Career Change: Knowing When to Make the Move

Making a decision to change careers requires careful planning, adequate finances, and determination.  When is the best time to make a career transition? Well, that simply depends upon the individual’s current job situation and what they’d like to be doing in the future.  People seek career changes for various reasons.  Changes in technology, changes in family status, and loss of job are all possible reasons that an individual might seek a career change.  Nonetheless, it’s imperative that you don’t let the opportunity slip away when you have time on your side and all the right resources available to you to make it happen. Here are some of the best times as to when you might consider making a career change.

 Laid off from work

If you have been laid off from work for more than six months you might consider changing your current career.  Don’t be afraid to explore all of your options.  Take the time to discover what you are most passionate about.  If you are still unsure about what it is you would like to do, you should take a career assessment test.  After you have discovered your passion you should research your career choice(s) to ensure that these particular job(s) are in demand.

 Low job prospects for current job

Some jobs are in less demand than others because technology is constantly changing and also because some companies have outsourced some of its job functions. If you find it difficult to find work in your current profession because the job prospects are limited -you will need to change your occupation. Effective planning is crucial. Take time to plan how you want to go about changing your career. 

 Bored with current job

If you are bored with your current job and have encountered limited growth opportunities don’t hesitate to pursue a career change.  You will need to take the necessary steps to make your dream job a reality. Aforementioned, you should choose a career that you are most passionate about. 

 Family status has changed

A change in family status is a good reason to make a career transition.  For example, if you were once a two-income family and is now a single income family, you might want to choose a career that pays you more money to help make up for the difference.  Research to find out which jobs pay more and are in high demand before you select your major.

 Have adequate funds to finance your education

If you have been awarded adequate funds to finance your education, whether it be tuition reimbursement, grants, loans, or cash…you should take advantage of the opportunity.  Don’t waste time or money but move with haste to apply to a college of your choice or other learning institution to pursue your new career interest.

 After you have received your college degree

Just because you have received your college degree, don’t let that prevent you from returning to school to earn another degree or certificate in another discipline.  If you find that you need to make a career change…by all means pursue your goals.