Sometimes in life, you’ll find yourself at a crossroads where you will contemplate to make some changes for your life. That often manifests in different ways, but the one that can create the most stress in someone’s life is the idea of making a career change. Doing something to change something so intrinsically tied to someone’s livelihood can create so much doubt and uncertainty. At the same time, a proper move can also be a source of anticipation and excitement.
In order to make sure that making such a monumental decision goes right, here are some of the questions to ask yourself before you make such a decision:
Know your non-negotiables
In life, someone always has to figure out things that they will not be willing to compromise on; the so-called “non-negotiables”. These are the things that help ground and control your life from outside things and are a good indicator of how an external change can co-exist or even jeopardize those “non-negotiables”. When making a career change, if you notice that it will be a job that will increase some pay but add like, an hour to the commute and cut off from other things in your life, it is something you can consider when you’re weighing the pros and cons of an opportunity. Thinking of your non-negotiables can help prevent you from making a decision you will regret down the line.
Know the “why” of your decision
Before making any big decision, it is always important and smart to ask yourself the most important question of all: “Why?” By asking for the “why”, it will allow you to search deeper within you and ask questions that go beyond surface reasons like “greater pay” or “a new opportunity”. If it’s for a pay raise, ask yourself why you want that pay raise. Is it strictly to earn more? Is it because you want the ability to afford a nicer place? Is it because you want to provide more for your family? Is it because you want to have more expendable income? It could be any one of these questions and weighing your options like these can make you be sure of why you’re willing to change course.
Know the changes you’ll have to make
Making a major career decision can’t be taken lightly. There are so many changes that can happen by accepting a new position. You always have to think about what you’ll need to change to make things happen and what will change as a result of the new career. There are so many factors to consider, both internal and external, that a change can’t come if you don’t consider them. Think of all the best-case and worst-case scenarios that could affect you in the short term and the long term before making this decision. As long as you have put some thought to every element that comes from taking this career change, take a leap.
