Things to think about when considering a career change

Thanks to the Internet and social media, it has never been easier for people to get out there and look for a new job. Whilst this is great for a number of reasons, it does sometimes mean that people can be a bit too hasty when deciding to leave their job.

Changing careers and even accepting a new job can be a life-changing decision so it’s important to make sure this isn’t something that is done on a whim. In order to ensure long-term happiness and a successful decision, below are a few points worth considering before you hastily accept that new job.

Have you really thought about it?

We all have bad days in the office and sometimes it can cause us to make rash decisions that we may later regret. Before jumping into anything, make sure that you have thought it through properly. Have you been thinking about changing jobs for a while or is it a spur-of-the-moment decision? People frequently think that the grass is always greener when in reality it rarely is. If your job really is unbearable then it very well may be time to move on but if it really isn’t that bad and you’re just having a bad week, be warned that you could end up in a job you really dislike.

Is there a long-term plan?

What are your goals for your career? Are you looking for a job where you simply enjoy the role, get on with your colleagues and get paid enough to survive or are you hugely career driven and want to climb the career ladder? If you are looking for regular challenges and want to progress then it’s very important to make sure that the company you are working for offers the right kind of opportunities to help you develop and grow as an employee. If they are happy to send you on training courses, give you more responsibility, promote within the company and give you any other help you may need to advance your career, then chances are you are in the right role. If your employer can’t offer you any of this however, then it very well may be time to move on.

Are you appreciated by your employer?

We all have basic needs that need to be met in order to ensure our happiness in the workplace. One of the worst things an employer can do is make an employee feel unappreciated. If you never get recognised for your efforts and are constantly being criticised, then you are almost guaranteed to be happier elsewhere. However, if your manager regularly takes your points on board, implements your ideas and genuinely respects your expertise, then hanging in there may just secure you a promotion.

As with any long-term commitment, when changing jobs it is always advisable to think long and hard about it before making a decision. Have you weighed up the pros and cons? Have you thought about how your happiness will be affected?  Considering the above points means that you are much more likely to make a decision that is going to ensure long-term happiness and success.