If you’re like me, the answer to this question doesn’t come easily. Instead of facing the fact that, after 15 years, I really needed a career change, I was constantly bringing work troubles home, approaching my job with a cynical, negative attitude and being overly opinionated about stupid issues at work. I knew it was time to take a hard, honest look at where my career was heading before I turned into a bitter person with little left to offer myself, my family and the people who shared my work space.
At first it felt bleak. Why would I want to leave a cushy well paid job for something unknown? I had all the stress and anxiety of deciding to leave a good stable career and for what exactly? Actually, the stress was what I had to go through to get to the other side, to a successful career coaching business I love!
Your situation may be similar or totally different. Maybe you like your job but still long for that one thing you’ve always wanted to turn it into a career. Maybe you are burnt out or your health is suffering and you need to make a choice for your overall well being. Or perhaps it's time to turn your creative hobby into a business. Whatever your reason for making a career change, it’s yours to make.
So how do you know for certain that you are ready to make that career change leap?
If you’re bored, your job just doesn’t turn you on anymore and you’re generally cranky during your work day, there’s a strong chance you are ready for a change. If a general discomfort, malaise or unhappiness comes over you when you enter your workplace, it is time to explore your options.
If you’ve had more than one job in your field and it is becoming clear to you that no matter where you go, things won’t be any better because you just don’t like the type of work you do, then it’s time to make a change.
You are open to opportunities you never saw before. You’re searching for that new work, your eyes are open and when your friend tells you about this great job she heard about, you’re on it! You’re thinking maybe this is my way out? Then you are ready for a change.
You’re constantly reading articles and books, following career blogs, watching videos, webinars, whatever you can get your hands on to help you sort through your doubts, fears and lack of confidence about taking the huge risk. You are ready for something new.
You’ve stopped listening to people who say, ‘why do you want a new career? You should feel lucky to have the job you have.’ You are fed up with people’s opinions about your career and how you should stop whining and suck it up like the rest of them and be thankful for what you have. If you have officially tuned them out, you are probably on your way to making a change.
If you are truly ready to embark on a career change, you can start by learning about your general approach to planning your career. Are you ready to take it on or are you hesitant to even think about it? Where do you fall on the spectrum? What can you do right away to start the change?
Check out my free easy Career Change Check In to explore your career planning style and see if you're ready to make a change!
