You need a systematic approach to evaluate your next career move. If done well, you can win in many of your career stages. Learn how to do it systematically.
Have you ever stood at a metaphorical crossroads, wondering which path to take in your career? Maybe you’ve been offered a new job, are considering a big relocation, or you’re thinking about changing industries altogether. This especially becomes one of the biggest challenges during a career change. If you are in this situation, you’re not alone.
In your journey of fulfilling your career aspirations and achieving your career goals, you will come across many career options and job opportunities. This is where you need a system and a set of thumb rules that you can follow to make the right choices for your career.
Let’s walk this path together. Through a series of easy-to-understand guidelines, peppered with real-life examples, We’ll help you evaluate your next career move with clarity and confidence.
Why Should You Evaluate Your Next Career Move Carefully?
Navigating your career isn’t just about taking steps forward—it’s about taking the right steps forward.
While spontaneity has its charm in many of life’s realms, your career warrants a touch more reflection and strategy. Let’s delve into the compelling reasons why it’s essential to carefully evaluate your next career move.
1. Long-term Satisfaction:
Consider your job as a long-term relationship. Jumping into it without proper thought might give you short-lived happiness but in the long run? It could result in regret.
By assessing your next move, you ensure that it aligns with your carefully crafted goals, your career interests, and values, setting yourself up for enduring job satisfaction.
Example: Tom, an avid outdoor enthusiast, hastily took a desk job that paid well but involved long hours. Within a year, he found himself missing the outdoors and feeling dissatisfied.
2. Financial Stability:
Your financial health often hinges on career choices. A hasty decision based solely on immediate monetary gains might overlook hidden costs or longer-term financial drawbacks.
Example: Anna was lured by a higher salary in a bigger city. However, she didn’t account for the skyrocketing rent and living costs. In the end, she was left with less savings than before.
3. Work-life Harmony:
Every job has its demands, but it’s crucial they don’t disrupt your personal life. Assessing the demands of a new role ensures you can maintain a balance between work and leisure, family, or personal pursuits.
Example: Ravi accepted a managerial role that seemed like the next logical step. However, the 24/7 commitment it demanded left little time for his family and hobbies, leading to burnout.
4. Professional Growth:
Your career should be a ladder, not a treadmill. Evaluating opportunities ensures you’re always learning, growing, and advancing in your field.
Example: Sofia, a graphic designer, was offered two roles. One was a comfortable position in a known company, while the other was a challenging role in a startup. By choosing the startup, she faced varied challenges that broadened her skills rapidly.
5. Avoiding the Backtrack:
Making a hasty or ill-informed decision can often mean backtracking later on. This could set you back in terms of time, money, or even professional reputation.
Example: Mike took a job in a different industry, only to realize he missed his old field. Returning wasn’t just about finding a new position—it involved rebuilding professional relationships and sometimes even re-skilling.
6. Mental and Emotional Well-being:
Work environments and roles greatly influence our mental health. Jumping into a toxic environment or a misaligned role can lead to stress, anxiety, or even depression.
Example: Linda didn’t research her new company’s work culture. She soon found herself in a high-stress environment, which began to take a toll on her mental health.
In Short …
Your career isn’t just about what you do—it’s a significant part of who you are. Every decision you make creates ripples in the pond of your professional journey.
By evaluating your next career move carefully, you’re not just thinking of the immediate future but laying down stepping stones for a fulfilling, balanced, and prosperous career path. So, take a moment, reflect, and step forward with both confidence and care.
How To Decide Your Next Career Move Smartly? – A 14 Step Framework
1. Start with Self-awareness: Understand Your ‘Why’
Example: Sarah had a high-paying job in finance but always felt a pang in her heart whenever she passed by art galleries. She realized her ‘why’ was to create and contribute to the world of art.
Pro Tip:
Before you make any big career move, take a moment to reflect. What drives you? What gives you satisfaction? Knowing your ‘why’ will give you a foundation on which to evaluate potential opportunities.
2. Evaluate the Position: Beyond the Job Title
Example: John, a software developer, was offered a position as a “Lead Innovator” in a startup. Sounds fancy, right? On closer inspection, he found out it was just a fancy title for a coder with a few extra hours of work and no team leadership.
Pro Tip:
Dive deep. Understand the roles, responsibilities, and growth prospects associated with the new job. A title is just that—a title. What you do and what you learn is what matters.
3. Consider the Culture: Does it Align with Your Values?
Example: Priya, a staunch supporter of sustainability, declined an offer from a fast-fashion company, choosing instead to work for a startup focusing on sustainable clothing.
Pro Tip:
Think about what you stand for. Research the company’s values, and see if they align with yours. You’ll be spending a lot of time at work; make sure it’s a place where you feel aligned and authentic.
4. Financial Considerations: Not Just the Salary
Example: Alex was thrilled with his new job offer that came with a 20% pay hike. However, he didn’t factor in the higher cost of living in the new city or the longer commute. At the end of the month, he was saving less than before.
Pro Tip:
Look beyond the paycheck. Consider benefits, costs related to the job, location, and potential expenses.
5. Opportunities for Growth: Look at the Bigger Picture
Example: Fatima was a teacher at a well-established school. She received an offer from a new educational institute. While the new place was still finding its footing, it offered her the chance to shape a department from scratch.
Pro Tip:
Sometimes, a lateral move can offer more growth than a step up. Evaluate opportunities based on what you’ll learn, who you’ll meet, and how this position will shape your future.
6. Work-life Balance: Because There’s More to Life
Example: Carlos, a young father, turned down a lucrative job that required frequent travel. He chose a position that allowed him to spend evenings with his daughter.
Pro Tip:
Determine what’s crucial for you outside of work. If you value family time, hobbies, or other pursuits, ensure your new role supports that balance.
7. Get Feedback: Two Heads (or More) Are Better Than One
Example: Lisa was unsure about accepting a new managerial role. She discussed it with mentors, friends, and family. Their insights helped her see potential challenges and rewards she hadn’t considered.
Pro Tip:
Talk it out. Gather diverse opinions. You’ll get a 360-degree view of the opportunity.
8. Gut Feeling: The Power of Intuition
Example: Ahmet was all set to start a new job. But something felt off during his visits to the potential new office. He trusted his gut, declined, and later found a job that he truly loved.
Pro Tip:
Don’t underestimate your instincts. Sometimes, your subconscious picks up on red flags that your conscious mind misses.
9. Research & Reconnaissance: Become a Career Detective
Example: Naomi heard about an amazing opportunity in a blossoming tech company. Before jumping in, she did her homework—researching its past projects, reading reviews on platforms like Glassdoor, and even casually interviewing current employees at a local networking event.
Pro Tip:
Dive into due diligence. Gathering intel can help you gauge the environment, job expectations, and potential challenges or perks that might not be immediately apparent.
10. Location, Location, Location
Example: Raj had an opportunity to work in a bustling city, a dream for many. But he hailed from a quiet town and cherished tranquility. Before making a decision, he spent a week in the city, testing the waters. The hustle and bustle wasn’t for him, leading Raj to seek opportunities closer to home.
Pro Tip:
If relocating, always consider visiting the new place first. It gives you a taste of daily life, helping you decide if it’s the right environment for you.
11. Consider the Long-term Path
Example: Esther was a healthcare worker, and her next move was to a smaller clinic. Though it meant fewer immediate resources, the clinic was considering expansion, and she was in line for a leadership role in the future.
Pro Tip:
Sometimes the best career moves aren’t about the immediate benefits but the long-term possibilities. What doors could open for you down the road?
12. Flexibility & Adaptability
Example: Henry was offered a remote job, a concept he hadn’t experienced before. After trying it out, he found that he thrived in the flexibility it offered, leading to better productivity and work satisfaction.
Pro Tip:
The modern workspace is changing rapidly. Assess the flexibility a new role offers and consider if it aligns with how you work best.
13. Plan an Exit Strategy
Example: Maria, a strategist, always believed in having an escape plan. When considering a risky but potentially rewarding career move, she also mapped out a plan for what to do if things didn’t pan out.
Pro Tip:
While optimism is great, being prepared for every outcome makes for a smooth transition, regardless of the situation.
14. Remember: No Decision is Permanent
Example: Leo took a job that seemed perfect on paper. Six months in, he realized it wasn’t for him. Instead of feeling trapped, he used the experience to refine what he was looking for and soon found a better fit.
Pro Tip:
Every experience, good or bad, is a stepping stone. If a career move doesn’t go as planned, it’s just another lesson, not a life sentence.
Tips to Evaluate Your Next Career Move During a Career Change
What if you were seeing signs that you need a career change? What if you have started planning your next move for a career change?
If so, you want to take a few extra precautions while you evaluate your next career move.
1. Recognize Transferable Skills:
Identify skills from your current job that can be applied to the new one.
Example: A teacher wanting to move into corporate training would note that her presentation and interpersonal skills are highly transferable.
2. Research Industry Stability:
Switching careers often means entering unfamiliar territory. Ensure the industry you’re considering isn’t in decline.
Example: Jane wanted to move from DVD rentals to streaming technology, noticing the latter’s boom and the former’s decline.
3. Evaluate Up-skilling or Re-skilling Needs:
Understand the new qualifications or skills required and be ready to invest in them.
Example: Carlos, transitioning from traditional advertising to digital marketing, evaluated courses on digital analytics.
4. Probe Deeper into Company Onboarding Processes:
For someone changing careers, orientation and initial training become critical. Ensure the prospective company offers robust onboarding.
Example: Liam, shifting from finance to tech, chose a firm known for its thorough onboarding program for non-techies.
5. Consult Others Who’ve Made Similar Moves:
Speak with individuals who’ve successfully navigated a similar career change. Their journey can offer valuable insights.
Example: Before shifting from journalism to PR, Sarah spoke to three former colleagues who had made the switch.
6. Assess Cultural Fit in a New Industry:
Every industry has its unique culture. Ensure you can see yourself fitting into the new environment.
Example: Raj, moving from a laid-back creative agency to corporate finance, had to evaluate if he’d thrive in a more formal setting.
7. Determine Long-Term Growth in the New Field:
Ensure that your new direction offers avenues for growth and isn’t just a short-term venture.
Example: Nina, considering a move to the cryptocurrency sector, studied its potential longevity and her potential career trajectory within it.
8. Understand Industry Challenges:
Moving into a new field will have its set of challenges. Being aware of them prepares you better.
Example: Tom, transitioning from sales to software development, prepped himself about the continuous learning and updating required in the tech world.
Conclusion:
Switching careers is not just about taking a leap into the unknown but ensuring that leap is well-calculated. By focusing on these specific evaluation strategies tailored for a career transition, you can ensure that your next move is not only bold but smart, informed, and promising. Happy transitioning!