Twenty Questions
Twenty Questions you should ask before changing careers.
- Am I dissatisfied with my career or only my job? Can I find satisfaction in a related job within the same field?
- Are the working conditions the motivating factor for the change?
- If so, could I change my environment, or my attitude toward it, or is the only resolution a career switch
- Do I wish to express certain values on the job that I can't in my present occupation?
- Do I feel as though I could use more of my abilities and skills in another occupation?
- Do I have an understanding of my personality and the type of environment I'd prefer to work in?
- Do I know where my interests lie? What do I know about my vocational interests?
- Have I taken an inventory of my skills and know what my marketable/functional skills are?
- Have I acquired new skills that I don't have the opportunity to use in my present occupation even though I'd like to?
- Am I willing to make sacrifices to start all over in a new occupation -- such as taking a salary cut? Are the people who are dependent on me also willing?
- Can I enter my newly chosen occupational field without retraining or future education?
- Will my functional skills transfer to the occupation I chose, or must I develop new skills?
- Do I have alternative plans -- or are all my eggs in one basket?
- Are there any ways that I can try out a new career without quitting my full-time job?
- Exactly what will I be giving up and what will I be gaining in changing careers?
- How important are the golden handcuffs -- seniority, retirement fund, and other benefits -- to my welfare both in the short run and over the long run? Have I done pen and pencil figuring or only daydreaming?
- Is there help available in my community to facilitate my career change or help insure its success?
- Do I feel that I have the patience to spend the time in an entry level position to get to my goal?
- What small preparations can I begin today to help with my career switch? Do I have a list of small, medium, and big goals drawn up?
- How willing am I to take risks -- like risking not being happy in a new occupation? Would I be willing to make another switch if that happens?