Dear Matt: I don't like my job so I've made the decision to retrain for another position in a totally different career field. And it's not the company, it's the job. I don't like the work anymore. Do you have any advice for me before I make the leap?
Matt: This is a bold move because many people get "set" in their ways and in their profession - whether they like it or not - and stay in it. If you are able to make the transition, good for you. But first keep in mind, there are a lot of things to consider before making this move. The first thing to assess is why you are unhappy in your current position. In many cases, it can be the company, boss or even co-workers. But you clearly state it's the work. So knowing you just don't have the passion for this type of work anymore is a great reason to consider a career change.
Before pursuing this new opportunity, examine the short and long term prospects of this change - and what you need to do to achieve success and happiness.
Here are some points to ponder:
How much will training/education cost?
What are the long-term job prospects? Is this field in demand and will there be job openings now, two years, five years, 10 years down the road?
Will you be able to handle starting over in a new career where you are possibly considered entry-level?
Can it offer a salary that compares to what you are currently making and can you live with the salary potential in this field?
How will this affect your family and loved one's?
What really has you interested in this new career? What do you see liking about this new career?
How do you truly know the same thing won't happen to you in this field that happened in your current field - where you just don't like the work anymore?
Can you keep working your current job while pursuing the next opportunity? If not, how can you make things meet financially?
What can you learn from your last career experience to avoid the same thing happening twice?
I commend you for making the change. It won't be easy, but in the long run it will be the right move. No one should be in a career or job that makes them unhappy.
Do you have an employment related or job search question for Matt? E-mail him today at askmatt@startribune.com.
All responses will be in the paper and no names will be used to protect your privacy.
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