ALT-1 Tips for Planning a Career Move
When you get to a point in your career where you are considering a move, there are some things to consider before making that move. This is true even if you have not settled on what career you want to move into yet. The decision to make a career move should not be taken lightly, after all, it is your career and not like changing a pair of socks.
Options. Before making a career move, list on paper, all of your options. What kind of career would you like to have? What hours do you want to work? Do you want to deal with the public or work in a back office? List good points and bad points to each of your possible career moves.
Goals. List your short and long term goals. Can you achieve these goals with your career move? Figure out what you want to ultimately achieve by making a career move.
Financial stability. You should consider if your career move will provide you with financial security in the long run. Most people worry about having enough money to pay bills and put food on their table. Ask yourself if this career move will provide that and perhaps money to put aside for emergencies.
Future. Consider your future. Ask yourself if this career move will provide necessities for your future. Figure out whether this move will allow for growth and promotions within your chosen career. You should consider possible future situations like accidents, illness, and home ownership. Whatever you career choice, you should be able to plan for the unexpected.
Retirement. Find out if there are retirement provisions available with the new career. Think about whether you will be able to retire in comfort. You certainly do not want to spend your golden years worrying about how to pay bills.
These are just some of the tips for planning for a career move. There are other things to consider like if the career move will make you happy. People often make a career move based on financial gain alone. This should not be your only deciding factor. Ask yourself if you will be happy in your new career in say, fifteen years? Can you see yourself retiring from this new career and being proud of your chosen career path?
The bottom line is, weigh all the pros and cons before making a career move.
