10 Things to Consider When Making a Job Change

If anything is inevitable about post-college life it is that we will all continually face change. If only our careers came with a syllabus so we could know exactly what we need to do to succeed! Sometimes a career change can be thrusted upon us with the force of a hurricane, and all we can do is work through it the best we can in order to survive. Other times we choose the change and have a little more control over where the wind will take us. Sometimes the latter can feel even more difficult than the former.

If you are feeling that your career is a bit stagnant and that it may be time to make a change then take a minute to consider the following thoughts before you leap.

• If you find yourself asking if it’s time to make a change, it’s probably time to make a change.
• The first step in making a change is identifying the reason or reasons why you are considering a change.
• Ask yourself whether the reasons for the change are temporary or likely to permanently impact your current position.
• Figure out whether you just need to change companies or if you need to change your entire career.
• If you’ve decided it’s time to make a change, make a plan for what you want to do next before you take any action.
• Inventory your accomplishments and what you have to offer another company or in a different career path. This is absolutely the most critical step whenever you transition! 
• Consider if you need additional skills, education or training in order to make a successful job or career change. Investigate how to acquire what you need before you make the change.
• Don’t burn the bridge at your current job. Give ample notice and offer to train your replacement.
• Get your financial house in order before you take action on your job or career change. Stockpile cash to help you during the transition.
• Make sure you are moving towards something you want, rather than just running away from something you don’t like.

Sometimes the grass may look greener on the other side. However, it is important that the same fertilizer being used on the field in which you stand may also be what keeps the grass so green on the other side of the fence. Sometimes you do need the hurricane to push you into something completely different, where you will need an open mind to grab on to the opportunity in front of you. Other times, when it’s your choice, you can take your time and ease into the change with eyes wide open and knowing full well the new ground under your feet was the right decision for you.

Dave Isbell is the assistant director of Alumni Professional Enrichment in the MSU Alumni Office. In this role he facilitates opportunities for alumni to engage in career content. Dave proudly graduated from MSU with a Master’s in Social Work in 2013. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Global Career Development Facilitator, Certified Online Instructor and Certified Human Resources Specialist. In addition to his part-time employment with MSU, Dave owns a private Mental Health and Couples Therapy practice and is the founding President of Mid-Michigan Emotionally Focused Therapy, a Not-For-Profit training and development organization.

Karen J. Reiff is an alumna of Michigan State University who recently retired from a 30+ year career as a Career Coach, Executive Resume Writer and Licensed Practical Counselor and is currently enjoying “life after work.” She was Dave Isbell’s GCDF Instructor early in his career and decades later remains a source of inspiration and friendship.