The Job Seeker’s Dilemma: Is it time to change career direction?
Todayâ??s job market is tough. Millions of people are looking for jobs for the first time in years. Theyâ??re looking for jobs that donâ??t seem to exist. Recruiters donâ??t return phone calls. Job seekers are fed up and frustrated. They wonder if all the effort is ever going to pay off and if itâ??s time to change careers. You might be wondering the same thing. But, it seems so risky in this economy.Â
If you are experiencing these feelings, it might be time for a career change:
â?¢Â Youâ??ve always been interested in other career areas but went with the â??safeâ? route and now you feel burned out
â?¢Â You donâ??t enjoy your work anymore and you wonder what other options are out there for you
� You feel stuck and stagnant
� You are finding fewer and fewer jobs available in your industry
â?¢Â Youâ??re over-qualified for the jobs that are available in your industry
� You feel the effort to get a new job in your industry is more than you want to undertake
How do you know if now is a good time to change career direction?
The reality is that job loss and job creation are natural components of the world of work. It happens all the time to varying degrees. So there probably isnâ??t one perfect time to change jobs or careers. The decision depends a lot on your personal situation.
Before launching a job search or career change, though, there are several important steps to take which I also outline in my career guide and audio program, Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love.
Gaining Personal Insight
Before you change careers, you need to figure out what you want. By assessing your current situation you can determine what you need in your career to be satisfied. Analyze your values, skills, personality characteristics, interests, and lifestyle preferences. Itâ??s also useful to take inventory of your financial situation, especially if the career youâ??re considering might require additional education and training or relocation.
