How many times have you stared at your desk, wondering if this is all there is?
How many times have you sat in traffic, gripping the steering wheel, and thought, “Why am I still doing this?”
How many times have you dragged yourself out of bed, wishing you could just stay under the covers forever?
How many times have you fantasized about walking into your boss’s office and quitting on the spot, just to feel alive again?
If you’re like most people, the answer is: too many times.
The truth is, most of us are trapped. Trapped in jobs we hate, careers that suffocate us, lives that feel like someone else’s.
Many of us reach a point where we ask ourselves: “Is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life?” And that’s okay.
But before you hand in your resignation and chase a dream, let’s pause. Career changes are big. Scary big. They uproot your life, your routines, your sense of security.
So, before you leap, here are some important questions to ask yourself.
1. Why do I want to leave?
Is it the toxic work environment? Is it burnout? Or maybe you feel unchallenged? Pinpointing the exact reason matters. If you’re running away from a problem, make sure it’s not a problem that will follow you to the next job.
2. What am I running toward?
It’s easy to fantasize about greener pastures, but have you really thought about where you’re headed? Is it a specific industry? A role that aligns with your values? Be clear about what you want, not just what you don’t want.
3. What am I terrified of?
Be honest with yourself. What’s the monster under the bed keeping you from making a move? Is it fear of failure? Fear of judgment? Fear of the unknown? You can’t conquer your fears until you name them.
4. Can I afford this?
Let’s be real. Changing careers can mean starting over; lower pay, fewer benefits, or even no income for a while. Do you have savings? A financial cushion? Sometimes passion comes at a cost, and you need to be ready for it.
5. What skills do I already have?
Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve likely built up a wealth of transferable skills; communication, problem-solving, project management. How can these skills serve you in your new path?
6. What skills do I need to learn?
New careers often mean new challenges. Are you ready to invest in yourself? Maybe it’s a course, a certification, or even going back to school. Do you have the time, energy, and resources to make it happen?
7. What’s my support system like?
This is a big one. Do you have people in your corner; a partner, family, friends, or mentors, who will cheer you on, or at least help you through the tough days? Career changes can be isolating, and you’ll need your tribe.
8. Am I ready to start over?
Because, let’s face it, you might have to. Starting over can be humbling (sometimes even humiliating). Are you ready to be the newbie, to learn from scratch, to prove yourself all over again?
9. What truly matters to me?
Forget the money for a second (yeah, we know, easier said than done). What values are non-negotiable? Do you want to feel like you’re making a difference? Do you want to have a lot of autonomy? Do you want creative expression? If you don’t know what you value, you’ll just end up in another soul-sucking situation.
10. Have I done enough research?
Don’t go in blind. Talk to people in the field you’re considering. Read, network, job shadow if you can. Know what you’re stepping into so you don’t end up trading one misery for another.
11. How will this impact my personal life?
Change ripples. Will a career switch mean less time with your family? Relocation? More stress? Or will it mean you’ll finally feel fulfilled and bring that joy home? Weigh the impact on the people and relationships that matter most to you.
12. Am I prepared to fail?
Not every leap leads to a safe landing. Are you ready to fail and try again? Because that’s part of the journey. Failure isn’t the end; it’s a lesson. But it’s a lesson that can sting. So, can you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again? If the answer is no, then you’re probably not ready.
Final Thoughts
Changing careers is one of the bravest things you can do, but bravery doesn’t mean recklessness. It means being scared and doing it anyway, but with a plan. So, ask yourself these questions. Sit with them. Cry over them if you need to. Weigh the pros and cons carefully. This is your life, and you deserve to get it right.
In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, the decision to change careers requires careful introspection and analysis. The volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world we live in demands thoughtful consideration of your motivations, not hasty decisions driven by temporary frustrations. Whether you’re a recent graduate choosing your path, a mid-career professional feeling stuck, or an executive seeking new challenges, understanding your core drivers is critical. Our career coaching programs can help you explore these essential questions and develop a clear understanding of what you want from your next career move, enabling you to make truly informed decisions about your professional future. Contact us today to find out how we can help you evaluate your career change decision and set yourself up for success in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.