Changing careers Ask yourself these questions.

Changing careers Ask yourself these questions. **I am a member of the Career Collective, a group of resume writers and career coaches. Each month, all members discuss a certain topic. This month, we are talking about changing careers. Please follow our tweets on Twitter #careercollective. You can also view the other member’s interesting posts at the end of the article. ++++++++++++++++++ It used to be that people would stay at the same job for years. But now, it’s not the same job market, not the same companies and certainly not the same employees. People leave for all sorts of reasons, they either want a change of scenery or they leave to make more money. Companies can let go of employees for any reason too, you can go from being Employee-of-the-Month one minute to receiving your pink slip the next. Employers dont have loyalty to their employees, so employees are looking to better their situation by changing careers or by finding new employment. Today, a career jump is often needed to generate an increase in income. There is a dark side to changing jobs so you have to be cautious when doing so. Besides, can changing your career improve your situation? Everybody needs some advice from time to time, so what are some ways that changing your career can benefit you? 1. Do you have a reason to change? The best advice is to look before you leap. Do some research over the company youre considering and see if their organizational structure aligns with your career goals. This is a big decision in life, so you want to have the proper perspective before you make a decision. If your current situation is not prosperous, then do what you can to find a better situation for yourself, just make sure that its the right situation. 2. The lack of knowledge or experience Without the right amount of experience and knowledge in your new field, a potential career change could be a big mistake. But, if youre fortunate enough to find an HR manager who wants to see what you can do, then be prepared to dazzle your new employer. If you dont show that you can step up and provide what theyre looking for, then your new career might just flop. You should educate yourself on your new position and find out as much as you can on the industry. Just be prepared. 3. Is the money right? Dont sleep on the thought of earning more money. Money can be an excellent motivational tool but if its the sole reason for your career change, you could miss out on the bigger picture. Your quality of life will not determine your overall job satisfaction, so make sure you know what you want when you decide. 4. Dont go for the new hot industry Because it could be over before it starts. Remember the Dot.com crash, same thing, if you choose an industry that has seen tremendous growth in a short time, and you think “Now’s the time to cash in”, you could be setting yourself up for failure. Just beware the peaks and valleys of new industry. 5. Narrow your focus Find something that you would love to do. Dont be overly ambitious or fearful of change â€" but make sure that you know what you want to do. Many people never consider the jobs that they may be qualified for in a parallel industry, so see what options you have before you do a complete 180 º. ++++++++ Read other posts on this topic from members of the Career Collective: Are You Ready for a Career Change? @Debra Wheatman Changing Careers? Ask yourself these questions. @erinkennedycprw Changing Careers: Not for the Fainthearted, @GayleHoward Career Change Isnt An Exact Science, @careersherpa The 10-Step Plan to Career Change, @KatCareerGal When it’s Time to Recycle Your Career, @WalterAkana Best Career Change Advice: Target Plan, @JobHuntOrg How social media can help you change careers, @keppie_careers Expat Careers: You Are Not Your Job Title, @expatcoachmegan Changing The Direction Of Your Career, @EliteResumes @MartinBuckland Career Changer: Can You Quell Bottom-line Ache? @ValueIntoWords Top 3 + 1 Tips for Making a Successful Career Change, @KCCareerCoach Changing Careers: Look Before You Leap, @barbarasafani 10 Commandments for Career Changers, @LaurieBerenson