People who are willing to expand their thought process, learn new things and broaden their horizons often contemplate a career change at some point of time in their life. Very often, they tend to make a wrong career choice because of lack of information or the inability to make a calculated decision. While career selection based on up-to-date information does help in making a living, it does not guarantee permanent satisfaction. This is evidenced from the fact that even people eventually elect to change their career path completely in spite of well paying, secure jobs.
Working Professionals Change Careers Depending On Following Factors:
o Either professional or psychological factors determine the career path. At times individuals experience a professional setback and find their current career unsatisfactory, whereas some are compelled due to unavoidable circumstances.
o Most people enjoy the early years in their careers especially if they are single at that time. However, priorities change after having a family especially if they have a hectic schedule and need to travel. Generally, people start looking for new career options that will allow them to balance their time between their career and family.
o Changes in technology, economy, as well as the industry, also trigger career changes since the existing job is not in tune with the changed working environment.
The Psychological Effect
o Many people who worked hard in the formative years of their careers are prone to get affected by a psychological condition known as "job burnout", wherein they lose interest in the work that they used to enjoy earlier.
o Option of changing employers does not help at times; this is when a career change is probably the best thing to do.
o Stress also plays a key role that influences a career change. This is evidenced from the number of professionals that quit stressful work environments for preserving their mental and physical health. Such people take a step down to relatively low-paying jobs that are less stressful.
Other Factors
o Boredom - This is another reason why people often opt out of their careers in search of something more exciting and challenging. Most people are inspired and motivated at the start of their careers and enjoy the new learning challenges. However, after reaching the pinnacle of the hierarchy in a particular job, they experience job stagnation. These people often quit their careers and prefer to do something that is more exciting and challenging even if the monetary compensation is not as satisfactory.
o Money - Although it is not always commensurate with job satisfaction, for many it is the basic reason for a career change. These people are so driven by the lure of higher pay packages that they will readily change careers the moment they get the opportunity to earn more.
Recommendations Before Opting For A Career Change:
o It is important for people to ask themselves what they really want from the new career. For some, a combination of both financial and job satisfaction is important while others may choose to accept a job that provides an opportunity for experience that enables them to grow in their particular field. This may lead to higher financial gains at a later date.
o They need to think deep about their interests and learn to be true to themselves in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes they might have made earlier in their career.
o Finally, it should be kept in mind that a job and a career of choice will allow them to live a more happy, satisfied, and fulfilling life.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
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