Why You Should Consider a Career Change

hen many people hear the world career change they are immediately disheartened and fearful of the unknown. In their minds, it’s because they  have been in the same industry for years or picked a specific major in college. 

When I was going to college I first had a desire to become a coach and then decided about possibly becoming a homicide detective. I was in my final year and dropped out because I felt like I just wasn’t there or had it all figured out yet. I never shared with anyone my decision to drop out and thought about my life over the next several months. 

At the time I was working at a retailer and happened to notice a book titled “More Than a Hobby.” It was about a young man from the same small town I was from who built an empire that is now known as Hobby Lobby. 

I spent the next several days dissecting and trying to understand the book. That’s when I read a word I didn’t recognize. That word was entrepreneur. This word was foreign to me because no one in my family was an entrepreneur so I wasn’t sure on how to even become one. 

This is when I had a tough dilemma, either return back to college and finish my degree in education or major in business and start from practically scratch. I decided on the latter and I have always been the type that wasn’t afraid to learn. The first thing I did was purchase a 700 page book on starting a business. 

"As humans we fear change and especially when that change dwells in the unknown. I didn’t know anything about a business or really what a business was, but that didn’t stop me. - John Cornelius McCaskill

This is a common occurrence with humans is that they fear things they do not know or understand yet. What they don’t bear in mind is that they wouldn’t even be able to read or write without learning to do so.

This is why you should consider a career change...‍

Your happiness could depend on it: If you've ever been like me, some days showing up to work would kill my mood. Knowing that I didn’t want to be there, or was burned out of doing the same thing over and over again. I knew that I had to make a change and dropping out of college was one of the best decisions I made. It made me put things into perspective and not force myself into a career that I picked by default, common professions in my family, or being indecisive. 

If you ever feel like you’re going through the motions, moody, or simply unhappy. I would start looking into doing something else. I know this feeling and it’s morbid to the soul. Just take that step and learn what you need to learn to break yourself free. Don’t fear challenge, fear complacency. ‍

There could be something bigger out there for you: There’s no doubt I would have made a fine coach or homicide detective, but the feeling of satisfaction I feel becoming an entrepreneur is euphoric. Becoming an entrepreneur has helped me become a sharper professional, greater leader, and more skillful. A career change can make your work more interesting and meaningful.

As a founder, I’m surrounded by other talented professionals in different sectors and learn so much from them that I have an appreciation for what they do. Becoming something bigger and better than your mind could have ever imagined is something that could bring more meaning to your life. I’m a first generation entrepreneur and I’m not slowing down.    ‍

A career change can give you more confidence: The more skills you have the more confidence you’ll gain. The more you know about a topic the more confidence it gives you. The same feeling happens when you make a career change. You’re going to ultimately gain more skills. Going from career A to B or career B to C could give you that confidence that you can accomplish anything. A career change doesn’t have to be difficult, but there are some keys things that you needs to be answered:

• Why do you want a career change?
• Is it really my career or toxic culture/environment? 
• Can I make time to learn the things I need to learn and develop?
• Are you ready for a change?

Answering these questions can help garner what it is you’re really after. Why are you working in a restaurant when you know you should be in the voice over industry? Anything you don’t know has to be learned. Take the time to learn the skills and development to make the change. Reach out to professionals on The Cost who have the profession you want and get their perspectives. ‍

A second chance: I understand the pressures that are common in society and sometimes we pick a field based on familial beliefs or when we were young and inexperienced. Whatever the reason a career change can give you that second chance to make it right. Many skills are transferable and just takes some diligent research to see which ones are a great fit. However, don’t be afraid to learn something new. 

How do we know how to cook? We learned. (well some of us...😉)

How did we start driving vehicles? We learned.‍

How do we know how to fill out a job application? We learned.‍

How did we raise our children? We learned.  

When you think of career change keep two words in mind, transfer and learn. What skills are transferable or what do I need to learn in order to make that change? It’s that simple. It doesn’t need to be intimidating or disheartening. Keep this in mind as you all navigate throughout your careers. One step, one day, one skill at a time. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help either. Any previous managers or co-workers that can make your transition easier for you is a good idea. Don’t just use them though, buy them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or coffee shop for their help. Show them appreciation for their time.

If you're the loner type don't worry, it's not always about who you know. Sometimes you're the one who's worth knowing for an organization.

Here’s to your brighter future...and happiness.