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Introduction
There is a condition some entrepreneurs suffer from that is called shiny object syndrome. It is a disease of distraction where entrepreneurs are continually gravitating to "The Next Big Thing" because they are concerned they are going to miss out on the entrepreneurial opportunity of their dreams. People can spend their entire working lives suffering from shiny object syndrome, always flitting from one opportunity to the next, and never gaining the traction needed to deliver the career results they are looking for.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, 9 to 5 Monday through Friday office worker, freelancer, or you enjoy some other type of career; you have probably thought about changing occupations from time to time. A lot of questions go through your mind when you consider bailing on your current career path in the hopes for something better. In most cases, the dozens of questions you are asking yourself in this situation can be boiled down to this.
"Am I doing the right thing?"
Your parents say you are crazy if you leave your current job. Maybe you make good money, but feel that you deserve better compensation or your significant other begs you to change careers. Perhaps your benefits package now pales in comparison to that of your best friend, who just started a new job. Maybe you want to live in a different location, you need to escape your physical environment, there is no upward growth where you currently work, or you are just bored with what you're doing.
The question you have to ask yourself is, "Am I suffering from shiny object syndrome, or is this the opportunity I've been waiting for my entire life?"
That question is what this career change guide will help you answer. You will discover how to recognize if you are looking at a real sign you should change your occupation, or whether the consideration you are making will cost you big time in the long run. You will learn the 11 common career changing mistakes to avoid, as well as a simple 7 step plan to successfully start out on a new career path.
One of the keys to a successful career change (or staying right where you are if that is for the best) is understanding why you may want to try something new. As human beings, we don't always want what is best for ourselves. We may think our desires are going to lead to the best outcome, but that is not always the case. To keep from making a mistake regarding your current or possible future employment, let's look at some possible reasons you may be thinking about giving your career of choice the old heave-ho. Reasons You May Be Thinking about Switching Careers
Just because you are considering changing jobs does not mean that is the best move for you. Short-term solutions sometimes provide long-term problems. With something as serious as your employment at stake, it is often tough to know what decision to make. Do you sacrifice short-term misery for long-term success and happiness? On the other hand, would you prefer to be happy now, even if you know your career advancement and long-term earning potential will be stifled?
Answering those questions sometimes means looking at exactly why you are thinking about starting a new career. Here are some common reasons people give for considering new employment.
I Am Not Appreciated
Career change is not always about money or benefits. Sometimes people are doing just fine financially, but they feel they are just a cog in the wheels of a great business machine. Studies show that when employees are appreciated, frequently recognized for what they do, they will work for less money. This shows how important it is for some people to feel like they are making a difference at work, and that somebody has noticed.
If this is how you feel, talk to your boss and your coworkers. Have a sit-down with your human resources representative. If you otherwise enjoy what you are doing now, and the future looks bright, it would be a shame to leave that position unnecessarily.
Some bosses and managers just aren't the "thanks for your effort" types. Their management style is different. If you simply let your boss know you need to feel like you are appreciated at what you do, you may find that staying right where you are is the smartest move.
The Money Isn't Right for Me Right Now
This really should have been listed first. Commonly, the number one reason people give for wanting to change jobs or tackle a new career opportunity concerns money. They don't feel like they are making enough money right now.
This is a valid concern. While money isn't everything, it is required to put a roof over your head, food on your table, clothes on your back and to provide your family with financial security.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with considering changing careers if you are under-appreciated financially. Some people could care less about getting a thank you and a pat on the back for their efforts. They just want to receive fair compensation, and that is certainly their right. If this is your concern, take a look at the financial opportunity down the road with your current company.
It may be that you are just around the corner from a significant promotion. If you like your job otherwise, maybe there are some areas where you could cut back on your spending and realize more savings without getting a raise. If you don't feel you are being paid enough, talk to those who have control over this aspect of your employment. Be sure to consider every other aspect of your career, not just finances. This will give you more information about whether or not you should seek some new career path.
The Money Won't Be Right in the Future
Maybe you are making plenty of money for your current situation. However, you are concerned that your job, responsibility, and the industry you are in dictate very little financial growth in the future. This is a valid concern. If you are looking down the road 5, 10, and 20 years to see where your current career will take you, you are planning more than the average bear.
Just keep in mind that the future is never guaranteed.
There have been plenty of people who were promised large amounts of money in the future in the form of pay raises and stock options, that went into work the following day and found out their company was bankrupt. You are to be commended for thinking about your future because not everyone does. Just realize that a bird in the hand will always be worth two in the bush, and your current paycheck will always be more real than a future possibility.
Not Enough Free Time
You work for a reason. You have your own a very specific set of reasons for doing your current job. You get paid in return for what you do, and then you use that money for certain things that are important to you. One reason many people work their current jobs is for their family.
They work to bring home the bacon for their spouse and children, and their current employment allows them to do that very well. However, a lot of people fight for that balance between occupation and family. It's great if you are making tons of money and providing for your family's present, and future. That is great. A lot of people do not have that reality in their lives these days.
However, if you don't get to spend any time with your significant other, your children, or your friends, then what are you working for? After money concerns, one of the most common reasons given for considering changing an occupation is not enough time away from work.
No one is guaranteed another hour or another day. If you are simply working too much, and you don't spend enough time with the ones you love, maybe it's time for a change.
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