Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Changing Careers

  • Am I dissatisfied with my career or only with my job? Can I find satisfaction in a related job within the same field?
  • Are the working conditions the motivating factor for a change? If so, could I change my environment, or my attitude towards it, or is the only resolution a career switch?
  • Do I wish to express certain values on the job that I can't in my present occupation?
  • Do I feel as though I could use more of my abilities and skills in another occupation?
  • Do I have an understanding of my personality and the type of environment I'd prefer working in?
  • Do I know where my interests lie? What do I know about my vocational interests?
  • Have I taken an inventory of my skills and know what my marketable/functional skills are?
  • Have I acquired new skills that I don't have the opportunity to use in my present occupation even though I'd like to?
  • Am I willing to make sacrifices to start all over in a new occupation—such as taking a salary cut? Are the people who are dependent on me also willing?
  • Can I enter my newly chosen occupational field without retraining or further education?
  • Will my functional skills transfer to the occupation I choose, or must I develop new skills?
  • Do I have alternative plans—or are all of my eggs in one basket?
  • Are there any ways that I can try out a new career without quitting my full-time job?
  • Exactly what will I be giving up and what will I be gaining to change careers?
  • How important are the golden handcuffs—seniority, retirement fund, and other benefits—to my welfare both in the short run and over the long run? Have I done pen and pencil figuring, or only daydreaming?
  • Is there help available in my community to facilitate my career change or help insure its success?
  • Do I feel that I have the patience to spend the time in an entry-level position to get to my goal?
  • What small preparations can I begin today to help with my career switch? Do I have a list of small, medium, and big goals drawn up? Micro- and minigoals too?
  • How willing am I to take risks—like risking not being happy in a new occupation? Would I be willing to make another switch if that happens?