Can a Career Change Improve Your Life?

Guest post by Lance Cody-Valdez

It's no secret that many people are unhappy with their careers. A recent Gallup poll found that a whopping 70% of Americans are "not engaged" or "actively disengaged" from their work. If you're in that majority, it's probably time for a change. 

 

But how do you know if a new career is right for you? The Side Hustle Journey has some practical tips to help you find the answer:

Evaluate Your Current Situation

The first step is to take a hard look at your current situation. Are you truly unhappy with your job, or are there just a few things that you don't like? 

 

If it's the latter, it might be worth making some changes within your current career before undergoing a complete overhaul. But if you're completely miserable, it's probably time for something new. Here are some questions to answer for gauging your engagement at work:

 

• Do you enjoy the tasks involved in your job?
• Do you feel challenged and fulfilled by your work?
• Is your work-life balance in a good place?
• How happy are you with your current place on your career path?

Consider Your Skills and Interests

Next, think about the skills and interests that you currently have. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? There's no point in changing careers if you're just going to end up in the same situation, so it's critical to find something that interests and challenges you.

Research Potential Careers

Once you know what you're looking for, it's time to do some research. Thankfully, there are tons of resources online that can help you learn about different careers. Talk to people who are already in the field that you're interested in and see if it's a good fit for you.

Consider Business Ownership

Starting a business can be a gratifying experience. It can provide you with an income while allowing you more control over your destiny. If you’re thinking about becoming a business owner, there are a few things that you need to do to ensure your business is successful:

Come up with a business idea. 

There are many different types of businesses that you can start, and it’s crucial to choose one that best suits your interests and skills. Once you’ve chosen a business idea, you’ll need to do some research to ensure that there’s a market for your product or service.

 

For example, becoming a general contractor could be ideal if you have a knack for construction, can communicate well, and enjoy leading other people. And people will always need houses built and renovated! That said, it’s essential to incorporate modern technology in today’s world, which is why you’ll want to research general contractor business software. You can determine which product to choose here; the right software will allow you to manage your projects, create invoices, and design homes more efficiently. 

Make a business plan.

After you have done your research, it’s time to write a business plan. This document will outline your company’s goals, strategies, and finances. You’ll want to be realistic when creating your business plan and remember that things may not go as planned. That said, having a detailed plan will help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

Brainstorm marketing ideas. 

After creating your business plan, start figuring out how to promote your business. Building a website, creating social media accounts, and advertising in local newspapers or online directories are excellent places to start. This is also a great time to determine how you can offer top-notch customer service so that your customers will keep coming back.

Wrapping Up

Making a career change can be a daunting task, but it can also be one of the most rewarding things that you'll ever do. If you're unhappy with your current situation, then consider making a change. Just be sure to do your research and create a solid plan before taking the plunge. And most importantly, don't forget to take care of yourself along the way.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content on The Side Hustle Journey!