No one wants to work in a job that makes them unhappy, but many people find themselves in this situation. While earning a living may be essential, it is also crucial to have a job that offers you satisfaction as so many of your waking hours are spent at work.
The pandemic offered a wake-up call for many employees and highlighted how unhappy they were with their current roles. This time away from work provided employees with the opportunity to reassess their career paths and begin thinking differently about their work lives.
If you found yourself in this situation, you may have decided your current role is not for you. But, choosing what to do next and how to change your career is a big decision to make. Choosing to take your work life in a different direction can be overwhelming as there are so many other career options to consider.
If you find yourself struggling to take your next step towards a career change, these tips should help:
What Matters Most to You?
Before you begin your job search, it is a wise idea to reassess your priorities and clarify what you want from your new career. Thinking about why you dislike your current role is a helpful starting point.
Following a career path that aligns with your values is an excellent way to gain job satisfaction and make you feel that your work is worthwhile and meaningful. Maybe you would like to work for a non-profit organization, or perhaps you are interested in conservation and want to start a new career that reflects this.
Everyone’s wants and needs are different, so thinking about the type of job that best aligns with your values, beliefs, and interests is a great way to start narrowing down your career choices.
Which Type of Work do you normally Enjoy?
Considering the type of work you enjoy is crucial. If you currently have a desk job, you may be desperate to have a more hands-on role and crave the kind of career enjoyed by diesel technicians or landscape gardeners who get to work on practical tasks all day, every day.
Alternatively, you may be keen to make your hobby or interest your new career choice by working in a creative field or as a sports coach. There are many career options to consider, but thinking about the type of work you enjoy is a great way to switch jobs and find a role that makes you happy.
What Salary and Benefits Do You Want?
Money motivates everyone to work, so your future salary is a significant consideration when searching for a new job. Additional perks and benefits are also vital to ensuring you feel rewarded and valued by your new employer, so taking these into account when looking for a new job is a wise idea.
Ultimately, it is a combination of factors that define which career is right for you, and weighing these up will help you decide on your perfect career change.
