Thinking of a career change? 10 things to consider

Let’s explode the myths around changing career direction!

For many people, changing career direction isn't simply a decision that comes from a mid-to-late-life crisis, a whim, impulse, or dream. It's more likely to be an evolving thought or interest that you have had for some time. A thought that meanders across your mind from time to time. And let’s be honest, this is often how our greatest dream is cultivated, slowly over time.

It can be a natural part of life to find that our priorities and ambitions change over time as we develop a different outlook on life.

Our experience of life offers maturity in later years that can ground us in a knowing with confidence that as our thoughts change, we can be powerful influencers of our own learning and offer others the benefit of our thoughts and experiences.

Our experience builds upon our qualifications and learning that takes place in our earlier career path, and our expectations are often more diverse as thoughts and ambitions become more flexible and our circumstances change.

Our self-satisfaction has different motivation factors at different times and for different reasons: practical, economic, social, emotional, physical, psychological, geographical and spiritual.

Embracing these thoughts as being an important part of the human process and direction is a great starting point in taking a different career journey. All human change is a creative process, which starts with a thought or idea about adapting to a certain lifestyle. As we build and respond to the thoughts and changes, we create and shape a different outlook.

Your decision to change direction could have been as a result of several thoughts over the years, or a decision that has been brought about by redundancy. Whatever the circumstances, your way, your journey is unique and can evolve into new and satisfying opportunities.

Our thoughts, actions and decisions are rarely just a whimsical part of us; they can be a steer that connects us to our core and purpose in life.

Diversification can be a great opportunity to create work-life balance and a lifestyle that could include our career and life choice preferences and use our talents, experience and capabilities in a different way, to the full.

Redundancy can be an unsettling experience, but for some people it can also become an opportunity to reconsider their career direction and explore possibilities they may not previously have considered.

Giving thought and time to shaping our career direction and balancing career with our lifestyle can be an important but sometimes overlooked area of our lives.

10 considerations when adapting your career or direction

1. How happy are you in your current role?

How happy are you on a daily basis in your current role? Is each day filled with satisfaction and fulfilment, or are there more of the less satisfying days? Be realistic and honest.

2. What options are available where you are?

What are your options for staying within the same organisation on different terms? You can explore and discuss the what-ifs around part-time, flexible or condensed working hours, job share, a career break, relocation or sabbatical.

Your organisation may have policies or options worth exploring. Short-term contracts, project-based work or temporary cover can add a new dimension to your existing skills and give your CV a real boost in a direction you might want to consider later, on a more permanent basis.

3. What will the change cost?

What finances are needed to support your journey, courses, driving lessons or other professional development, marketing or memberships?

4. Have you done your research?

Information gathering and researching widely into whatever steps and direction you want to take is important.

If you choose a course of study, what is the success rate of student numbers into jobs? Is the course going to validate the experience you have already gained? Is it a portable and nationally or internationally recognised qualification?

5. How far are you willing to travel?

Where would you consider moving or travelling to? Would you want to travel within the job role? If so, how much are you prepared to travel - regionally, locally or nationally?

6. Would you relocate?

If so, would this be permanent, or could you consider finding a base for during the week?

7. What would relocation mean for your home?

If relocation is involved, what would you need to consider about your current home and living arrangements?

8. How urgent is your decision?

Is there an urgency about your decision because of certain requirements or commitments in your life or your family life?

9. Have you considered all your options?

All the above choices will have very different personal variations to be considered. There are lots of creative options to consider within each challenge.

Devote your thoughts to thinking outside of your immediate circumstances, explore variations and options; your dreams and happiness are all worth considering.

Before moving forward, be clear about the reasons behind your choice and what you hope the change will bring to your life and work-life balance.

10. Who can you talk to?

Talk to a few recruitment agencies about the type of work you are considering in that location and discuss your thoughts with other people who have made career changes.

Where possible, also talk to people already working in the area or role you're considering. This relationship should never be underestimated.

How can life coaching help and support my decision?

Career coaching can support you through a career transition or change, recognising that everyone's circumstances and journey will be different.

A period of self-exploration in life coaching around your various options is a valuable investment for your future.

Life coaching sessions can support this transition and can ensure that you fully explore those challenges and opportunities that are unique to you and your circumstances.

Your relationship to your work, your career and vocation is as individual as you.

Finding your fit to work and lifestyle is a journey that can be supported with exploration and reflection, using both the challenges and successes of your past career to steer a way through your perceptions, choices, options and opportunities.

This can enable you to shape your skills, knowledge and experience and feel confident in your plan.

Spending time on self-learning and development can be challenging; however, the rewards can be felt in many areas of life, not least our relationships. Giving time and thought to your career can be a valuable investment in your future and may help you move towards greater fulfilment in your working life.