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I adore my job and have my dream career, but I know I am part of the minority. Many of my family and friends are either uninspired in their careers or seriously bored. My husband is no exception to this; he is currently reviewing his career and getting to the point where he wants to retrain – currently, we are somewhere between world traveller and helicopter pilot! While I’m not sure what he will choose, I know that it is a lengthy process to decide, weigh up the pros and cons. This book is a good start for those wanting a career change  What Color Is Your Parachute? 2016: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

Here are some things to consider before a career change:

You haven’t got a development plan

The more we learn, the more we want to grow and develop our skills and if your job holds you back and makes you feel stuck then you may automatically feel like you want to leave the company that doesn’t advance you. However, no one is going to do this for you and you should remember you are in charge of your own career development. Do you want to be a manager? Work for a slightly different industry? Well plan on how you are going to get there, do you need to do a course, get a mentor or just change your personal brand?

Your company is growing

Companies that are in growth are likely to have opportunities opening elsewhere in the business, if your current job isn’t working for you then perhaps another one will? A fast-growing company will be opening new departments or investing in exciting projects; there is no reason why you can’t work towards a completely new role, and the growth may offer you progression into management. Jumping ship to a company that isn’t growing or worse, declining, isn’t a great career tip and you should do your research on the companies that are really doing well.

You’re doing it for the wrong reasons

Did you like your job/career before you got a new manager? Or did the location of your office change? You could have fallen out of love with your career for the wrong reasons and just need to get back to feeling the love again. Perhaps address the thing that has changed and see if that helps, or look for a similar role in a different company that is closer to home or with a different boss – it may reignite your passion for your career.

Is it about the money?

Remember that money doesn’t equal happiness. Money is important, but if you thinking of switching careers just for the bigger paycheck you could be making a mistake. You should be doing what you love and what you are passionate about, being passionate about your career and job will make you successful; choosing a career you are uninspired with will breed lethargy no matter how big the paycheck is.

Have you tried a career change, what worked for you? Let me know in the comments.

Catherine

Catherine

Catherine works in international marketing and events, she has a passion for sharing her knowledge to help others in their career. A keen traveler she has lived in New Zealand, China and England, and explored a lot more of the world; Catherine describes herself as a cup half full and embraces her busy life at 100mph.

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