There is no doubt we are living in an economy that is more like a roller coaster than smooth sailing. If you find yourself in a position where you want to change jobs or careers or have to change jobs or careers here are some things to take into consideration.

Financial Concerns
Do I have enough money to sustain myself (and family) to switch careers?

Benefits Package
What is being offered if I change? insurances: health, life, retirement? Leave, personal time? How it will affect me?

Is there Travel involved?
Am I expected to travel? Local? Domestic? International? How long? How often?

Commute
Is it reasonable? How far? How long will it take? Expense of the commute: gas, tolls…

Computer Skills
Am I current on my computer skills? If not, take an action step to get caught up.

Hours
What’s expected: 8 hour days, 10 hour days? If there’s overtime do I get compensated for it? Is there flexibility? Can I work from home?

Autonomy
Will I work independently? Report to someone?

Ability to take time off for aging parents
Is there flexible leave time?

Is your spouse retiring early and taking time off?
How will this affect your relationship if you’re starting at a new position?

Check the job market volatility
Research your field as thoroughly as possible. Try not to limit yourself in today’s marketplace. Try a broad approach and look at different fields.

Job shadowing and talking with people in the field are both helpful.
Things are not always how they appear to be…a job may seem interesting and fun from the outside and be very different on the inside. Also, does this company’s values and mission statement align with your personal values and mission statement?

Some assessment indicators (ex: personality diagnostic, knowing your strengths, knowing your Achilles Heel) can also help determine the type of job/work environment where you’d thrive.
Recognize that such indicators are only one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.

Explaining and demonstrating your skills: identify your audience and use appropriate terminology; show where you have made measurable results and tangible contributions in the past, and where you can with the company you’re interviewing with.

In a nutshell it’s a tight economy. Stay positive. Be persistent. Be aware of your self-talk, your internal dialogue. What you are saying to yourself is important. For more information on that and how to handle transition, visit : www.selftalkcoach.com.

By Susan Commander Samakow, PCC, CPCC

Author's Bio: 

Susan Commander Samakow is a Certified Business, Life & Leadership Coach and Speaker with vast experience in life and career transition, business and leadership. At the foundation of all of Susan's work is Positive Self Talk (our inner dialogue). Susan's clients are individuals, private sector businesses, and the government.

Susan is the former President of the International Coach Federation (ICF) Metro Washington, DC Chapter (the largest in North America), and the former Education Committee Chair of ICF Global.

Susan has been featured in numerous television, radio and print media and she is proud of her extensive pro-bono work.