Before you decide, it is important to take the time to evaluate your present situation, to explore career options, to decide if your career needs making over, and to choose a career that will be more satisfying for you.
Why People Change Careers
There are many different reasons why people want to change careers. Of course, it’s a personal decision with many factors involved. Joblist’s Midlife Career Crisis survey reports on the top five reasons people change careers:
Better Pay: 47%Too Stressful: 39%Better Work-Life Balance: 37%Wanted a New Challenge: 25%No Longer Passionate About Field: 23%
The Benefits of a Career Change
The Joblist survey reports that most people were happier after they made the change:
Happier: 77%More satisfied: 75%More fulfilled: 69%Less stressed: 65%
In addition, the people who change careers were making more money. Survey respondents who changed careers for better pay earned an additional $10,800 annually compared with their previous positions.
10 Steps to a Successful Career Change
Review these tips for assessing your interests, exploring options, evaluating alternative career paths, and making the move to a new career.
Write a Career Change Resume and Cover Letter
When you’re ready to start applying for jobs in your new industry, be sure to write a cover letter that reflects your aspirations, as well a resume that is refocus based on your new goals. Here are tips for writing a powerful career change resume and a sample career change cover letter with writing advice.
