Thinking about a Career Change?

I often speak with clients who are successful in their careers but feel unfufilled.  Their current career is no longer meeting their needs and they would love to find work that they love.  We call that a "Second Act."
 
Many people often shut down their search for a Second Act before it even gets started.  They draw quick conclusions, sometimes based on scant evidence, that deprives them of a chance to do work that they love.  Sometimes people do this because, even though they intensely dislike their current work situation, the fear of the unknown is even scarier.

Developing a plan to investigate a Second Act is all about demystifying that process and allowing you to make informed decisions.  Even if you decide not to pursue a Second Act, affirmatively making the decision to stay where you are often leads to high job satisfaction.  Making a decision is empowering and takes you out of the world of  "I can’t because. .  ." to the world of  "I have decided to . . ."

Below are just a few questions to get you to start thinking and check out professional coach Diane McPhee’s article on transitioning to a new career.

Questions to ask yourself if you are thinking about a Second Act.

What would I do if I were not doing what I am now?

Would I want to use my skills in a different role in a different industry?

Would I want have the same role in a different industry?

Would I want a different role in my current industry?

Was there ever something I was interested in as a child but never pursued because I feared disapproval from parents, teachers, etc.

Do I have a plan that addresses the following?

My finances

Lifestyle – will changes be required?

Retirement – what does this mean now?

Cash Flow – how will this change?

My family

Will my hours be different?

Spending more/less time with family?

Are they aware of how my career change could affect the family?

How will my career change affect my family?

How do I see my role in the family, how much of that is tied to my earnings and how much is tied to other things I provide?  Have I asked them what they value?

Am I willing to share my feelings with my family about these questions?

My ego and sense of self-worth

How much is my sense of self-worth tied to my current career/position?

How much is tied to the amount of money that I make?

How much is tied to my lifestyle?

Do I believe that other people’s perception of me is tied to my current career and lifestyle?  If so, how important is that to me?