Changing career is a big decision and should not be taken in haste. Different people have different reasons for changing their career. Some want better paying jobs, some want good designations, others want career satisfaction and fulfillment, and so on. 

If you are also planning to change your career, then you should consider the following points –

Appropriate Reason For Change

A mere argument with your superior should not be a reason for a career change. Take sufficient time to think why you want to switch your career. Money, boredom, and problems with superiors or colleagues are not the right reasons for leaving your current job.

Inter-department Transfers

It is not necessary that you should leave your present job for changing career. Lot of organizations allows their employees to work in different departments depending on their interests and skills. You should check such opportunities in your own organization before taking the call.

Skills

Identify the skills that are required for the new career option that you are planning to take up. If someone else is successful in a particular career, it doesn’t mean that you too will be successful in that field. You must possess the required skills, training and qualifications meant to get in to that career. Otherwise, you should plan to attend the school to prepare yourself for that.

Interests

You should choose a career that best suits your interests. People who love their jobs are successful.

Research

Do as much research as possible on your new career options. Discussing about it with people in a similar field will help.

Some of the important things to check while taking up the new role are:

– What will be the salary?

– Will you be able to maintain your current standard of living?

– What will the job description?

– What will be your career path?

– What all incentives will you get?

– How much traveling will be required in your new job?

– Do you have to relocate for the new job? Does the new job require frequent relocations?

– How demanding will be the new job? Will you be able to maintain work life balance or not?

Volunteer or Internship

To know about any field, you can temporarily volunteer to work in that field or take up internship. This will give you hands-on experience and hence will help to make the right decision.

Network

Once you are sure that you want to change the career, you should seek help from family and friends working in the same field. They can help you to find the right job. You can apply for jobs through various job portals and consultants.

When switching career, it is wise to consider your skills, interests, and qualifications. Changing career not only affects you but also your family. Hence, it is advised that you should consult and seek advice from your family members before taking this decision. Do not decide changing career overnight. Take sufficient time to do the research and weigh all the pros and cons of your present and future job.