Unlike deciding on what socks you’re going to wear or what toothpaste brand you’re going to switch to, when you make the decision to change jobs, careers or open a business there is a lot at stake. If you change careers, there could be a significant loss of income for awhile, or you may have to work more hours, taking time away from family. Or you could score a job that gives you a super flexible schedule. A change could mean transferring your family to another state – or even another country. It could be a matter of working down the street versus 30 miles away, or doing what you love versus doing what you can to get through the day and pay the bills. From career growth to pay scales, there is so much to consider. It’s a lot of pressure. People say they’re ready for a change, but change is never comfortable. Many procrastinate. But the more time you waste putting off finding a new job or career that is the right fit for you, the more opportunities you lose out on. You’re less likely to put off making such a weighty decision with a clear process. Here are the steps you can take to keep yourself pushing ahead:
Identify The Key Motivators
First you need to assess what’s prompting the need for change. Is there something in your life that’s changed, or has there been a shift in the company you’re working for? Or do you have this nagging feeling that you were meant to do something else? Is there a specific incident at work that’s making you want to move forward? Perhaps something happened that made you angry or hurt your ego. If so, are you looking at the situation objectively? When we’re emotionally charged we tend to make brash decisions. It may be good to re-evaluate when you’ve had some time to take a step back. Perhaps it was just a bad day. But if good days are few and far between, then you might be on the right track in considering other options.
Prioritize
Here are some questions to get you thinking about your priorities.
- How’s the outlook in your industry? Is there room for you to thrive in your field?
- Are you bored or burned out at work?
- Are you no longer feeling challenged?
- How important are things like security and stability to you?
- How important is it for you to love what you do? Are you doing it?
- Are you doing something that is in-sync with your strengths?
- If you have a regular job, do your values match with your company’s culture?
- How does your current career path impact your family life?
Now make a list of what you’re seeking in a job or career, and then prioritize your list with the most important things at the top. This will help keep things in perspective.
The Old Pros and Cons List
What benefits will you receive if you make a change? Do the benefits out-weight the costs? When considering a new job or career, use the tried and true method: list the pros and cons. Beyond whether or not your new decision will allow you to cruise around in a supped-up BMW, consider things like personal growth, less stress or the ability to do something with meaning. Give each pro and con a number on a scale of 100 of how important that point is to you. Add up each side. Is one number significantly larger than the other? If so, your decision will probably be a lot easier to make.
Staying Motivated
If you do decide that a change is the way to go, you have to be willing to put in the effort. This may require ample time to research, network or learn a new skill. Whether it be a half hour or two hours, allot a certain amount of time everyday to pursuing your new job or career. Write down what’s motivating you and put it somewhere prominent, like on your mirror or computer screen. Although changes can be hard, they can also pave the way to a more fruitful life. It’s often worth the grunt work, especially if it means having a career or job that truly makes you happy.
Are you considering changing jobs or careers? What’s triggering the need for change? Please comment below. I’d love to hear from you!