Considering a Career Change?

NEW YORK, February 6, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Changing careers or transitioning into a new role can be challenging — especially if you don't know where to begin. Before you start applying to jobs and editing your resume, here are ten things to think about:

1. Will you have to start at entry level? Depending on the job and industry, you may have to start at the bottom of the ladder. Starting from scratch can be intimidating, but it can be worth it if the job pays off in the long run or brings you closer to your goals. 

2. What is the pay difference? Do some research to figure out what this new role would pay and compare it to your current salary. Maybe it's more than you're making now. If not, consider how long it would take for you to make up the difference; it may help to weigh this against other potential rewards, such as job satisfaction and career fulfillment. 

3. What about benefits? How will a career change affect your benefits package? Research what kind of benefits and perks are available in this new industry. If you have to go freelance at first, will you need to get your own health insurance, dental, or life insurance? If this is the case, you may want to see what options are available and how they'll factor into your budget — will you need to get a health insurance policy from the marketplace? Is this the time to consider whole life insurance?

4. Do you need to learn any additional skills? The skillset required for your new career may differ slightly from your current role. Consider what your skill gap might be and how you can learn these new skills. Do you have to go back to school full- or part-time? Are there online courses and qualifications that can help you? 

5. How can you translate your existing skills into this new role? What skills have you learned throughout your career? Chances are, they don't just apply to one industry. Think about the transferable skills that could help bring value to your new career and highlight these on applications, resumes, cover letters, and during interviews.

6. Will you have to relocate? Depending on the job, this may be a requirement — particularly if the industry is concentrated in one place. Before making any decisions, consider how relocation will impact your lifestyle, finances, and personal circumstances. 

7. Work-life balance and flexibility. What is the work culture like in this new industry? Is it relaxed or do employees tend to work long hours? Research the working hours, holidays, overtime, and flexible options available in this industry. Think about how this will affect the amount of free time you have outside of work, and whether it works for your lifestyle. 

8. Job security. Consider the stability of the job market in your new prospective career — is there a lot of competition or is it a fast-growing industry? Do layoffs happen often? Is the industry stable overall?

9. Opportunities for advancement. How easy is it to climb the career ladder in your new industry? It can help to think a few steps ahead — are there any training opportunities that can help you progress into higher positions? 

10. Networking and contacts in the industry. If you're switching careers, it's worth connecting with people who already work in the industry to get advice and insights into their own experiences. You can reach out to your current network, find connections online, or attend networking events. Getting individual perspectives can be incredibly valuable when making a decision as big as this one.  

These are just some of the considerations when looking at a career change. If you're serious about making the switch, make sure to do your research, think carefully, and weigh all options before making your decision.