Wanting to Change Careers? Ask Yourself This Crucial Question First!

So. You’re planning to change careers. 

That’s a big step. 

But I also want you to succeed at it. So in reality, I’m actually here for you to change careers with a good reason for the action and a solid plan in place. 

First things first. 

As a career coach who works with women like you in this transitioning process every single day, I always ask my clients a simple question. And I want to ask you that question now:

Why do you want to change careers? 

While a lot of people consider changing careers sometime during their life, only a few actually pull it off in an intentional and well-planned way. You might decide to take the leap of faith and change careers but unless you’re clear about your motivation, you’re more likely to slack off when it gets tough or takes longer than you thought. 

And that’s what I want to help you figure out. 

Your Why is what will keep you going even when motivation wavers, when the going gets tough, and when you even second guess if this was a good idea at all. 

You will turn that motivation on full blast and let it carry you over the rough patch.

So before you join the vast league of career changers (and failing career changers), I want you to pause and ask yourself that question: 

Why do I want to change careers?

Why the "Why" is Important

Let’s face it. Changing careers could be a life-altering decision that has a strong impact on your future. It is not something that should be left to an emotional rush, passing whim, or random chance. 

It should be intentional and driven by purpose. 

So take a close look at your Why and see how valid it is. Maybe your reason is personal— you want something that fulfills your dreams or passion—or maybe your reason is circumstantial, like needing a higher income or wanting to move. Either way, really dig into your motivating factor. 

You may find some interesting or surprising things. 

For example: sometimes the problem is an issue with your job and work setting, but not an issue with your career or chosen industry. 

And sometimes, you’re the problem and your personal issues need to be addressed before you decide to change careers. 

Let’s take a look at a few common motivations for a career change. Do any of these motivations feel like you? 

I want to change careers because…I am bored and frustrated.

Maybe you get a sick feeling in your stomach when your alarm goes off on Monday morning. You drag yourself to work and sit in the parking lot for a few minutes wondering if you really need this job. Weekends don’t feel like a break. They feel like a recovery for your survival. You are no longer excited about work and everything you do seems to have reached a plateau. Your efforts go unnoticed and your work is not valued. Your job isn’t fulfilling your passion or your interests. 

This is a good reason to consider a change. 

I want to change careers because….I need more money. 

Getting a more lucrative job is always a bit tempting, especially if you feel like the work you put in isn’t being fairly compensated or comparable to others in the industry. When you’re the breadwinner, when salary negotiation doesn’t change anything, and promotions are seldom and slow, it can be frustrating and make even a good job, feel like a dead-end. 

However, this motivation can be tricky because it’s easy to always chase a higher paycheck without having a good why behind that. 

Ask yourself: is your motivation to get more money the end-all, or the means to a bigger end? What are you pursuing in regard to enhancing your life and future if you shift to a higher-paying job? 

I want to change careers because…I need it to fit my new lifestyle. 

Whether you are relocating, getting married, or having a new baby, there are many things that can make your lifestyle no longer fit with a company’s demanding work culture. Maybe you need more time with family or want to experience a better work-life balance. 

Either way, this motivation is totally understandable. You want your career to serve you and your life, not the other way around. 

I want to change careers because…my career is unfulfilling 

Even the most lucrative, well-established job can feel like a dead space if the work itself is meaningless, boring, or unfulfilling. This can be a tough motivation to wrangle with because it comes with so much cultural stigma and pressure. 

For example, a high-level executive may want to suddenly trade her prestigious and well-paid position for one that pays less but makes her heart full, like working in a charitable foundation or coaching a girls’ basketball team. But not everyone will understand or like that.

You may not care as much about the money as you do about pursuing your passion and staying true to where your heart is. Maybe you do well at your current job but your soul yearns for something you truly love. 

That’s why lawyers go into business (like me!), or accountants pursue the arts. 

Making that change from more money to more fulfillment can be scary. And I totally get that. 

However, I think it’s more than worth it. 

Finding Your "Why" Matters Long-Term

There are many more possible motivations for wanting to change careers, but hopefully, the above list got you started in thinking about those possible categories in your own life. 

I promise that getting down to the root of this will be a game-changer for you. 

Remembering your Why isn’t just going to motivate you to keep moving forward in your career.

If you have the right Why (one that’s even bigger than your career), it will also motivate you onward in your life, your relationships, and your future. 

"Surface motivations won’t keep you going. 

A deeper understanding of your purpose will."

For example, if you are considering a shift in your career, and your reason is just a higher paycheck, you won’t feel motivated enough when the going gets tough. 

But if your motivation is financial freedom to spend time with family, chase your dream of traveling cross-country, or finish school, then that can be motivating when your path becomes difficult.

Another example could be the difference between networking just to land a job (poor motivation), and networking to maximize your potential or expand your sphere of influence so you can mentor and inspire others with your gifts and skills, and remain a lifelong learner from those who are doing what you want to do (great motivation!)

These kinds of motivation lead your mind and heart in the right direction. And if things don’t work out as you expect after your big shift, learn to wait and keep doing the next right thing. 

Opportunities come to those who proceed with patience, perseverance, and purpose. 

You got this.

• Try to find a balance between your stable day job and pursuing your passion. You may find a win-win situation where you can still do what you love while keeping your job through time management or work delegation until you’re able to make the leap to your new career. 
• Leave a good mark in the career you’re leaving behind. It becomes part of your credentials and reputation which will follow you even into your new endeavors.
• Plan your career and proceed accordingly. Always continue enhancing your skills and think long-term, end game. 

P.S. Do you want help in figuring out your Why and coming up with a plan for your next career transition? Schedule a 60-minute coaching call with me and we can figure it out together!