Unhappy in your current role and yearning for change? Jumping ship and pursuing a new career can be tempting, but beware of making decisions too hastily -- you may find it harder than you think to reverse a change you're subsequently unhappy about.
Maria Charalambous is an occupational psychologist who advises people planning life-changing career decisions. She says: "Ask yourself whether it is a job change or a career change you need.
"You must view your current situation in relation to your long-term career plans. You may be tempted to have a career overhaul, when what you need is a lot simpler -- another job within the same company, for example. Ask yourself if you've accomplished all the targets you set yourself in the job, and whether it employs all your skills. If this is the case, then just a minor change in role, one that offers new challenges and targets, may be just what you need to feel happier."
However, Charalambous points out that if the environment you work in bothers you, or if you feel your work is not being recognized, then a change of career or company is probably a good idea.
"You need to be aware of changes that have occurred within yourself since you first started your current job," she says. "Through a process of simple self-analysis, you may find your goals or priorities have changed.
"You will need to consider whether these changes can still be sufficiently catered for within your present career. If you're no longer being fulfilled, then it is time to begin researching and assessing other career options." But career switching is easier said than done. How do you choose what to do next? Charalambous recommends completing apersonality assessment to match your characteristics to an employmentfield. It may highlight an area of work you have never previouslyconsidered, or even heard of. After this, aptitude assessments canprovide a helpful tool to establish how well your abilities match arole before you apply for it.They may highlight areas of your skill base you need to improve on, or areas that could be boosted with a training course.Discussing options with a career expert, who can provide such tests, will also be of help."You need to be certain before you take a huge career step," shesays. "People often forget the financial implications of embarking on anew career.Even if in the long term, your salary prospects are good, youmay have to invest initially in retraining and you may well have toenter at a more junior level, which will entail a cut in pay."Because of this, it is always advisable to chose a new careerwhere you can transfer as many of your existing skills as possible, orone that you can prepare for while continuing in your current role.Many of my clients have joined evening or distance courses, which havereally paid off in the long term."For some, a career change can be as refreshing as a vacation --but there is no guarantee you'll be any happier. If you can, test out acareer before committing yourself, by trying it out on a voluntary ortemporary basis."There's nothing like firsthand experience to help you findyour perfect career," says Charalambous. "You have to be brave, but ifit is a well-thought through move, you'll be set up for life."Source: Evening Standard (UK). Powered by Yellowbrix.
Source: Money & Work
