10 questions to consider before changing careers

Only 17% of us report being genuinely happy in our roles. I am privileged to be one of those 17%. I love my job now but I wasn’t always a coach – 10 years ago I left a director role in the logistics industry to retrain as a coach and I have never looked back. So where do you sit? Are you luckily in the minority or are you amongst those in a job which you don’t feel passionate about?

When faced with role dissatisfaction, changing jobs is often chosen as a more palatable step to improve the situation, but if you are still feeling dissatisfied at that point, have you considered whether your career choice or industry is the best fit for you? Moving careers to a completely different industry many perceive as a frightening prospect only 11% of UK professionals have made the leap since the pandemic. 

As a career transition coach, part of my role is to support those considering changing careers and I get immense pleasure supporting people as they understand which career they would find most fulfilling. Clients often attend coaching feeling uncertain about whether to move to a new career or what career to move to. Not all leap, but they leave coaching knowing why they want to stay put. 

Ask yourself these 10 questions before you make the leap

1. Why do you want to change?

Why do you want to change careers – what is pushing you out of your current role and what is pulling you towards your new role? 

2. What are your fears?

Barriers to changing careers for 30% are due either to a lack of confidence, or a fear of change. What do you worry could happen if you change careers?

3. What motivates you?

Be honest about what motivation you want from your work and remember our needs can change over time. A job you once were drawn to for the money may no longer appeal if money becomes less of a motivator for you. Think about what you need from your job and what you would like – sometimes multiple roles i.e. a portfolio career can be the best way to satisfy both your wants and needs.  

4. What makes you feel fulfilled?

It’s so important to identify what you value and what is important to you – if you can identify your core values and find a role that aligns with these your chances of feeling fulfilled in your role are greatly increased. 

5. What are your key skills and strengths?

What are you good at? And what do you enjoy? Just because you are great at presenting, doesn’t mean you enjoy it. One of the main reasons people don’t change careers is that 69% believe they don’t have the skills they need for their new career. Many find it hard to understand and articulate the transferability of their skills and experiences. 

6. Would upskilling help your prospects?

Once you have understood any skillset gaps, there are lots of ways you can upskill – potentially outside of work or taking on responsibilities within your current role. There may be secondments, projects or boards you can consider. 

7. What are the downsides of your new career?

Do you understand what is involved in your new role? Rather than focusing on all the positives, ask about the downsides too. Does the positive you seek have a less positive impact? For example, it can seem glamorous to travel the globe but less so when it is at the expense of routines you value like walking the dog or a regular gym class. Can you contact someone who can give you an honest insight?  

8. Can you try your new career?

What can you feasibly do, whilst still working, to try your new career or ease into it slowly? There are many creative ways of bridging between your old and new careers. e.g. part-time or weekend roles, volunteering, shadowing, or retraining.   

9. Do you understand the real financial impact?

You may be considering a career change that could result in lower pay or less perks. As well as comparing incomes don’t forget to compare changes to outgoings too - savings on travel expenses could make a pay cut viable.

10. Could a coach help?

A career transition coach can act as a thought partner, walking with you through the thinking step by step, posing questions that challenge your thinking and helping you to become clearer and more confident about your next step.

Moving careers is undoubtedly a big transition but if handled sensibly, thoughtfully and sensitively, the impact can be minimised and the rewards can be great.