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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average person will change careers 5–7 times during their working life. I meet with people all the time who are navigating professional role changes and the most important question I ask them - and want you to ask yourself before making a career change is: "Why?"
At first glance, this may seem like a simple question, but it holds profound implications. Your "why" is the core reason and driving force behind your desire to change careers. Defining it creates a clear, strategic, and purposeful path forward, helping you stay focused during your job search, especially in today's trying job market.
Most Common Reasons for Career Change
While there are many reasons for a career change - including having a bad boss - I find that some of the most common reasons include:
Industry Outlook: If your current industry is experiencing significant layoffs or uncertainty, it may be time to pivot.
Desire for Meaningful Work: A longing to contribute to a cause you’re passionate about or to support a mission that positively impacts your community.
Leveraging Transferable Skills: An opportunity to utilize your existing skills in a dynamic or growing industry.
Work-Life Balance: A lack of flexibility in your current role might drive you to seek a career that fosters a healthier work-life balance.
Because career changes are common - but not always easy - it is important to really understand your motivations and drive behind the change. While easy to say, this is not always easy to do.
How to Know Your Why
To help you uncover your why, you must understand your motivations, values, and aspirations for changing careers. Consider taking a few moments to journal or reflect on some the following questions to support you in answering this question. Be as specific as possible when writing your answers because these answers will offer great clarity - and maybe a surprise or two. Consider:
What skills do I enjoy using most, and which ones do I want to develop further?
What type of work environment do I thrive in? (e.g., collaborative, independent, fast-paced)
What achievements am I most proud of in my career? What do they reveal about what I value?
What would my ideal work-life balance look like?
How do I want to contribute to my community or society through my work?
Which aspects of my current job and career path do NOT align with my values and priorities?
As you ponder these questions, evaluate whether your desire to change careers is driven by a genuine interest in exploring new opportunities or a desire to escape your current situation. If you find yourself truly dissatisfied with your job, it’s crucial to identify the root causes of your unhappiness before taking a leap to something new. Remember, an unhappy work situation—such as long hours, a toxic culture, or a micromanaging boss—doesn’t necessarily mean you are in the wrong field; it could simply indicate that a change in role or company is needed.
The Importance of Alignment
When your work aligns with your values and priorities, you are more likely to experience greater satisfaction and long-term success.
As your reflections on your motivation for a change help to validate and reinforce your reasons for a career change, it’s time to delve deeper with the following questions to ensure that you are aiming in the best direction for this career change:
What specific goals do I want to achieve by making this change?
How will this change help me achieve these goals?
How will this change enhance my overall well-being and success?
What challenges do I anticipate in making this change? How can I prepare for them?
What specific skills or qualifications do I need to succeed in my new career?
What timeline do I envision for this career transition? What steps do I need to take to get there?
Who can I reach out to for mentorship or guidance during this transition?
Invest time in thoughtfully answering these questions. This self-reflection will create a robust foundation for your next steps, which may include:
Identifying Desired Fields or Industries: Get clear on where you want to pivot.
Assessing Your Skills and Qualifications: Evaluate how your skills align with industries/jobs of interest.
Recognizing Potential Barriers: Identify challenges you might face in changing careers and strategize accordingly. Some examples might include:
Lacking specific skills or credentials
Employers' reluctance to hire someone without direct industry experience
Facing strong competition in the job market
Preparing for the Transition
Before making a significant change, remember you may need to invest time in gaining necessary skills or qualifications. Depending on the extent of your pivot, you might also have to work your way up in your new field.
Making a career change isn’t always easy but having your "why" clearly defined will serve as a powerful motivator and reminder to persevere during challenging times. (Side note: that "why" should now become part of your elevator pitch, your "about me", and your cover letter too!)
Finding Meaning and Purpose
Ultimately, articulating your "why" brings meaning and purpose to your career. When you align your work with your values, goals, and ambitions, you’re more likely to discover long-term fulfillment and satisfaction. Embrace this journey of self-discovery, and let your motivations guide you to a rewarding new chapter in your professional life.
Brooke Tichenor, the WeInspireWe Career Storyteller, is our in-house expert for all things job search related. Brooke is an experienced resume writer, LinkedIn developer, interview prepper, negotiation expert, and human resources professional with a heart for helping people get to that ‘next chapter’ in their careers. Brooke's interactive process hones in on the individual’s relevant skills, areas of expertise, achievements, and value that align with positions of interest. She then crafts a ‘human voiced’ resume that conveys a unique and captivating career story that stands out from the competition. Her goal for each client is to walk away with clarity and confidence in themselves and empowerment to go after their dreams.
If you're ready to jump-start your job search, find and communicate your career story, or build confidence in this career move, click here to meet with Brooke for a free 1:1 consultation.
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