Big changes, whether they’re upheavals in the economy, disruptions in an industry or of a more personal nature, have this way of making people think about what’s important.

Often, the first area of life they evaluate is how they spend their time making a living. Questions like “Am I happy in this line of work?” “Do I see a future in this organization?” and “Can I do this for the rest of my working life?” loom large.

When I’ve worked with clients who are considering a career transition, either into a new role, company, industry or even profession altogether, I’ve heard a litany of reasons to make the move. Some need more work/life balance, while others feel bored in their position. Some want to climb the ladder, while others want to step out of a leadership role. Some are looking to escape a company that is in direct conflict with their beliefs. Others are forced out for one reason or another. Many are just craving something new.

Are you ready for a “second” career?

Making a career transition can be a scary experience. Leaving the security and stability of a job you know well to tackle something unfamiliar or new is a bold move. That’s why I advise clients to do some serious research and a good bit of soul searching before they make the jump. If you are thinking of a career transition, follow this advice to ensure you are making a decision you won’t regret.

Learn more about yourself

I walk clients through a series of assessments so that they gain some self-awareness and a deeper understanding of what they want in a career. Personality assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) and The Birkman Method can be eye-opening, so I recommend them. However, a formal test isn’t always necessary. Simply answering questions like the following can offer you valuable insight to keep in mind as you look for your next position:

• What gets me excited?
• What motivates me to reach my full potential?
• What type of work do I enjoy and doesn’t feel like a chore?
• What matters most to me (e.g., fulfillment, money, purpose, helping others, flexibility)?
• If I could make money doing something that makes me really happy, what would it be?

We can get so caught up in doing what we think we are supposed to do, which is advance our careers and increase our salaries, that we don’t stop to answer “Is this job a good fit?” Spending some time analyzing yourself will help ensure that the next position does.

Do your homework

A new career can look great on paper, but before you jump into uncharted waters, take some time to learn the reality of the position. Interview people in the profession. Ask for their unfiltered feedback on what it’s like to go to work every day, what they hate about the job and what they love most. Ask them to describe the ideal fit for the job, in terms of skills and personality. You may quickly discover that it’s just not right for you.

Additionally, if you are considering a new organization, do some digging to learn about the culture and values of the company. Research the organization online and connect with ex- or current employees, if possible. Again, you are looking for honest input. The last thing you want is to start a new job and find out that from a moral, ethical or personality stance, you don’t belong.

Be honest with yourself

Finally, admit to yourself how much you are willing to commit or give away to pursue a new career. Would you take a big salary decrease or demotion? Would you move to another city or state for more job opportunities? Are you willing to start from the bottom all over again? If necessary, will you go back to school or take training?

Ultimately, if you were to strip away all the money and prestige of a new career, would it still make you feel fulfilled and happy? It’s a tough question to ask, but it is a critical one to answer in the affirmative—if you don’t want any regrets. If you are thinking about career transitioning, we would love to help you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.