Tips for Exploring New Career Options

Not liking your job is a serious problem that leads to job burnout and takes a toll on your mental health. It will be important for you to take a step back and assess the situation to determine if this is a temporary feeling or if it goes deeper than that. Temporary feelings of frustration are normal, and they can stem from recent job changes or a conflict with a co-worker. If you despise your job though, and you’ve felt this way for a while, it may be time to make some changes in your life. 

Take Time to Research Careers Options 

Considering another career could be something that makes you nervous to even think about. You’re in a stable job already and you’ve likely spent a lot of time perfecting your role. Starting another career sometimes means you may have to start from the bottom and work your way up, learning all new skills along the way. 

It doesn’t hurt anything to explore your options though. Maybe switching careers does not mean you’ll have to start in an entry-level position. When exploring different jobs, you may see something that makes you want to act on it right away, but don’t do that. Consider the stability your current job offers and truly take your time before making any important decisions. You have to learn about the required skills and if any further education is needed to see if it’s something that makes the most sense to you. 

Don’t Consider Careers You’re Not Passionate About 

People work because they need to make money to pay their bills, but don’t lean towards a career that you don’t care about, even if it pays well. Money won’t matter too much if you leave one job that makes you miserable for another job that makes you just as miserable. Make a list of career options that get you excited, and don’t even write the ones down that you don’t feel any sense of hope about. If you’re interested in interior design, jot that one down, but don’t write down business management if that’s something you don’t care much about. 

Everyone is different, you may want to work with someone with an Architecture Master’s or become a chef at a popular restaurant, this is a personal decision only you can make. 

Talk to People Who Work in Careers You’re Interested in 

One way to learn more about different career options without actually leaping is by talking to people that are currently in that career. If you don’t know anyone personally in the career of your interest, spend time online reading real reviews of this career. 

Chances are, you’ll be able to find some helpful information that can help you make your decisions. Real reviews online can help you figure out what a typical day is like and how much your salary will be. 

Make a List of Your Skills 

The good news is that no matter how long you’ve been at your most recent job, you’ve learned a lot of new skills along the way. Skills learned are not just for that one career, though, and can be used to help you leap into another career. Transferable skills are those that you were able to gain from your previous job that can be used to showcase your talents to many other hiring managers. 

If you’re still on the fence about switching careers, update your resume and put it out there. You don’t have to make any important decisions unless you truly feel confident in doing so. By getting your resume out there, you’re getting the chance to test the waters and see if anyone is interested in the skills you have to offer.