right up to the point where I make the leap. I wonder which is easier?
By Coryan on Feb 1, 2008 | Reply
I’m not sure which one is easier. I think both have some advantages. The bigger problem is when someone waits until their day job goes sour to start looking for new work. It seems so much better to start exploring other options when you have a steady income (from employment or self-employment), but simply want to be doing something else.