New year new you, right? Could that new you also include a move into a new career path? While we would like a sure sign that it’s time to make a jump into a job, life and entrepreneurship aren’t that simple. At times the new year brings a sense that we need to ‘change’ something in our lives. Aside from just our health or outlook, our job may also be one of those things we want to change. However, you have to weigh certain factors before jumping into something without considering everything that goes into this life-altering move.
Let’s look into what some of these big factors are to help you decipher if it’s time to make a career change or if you are better off to ride it out until the right time comes along.
Feeling Overwhelmed
This may be a broad category, but definitely one that you have to consider before you jump ship and go into a new career. First off, everyone gets overwhelmed, or at least most people do in their field of work. The difference is understanding how often you feel overwhelmed and if it affects your workload and responsibilities.
To start, take a step back and think about how often you get ‘emergency deadlines’ that you need to get done immediately. Are you picking up the slack from others who don’t pull the weight, or do you have more responsibilities being placed on you without more incentive to do so? These are questions you have to consider prior to sending out your resume.
Before you say “I quit,” be honest with those around you about your feelings and concerns. After all, people can’t fix it if they don’t know. Share how you feel in order to help figure out what can be done about your work overload. Based on the reaction and response of your coworkers, you’ll see how things progress or decline even more. This can be a good place to start in deciding your future and the next moves you want to make in your job and overall career.
Your Heart Isn’t Into It
The most important place to start when considering a big move is listening to your heart and what it’s telling you. There are times we don’t listen to what our gut or heart is telling us because of the fear of change or maybe because we don’t want to face the true reality of a situation. If the excitement that once encased your heart when going to work is now replaced with dread or longing for something different in its place, then it’s maybe time to consider a move.
If you think about it, you are at work as much as, if not more than, your own home. Aside from just bringing home an income, you have to enjoy what you do. Your job is a big part of your life, so you should be content and happy with going to it. In a way, it’s like being in a relationship. If you find that your heart and happiness are being sacrificed because you are comfortable or for fear of disappointing other people, then you need to reevaluate your ‘gut’ feelings.
There have been many entrepreneurs that have stepped away from an endeavor that their hearts weren’t into, including completing college or pursuing a career in something that was more stable to pursue than their advantageous dreams. Where would we be if Bill Gates decided to pursue law like his dad wanted? Or if Sergey Brin thought Google wasn’t worth the risk of giving up his PhD? It’s a good thing they followed their hearts and passions instead of following the safe path that wouldn’t make them happy in the end.
Big Changes at Your Workplace
I have seen this firsthand where a merger or a shift in management can easily affect your feelings of stability or security. You may start to wonder where you will fit into this new picture or company organizational chart. With mergers, new policies, key players, and personalities can have you feeling a little off-kilter and almost like you’re back to your first day.
Regardless, this is not the best time to make a life-changing decision, as there are shifts happening for everyone involved. During this tumultuous time, it’s best to ride the wave of the current until things settle down. Emotions and stress will be high for many, so to make a big move when things aren’t ‘normal’ may be more impulsive in the long run.
So hang back, see what changes are made, and then decide for yourself if you see your future there or somewhere else.
What’s the Trade-off?
Every situation is different, but leaving a job where you will make significantly less should be something you seriously consider before going anywhere. I have known many people who have done this, and in return, said that they got their happiness back. The stress of their former job wasn’t worth the money they made—I totally get it.
However, you still should weigh what that will mean for you in the long run. Certain parts of your lifestyle may have to be scaled back or you may have to work longer hours to make up for the money you lost in the transition. Needless to say, to make a smart and fully thought-out decision, you do have to think about finances and what the trade-off will be in regard to this career move.
As I said earlier, you know when your gut is telling you something. If you know that your happiness will be regained with a new career, then go for it. You can’t put a price on being happy. Just be sure to know the trade-offs and life changes that will come with this new path in your job change.
So as you face 2020 with new resolutions and promises, seriously consider these factors before jumping into any new venture. While it can be easy to feel like you need a change, be sure to know what that change will mean for you financially, personally, and above all else, if it will make you happy in the end.
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