There are many varying reasons why someone may want to change jobs, after all jobs for life are few and far between these days. Timing is key in making that crucial decision to work elsewhere or even to change career so today we look at 5 questions to ask yourself in order to reach the right conclusion.

                                                                                                                                                   1. Have you lost interest in the job and dread going to work everyday?
If you have been doing the same job for years, been passed over for promotion on more than 1 occasion and are going through the motions at work just to get paid, then it probably is time to look around for other opportunities. A new challenge might be just the thing to put a spring in your step and make you passionate about work again.

                                                                                                                                                   2. Are your stress levels increased and affecting family life?
There are few jobs without some level of stress in them but if you are coming home on a constant basis in bad form then that is a sign that perhaps it is time to move on, or at the very least to speak to your manager to see if things can be improved.

                                                                                                                                                   3. Has your relationship with your manager or co-workers disintegrated to the stage where it is beyond repair?
Disagreements in work are nothing new and happen on a daily basis in firms around the world, but if your relationship with a co-worker / boss is damaged in such a way that it makes life in work uncomfortable then it is worth considering whether it is worth staying in the job.

                                                                                                                                                   4. Have you reached the proverbial glass ceiling?
If you feel you are in the highest position that you can possibly attain in your existing company then it may be worthwhile looking for opportunities in larger companies in order to reach your own goals in business. Staying in the same job without possibility of progressing further will eventually cause you to lose interest in the role.

                                                                                                                                                   5. Have changes happened within your company that may harm your career prospects?
If a key client has given it’s business elsewhere or if you hear that there are to be cutbacks in the company then it is worth planning ahead. It is easier to find a new job when still working so don’t wait for bad news to come, instead be proactive and have a new job with secure prospects waiting for you.

                                                                                                                                                    A handy way of deciding whether you feel it is time to switch jobs or not is to get a blank piece of paper and list the pros of staying against the cons of staying and using the outcome to decide what is best for you.

Changing careers can be a rewarding experience for many employees disillusioned with their current job, however it is important not to try to change career for the wrong reasons as this will harm your career rather than improve it. With that in mind it is worth scrutinizing the 5 questions below and answer them honestly to be sure that you are making an informed decision that will see your career reap the rewards they deserve.

1. Are you changing careers because of salary reasons?

Certain careers and industries pay higher salaries because of the stress that goes with them, so if you do change career and are earning a higher salary but hate the job you will find yourself looking to switch careers again in a short space of time and that will not look well on your resume.

2. Are you changing careers because you dislike your job?

If you dislike your boss or your company that does not necessarily mean you dislike the career you are in, so get to the root of your unhappiness before deciding on whether you truly want to move careers or not.

3. Are you prepared to prove yourself all over again?

A change in career usually means investing time, training and effort in trying to prove yourself in a new industry, quite often with a reduction in salary to start off with. Make sure that you take all these factors into account before firming up on a final decision on whether to switch careers or not.

4. Do you know what you truly want to do?

Before making a definitive decision on changing careers make sure that you research the pros and cons in working in that industry. Things to weigh up include opportunities for advancement, average pay within the industry and the economic stability of companies working within that sector.

5. Are my existing skills transferrable?

When changing career it will be of great advantage to you if your existing skills are transferrable to the career you want to work in, so if you are undecided on what career to choose try to find one where your skills are in demand.

Changing careers is a major decision and one that should not be taken lightly, however everyone has a right to work in an environment where they enjoy what they do and feel there is career-progression available, so do not dismiss the thoughts of changing career just make sure you have asked yourself the questions outlined in this post.