8 questions to ask yourself before making a career change

For some, the shock of the pandemic - with the closure or precariousness of certain sectors, particularly those of the restaurant and service industries - forced a career change, not necessarily desired. Once the ECP tap was turned off, they had to face the fact that it was time to go back to work in order to feed and house themselves, pay their bills and support themselves and their families. Many of them were forced to find a job that was not necessarily their dream job, but that would provide them with a stable income.

For others, it was a challenge to the status quo that triggered the desire for change. A significant event, a change of decade, demotivation, dissatisfaction or a feeling of stagnation, professional exhaustion, a feeling of inner malaise, a dream to be fulfilled, the desire to realize one's potential or simply to do something else: the motivations for change are multiple and can be both internal and external. 

Whether you are thinking of changing direction after a few months or several years in the same field, there are some fundamental questions to ask yourself in order to make your career shift a success.

1. What is working for you – or not – in your current career?

   Take some time to take stock of what is causing you to want to change careers at this point in your life. Is it your job that doesn't match your interests, or simply your work environment that doesn't suit you? Is it the lack of flexibility in your schedule, a toxic boss, too much micromanagement, the lack of intellectual challenge? Write down everything you don't like about your job, but also everything you like about it. This will help you identify what is important to you in a professional setting. If you have trouble finding positives, think about what you would like to see happen more often in your day. It might give you some insight into what you're passionate about or strengths that are underutilized in your current job.  

2. Beyond work, what is important to you in life?

   Think about what is important to you as a human being, not just in the context of work. Is spending more time at home caring for your children or an aging/ill parent a priority for you right now, or do you need time to train for a triathlon? So it's not just about having a fully satisfying job. Sometimes it's also a question of work-life balance, which allows you to dedicate yourself to those other activities that are important to you.

3. What are your values and what job will best allow you to express them? 

   Your values are at the heart of who you are. They are the qualities that define you and when you can express them in your work, you will normally feel more aligned, engaged, successful and happy. So think about your values - what you're like, when you're at your best, what others value you for, etc. - and see if your potential new career would allow you to embody those values and who you are, every day. If the answer is no, it may not be the right path for you.

4. What is your vision in life and how will your work help you achieve it?

   What do you aspire to in life, what do you want to contribute to that is bigger than yourself? Project yourself into the future, say 10 years from now, and imagine what you do and with whom, the impact you have, what people say about you. Once you have imagined the life you want, think about your future job. Will it allow you to simply survive or will it allow you to move towards your vision? In your current job, if you are simply counting the days until your retirement or next vacation, you are probably not fulfilling your life mission or moving toward your vision.

5. What are the barriers to entry in your future career and how can you address them?

   Do you feel you have the prerequisites, knowledge and skills for your new career? Sometimes, by the same token, your reorientation may require a return to school. If so, have you considered your options (back to school, continuing education, part-time, etc.)? Will you have to balance your work with your studies and your family? It is important to ask yourself these questions and prepare yourself accordingly before you make the leap.

6. Can you afford this career shift?

   A career change may involve some direct or indirect costs. For example, going back to school will require an investment of money, and possibly a loss of salary since you will no longer be able to work full time at the same time. Also, a professional reorientation may imply a decrease in income, for example if you go from being an employee to being self-employed. Before taking action, take the time to plan a budget and find out what financial resources are available and accessible.

7. What impact will this have on my family and friends?

   Before you take the plunge, it would be wise to assess the impact of your career change on your family, friends and anyone else who will be affected by your project. Also, ask yourself if your family situation can allow you to make your career transition. Take the time to discuss this with your family and friends in order to identify the negative and positive effects that could result.

8. What planning do you need to do before embarking on a new career? 

   Having a game plan before you begin your transition to your future career will allow you to build on a solid foundation and live the experience in a more relaxed mode. Yes, listening to and following your inner voice, as well as living your dreams are important. And it’s also important to be realistic and to take into account your personal situation before taking the plunge. Does your health allow you to make this transition right now? What is your tolerance level for change or risk? Do you need to put money aside to create a financial cushion? Are you about to receive a promotion, a bonus or a mega salary increase? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, is now the right time to take the leap or would it be wiser to wait a while?

   Take the time to listen to yourself, respect your balance and your abilities, while taking into account the external context. These are the keys to a career change that is congruent and aligned with your values, your mission and your vision.

   And remember the method of small steps: a series of small actions will allow you to take giant steps in your life and in your projects. Starting with the first smallest step you can take today.