People who are stymied by fear into staying in a job that they do not enjoy only have themselves to blame. Of course it is difficult to venture into the unknown, to make choices about the future when that future is unpredictable. Quite frankly, ambiguity is just plain uncomfortable.
However, in order to find job happiness and truly be successful in whatever career they pursue, they must be free of worry about things that could impede their success.
Toward that end, here are five thoughts that many career changers allow to get in the way of their career happiness and ways to rethink the negatives.
“I hate what I’m doing, but what I want to do doesn’t pay enough.”
This can be a tough one especially for someone who is accustomed to earning a certain salary level. However, that doesn’t mean the only answer is to give up. It’s all about planning how to reduce monthly living expenses to accommodate the change.
Try looking at it from the standpoint of “Who, What, Where, and How.”
- Who can provide assistance with income? This may be a significant other or another member of the family. It may mean taking a second job until all debts are cleared up or liquidating low-interest savings to eliminate higher interest debts.
- What are the current fixed monthly expenses? This means looking at the monthly payments that have to be made. Look only at necessities such as food, rent, utilities and such.
- Where can expenses be trimmed? Consider what extras can be eliminated (i.e. cable, magazine subscriptions). Contact creditors to ask about a reduced interest rate (especially on credit cards) or an adjusted payment plan. This benefits not only the career changer, but also the creditors who might otherwise not see their money.
- How much money is available? Look at the asset to expense ratio. Compare how much is owed to how much money is currently available. Then develop a plan of how to pay off each debt.
“I hate what I’m doing, but I don’t want to start my career over.”
So the question begs to be asked, “Why not?” How much could job seekers really want to change careers if they’re not willing to change the current career path they’re following? If this is the only thing holding them back, then they need to rethink if they really want to change careers.
“It seems a shame to throw away all the experience I’ve gained over the years.”
It’s even a bigger shame when people are not doing what they really want to do. Besides it may wind up that many of their current skills are transferable. Before making the leap to a new career, career changers need to look at how their current skill sets can be applied to their new area of interest. This will also help when developing a resume for the new career.
“I don’t really know what I want to do.”
This is probably the toughest hurdle to get over. And no one can choose for them. People have to decide for themselves what they want to do. One option is to look at where they get the most enjoyment in life – sports, art, helping others, music, travel – and then find a career path from there.
“Maybe I won’t like it as much as I think I will.”
It’s difficult to know without trying, but there’s nothing worse than always wondering “what if?” Someone who is concerned about making a choice should test the waters first by trying an internship or volunteering in a field of interest before making a full-time career switch. If possible, talk to someone who is already in the field in order to get some insight about the good and bad.
In the end the choice is up to each person as to what they want to do and how they will pursue the career that brings them the most happiness.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
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