Is Changing Careers a Bad Move in This Tough Economy?

No, it’s not a bad thing to consider.

But, there is always good rationale for staying exactly where you are. In good times the promo potential increases – so you need to stay. In the bad economy – there are fewer jobs and you need to stay. The bottom-line is you. If you think you need to change, then you need to do the work to figure out what your new career is.

Changing careers is not the same thing as changing jobs – just to be clear. Some of the worst job searches I have seen are people who essentially want to change careers and since they haven’t done the work to figure it out, they think they will change careers by virtue of “finding something.”

If you have a job, I suggest you stay in it and figure out what your next career is going to be. When you have it identified, you will know what moves or actions you need to take. It may include staying right where you are until you have positioned yourself to make a move.  Some career changes entail some education, different experience or a whole host of things. Once you understand those elements, then you can plan financially if that is appropriate, get your education or even gain new experiences right where you are. Once you have your career identified and actions plotted out you will launch a much more effective job search. You will most likely need to also set your expectations your search will take you longer than it may have in the past – that is definitely a by-product of our economy right now.

Changing careers can be the best thing you ever did for yourself.

Do you have a career question you want Dorothy to answer? E-mail her at dorothy@nextchapternewlife.com. She will answer all questions and will keep your name confidential if she publishes your question.

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran, founder of New Chapter New Life, is a life and career coach, speaker and author. She is well known for her unique insights and deep knowledge about people and careers. Please visit her website and download her FREE e-workbook called, “Should I Stay or Should I Go: Get the Most out of Your Job in a Tough Economy!”

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