6 Key Questions To Ask Yourself Before Changing Careers
Unsuccessful people make decisions based on their current situation, successful people make decisions based on where they want to be
Before jumping into a new career venture, it is important to fully evaluate if you have the necessary skill set, education, experience to qualify for a particular job you would apply for.
Imagine showing up at the airport and the attendant asks you what you are looking for. I want to purchase a ticket. Great, she says, where to? I don’t know comes your response…wherever! What are the odds you will end up in a good spot?
Most people before taking a trip or vacation will take the time to plan an itinerary, pack what they need, make reservations, make sure the vehicle is in good working order if they plan to drive, pack food and supplies if going camping, look at the weather.
Planning one’s life and career should get at least the same amount of attention if you want it to turn out good.
Before starting the job search, here are 6 Key Questions that would be useful to ask yourself regarding where you are and where you want to go.
1. LOCATION
Now, this has multiple aspects to it. The first would be to determine the geographical area you are willing to work within.
How far are you willing to drive?
Are there certain parts of town due to traffic you would rather not go to?
If the job requires you to show up at the place of work at a certain time each day this is an important consideration. Especially if you prefer working on a more flexible schedule.
If you don’t have a vehicle do they have transit close to it (bus routes, train, metro, subway).
Figuring these things out before applying to a job will help you eliminate any positions that don’t fit these criterias.
2. TRAVEL
Are you willing to travel during the day but only if you can get back home every night?
Is traveling outside of town occasionally or you are perfectly fine traveling all the time as you enjoy it and your lifestyle and home situation make it OK.
These are not only questions you want to answer upfront to filter out job opportunities that might not be a good fit for you but also to know how to answer if brought up by a potential employer.
3. RELOCATION
Although this might not apply right away, it is a consideration to keep in mind for 2 reasons.
#1 — If you are willing to relocate then your chances of landing the job you want increase dramatically as your options will grow exponentially.
There are certainly more Information Technology opportunities closer to Silicone Valley than there are in Northern Ontario for example. But if your goal is to work in the mining or forestry industry perhaps the reverse might also apply.
#2 — If you are looking at working for a large multi-national company with offices all across the country or even the world, being mobile increases your chances of landing a position and also for advancement opportunities.
When making a list of places you would be willing to relocate, identify a list of your top spots and start from there.
4. SMALL LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS VS LARGE MULTI-NATIONAL CORPORATION
There is a difference between working for a large multinational company and working for a small family-owned business.
Each has pros and cons depending on your preference.
The large multi-national company offers more choices, opportunities long term perhaps and room for growth. But you might feel like just a number.
The smaller family-owned company should offer you opportunities short term you might not get at a larger firm since you get to touch way more things. People tend to be involved in more aspects of the business in a smaller company than a large one.
5. PUBLIC SECTOR VS PRIVATE SECTOR
The public sector covers anything related to government and their agencies. This can be Federal, provincial or state, municipal, or other government-funded agencies.
The private sector covers any other organization both for and non-profit that are privately owned or run like a corporation.
Both have pros and cons and it comes down to what your goal is. A set profession, for example, can be practiced in either or.
A teacher can work for the public school board, but could also work for a private school. A lawyer can work for the federal government or a private firm.
Public sector jobs tend to offer more security of employment, better benefits and a higher floor of earning, but also less flexibility in your ability to do creative work and tend to have a lower earning ceiling.
Private sector jobs tend to offer less security, fewer benefits and a lower floor of earning capability. On the other hand, the possibilities are endless and the higher-end incomes tend to be in this sector.
Transitioning from the public sector to the private sector and vice-versa has been an adjustment period for a lot who have experienced the change.
Again, it’s not good or bad, just different and up to you to decide which type of work environment suits you best and the opportunities you are looking for.
6. EDUCATION, LICENCES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Perhaps you’ve determined your career path and have a clear direction you want to take, but it will require some additional schooling, training, licencing or certification you currently don’t have.
It might be costly financially; you may have to leave your current job to get enrolled in post-secondary education to get it done faster or do it at nights and weekends but take longer to complete.
Some professions might require specific physical requirements that you will need to train and qualify for. Think military, first responders, construction workers, etc.
Our recommendation here is to talk to people who have gone before and taken different routes but have made it to the career positions you aspire to reach.
Find out what they did, ask what they would do differently on their way and any advice they would have for you on your journey.
So there you have it — 6 Key Questions that you should answer before starting off on the path to your new Career Journey!
You can download the entire Career Experts Secrets Book here: