Career Change: Have You Asked Yourself These Questions?

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Have you been thinking of late if it is time for you to change your job? But because we are in the middle of a global pandemic, hearing news about people losing jobs, companies halting their hiring have made it hard for you to make a decision?

In uncertain situations like this, deciding whether you should start a new career must be considered carefully. Here are several questions to ask yourself before concluding a career move is needed.

1. Why do I want a career change?

There are a lot of factors contributing to a person wanting to switch their job. Factors including the work environment, work satisfactory, monetary, career growth, etc. Depending on the weight of each element, by breaking them down will give you clarity on the necessity of your career change. Start by seeking answers to these questions.

1. Job scope. Are you happy with what you are doing? Are you making use of your best skills and abilities? Can you see potential career growth in what you are doing today? Do you find the current job scope is still pleasurable and exciting for you? We spend at least eight hours a day, five days a week at work. It is our responsibility to care for our own physical and mental health. Dreading your job and feeling stressed out will only cause further damage without discovering a solution soon for the long run. 
2. Salary. Are you struggling to pay for your compulsory monthly expenses? Realising that your salary is below the market pay rate? Realised that your work offered to your employer worth more than your current salary? Are you satisfied with your pay? Whining about your unsatisfactory pay all the time will cause discomfort to yourself and people around you. Make an effort and build up your courage to speak with your employer.
3. Work culture. Do you work in a gossip-filled environment? Feel like you work seven days a week even though your contract says only five days of work? Are you hating the fact that you are being micro-managed by your superior? Working in a toxic environment will only worsen your stress level. If there are no improvements after speaking with your immediate superior or HR department, then it is a good indication to start looking out.
4. People. How is your relationship with your colleagues? Is it hard for you to blend in with your peers? Is it challenging to communicate with others? Speaking with a colleague, immediate superior or Human Resources department about the issue will provide you with the insights to what may have gone wrong.
5. Value. Does the company's core values still inspire you? Are you align with your company's goals? Do you still believe in your employer? People evolve. Naturally, your ethics and beliefs will differ from your employer with time. If the spark is no longer there, maybe it is a sign to move on.

2. Am I ready for a change?

It is easy to quit a job when you have zero interest in what you do. But unlike quitting a bad habit, a lot more thought should be put in when planning for a career change. Here is another set of questions you should be asking yourself.

1. Do you have the right skills that hiring companies require now? Can your skills and experience give you the advantage of finding a new job quickly? If no, what are your plans to get noticed? 
2. Do you know what you want in your next job? Instead of going for a lateral move, would it be more meaningful to find a role that could contribute to your career growth? Find out what are your push and pull factors of a job change. Most people are experiencing a higher level of stress today. And people make hasty decisions when in stressful conditions. So, be sure not to let your emotions get in the way of your decision making. 
3. Can you afford to make a change? There isn't a guarantee of stability when it comes to a career change, especially during a pandemic. You will need to think about the possibility of a salary reduction, a last-minute change of starting date, different healthcare coverage and other benefits that might differ from what you are currently receiving. You will also have to consider if are you financially ready to support your cost of living in case of a last-in-first-out with your new job.
4. Can you commit to your job search? Unless you were headhunted by a recruiter, searching for a new job takes a lot of effort. Ask yourself, do you have time to update your resume? Do you have the right resources to find a new job? Does your schedule allow you to attend interviews? There may be various reasons a company is still hiring, although the economy isn't doing well. But regardless of the situation, it is always important to respect your time and other people's time. 

3. What are my options?

The world isn't all sunshine and rainbows. There are good days and bad days at work. A terrible day at work can make one feel like quitting their job. However, if it is the emotion that is talking, then it is wise to cool down and think it through. Try seeking help from these individuals instead.

1. Speak with your boss or immediate superior if the subject is related to your job scope, career growth, salary, teammates, etc. But ensure you have your clear points ready before approaching to avoid looking like you are complaining.
2. Involve HR in your decision making, whether it is about the work environment, employee benefits, colleagues, any matter that you are uncomfortable or unable to speak with your immediate superior.
3. Get advice from your mentor or an experienced friend or family members. Understandably, certain work matters are sensitive to discuss with people within the same organisation. It is important to get valuable advice from the ones whom you trust.

Once you have all the answers to your questions, it will be much more straightforward for you to decide the need for a career change. If your answers guide you towards a change, go for it! If it says otherwise, allow yourself some time to get adjusted and regain your job satisfaction. However, if down a few months, the same issues arise, go through this process again to help you to decide.

Do you need help with your job search? Visit our career page to check out the job openings we have. Alternatively, you can submit your updated resume here. We care and are ready to help you!