Questions to Ask Before Considering a Major Career Change

Before deciding to make the leap into a new career, it’s important to figure out where you’ve been, what you want, and why. Spend quality time thoughtfully answering some key questions, and do so in writing. Writing your responses will help you organize your thoughts and provide better clarity and focus.

Here is a list of questions to help get you started.

• What do you want from a career?
• What does the new career offer that the old one does not?
• What are the best and worst parts about your current job?
• How transferable are your skills?
• Do you know someone already in this career who can provide a big picture perspective as well as behind-the-scenes experiences?
• Do you have the financial resources to make the transition?
• Do you anticipate challenges or struggles, and what support is available to tackle those?
• Does the new career offer long-term opportunities?

Reflect on your answers for a few days. It’s important to make sure you’re moving to a promising new career, not just running away from the old one. Switching careers is risky and holds no guarantees. But if you’ve taken the time to really consider your values, interests, skills, and passion, sometimes pursuing a new career can lead to greener grass on the other side.