As working professionals, several decisions can steer your career onto the right path. The question, though, is which ones make a better impact and for how long? While these crucial decisions are essential in the early stage of your career, you should make them with longevity in mind. Admittedly, making the right choice can be overwhelming. Hopefully, these tips may provide better insight into making the right career choice.
- Relocating for a job opportunity
A 2019 job relocation survey indicated that most Americans between the ages of 25 and 45 relocate for job opportunities. Some may already have an offer, but others move hoping to intensify the search for a new location. A job search is tedious, especially as it involves checking out several companies and organizations to ensure they are the right fit. Millennials are often known to relocate more often for job opportunities.
In a 2021 CNBC report, it was revealed that 65% of American workers were more than willing to relocate for jobs. The increase is possibly due to the effects of the pandemic and how millions became unemployed. A new job may hold better prospects for your career. It can be an opportunity to climb higher up the pay scale, especially because different states and cities have varied pay grades. For instance, if you move to Connecticut or the District of Columbia, you are likely to earn an additional $5000 –10,000 to your annual income.
- Pursuing a passion as a full-time job
There are several examples of people who turned their passions into full-time jobs. A few examples are Al “Bubba” Baker of Bubba’s-Q Boneless Ribs, Jason Cohen of Nexus Real Estate, and Bill Gates of Microsoft. Pursuing your passion is a huge risk, but pacesetters have proven it can be worth it. Admittedly, it is not an easy road because of the increased probability of failure and, more importantly, getting others to invest in your passion. Before taking this decision, it would be helpful to have a backup job you can always fall on if things go awry.
- Changing careers
Data shows that 32% of 25 and 44-year-olds considered a career change in 2021. And by the end of the first quarter of 2022, 39% of Americans had made successful career changes. Reports indicate that a majority were motivated by higher salaries and the pressing need to do better for themselves and their families. Deciding on a career change is not a minor decision. Several factors come into play, and evaluating your circumstances is important before making that decision.
First, do you have enough funds to resign from your current employment to make way for a full job search? Secondly, do you have debts that may prevent you from making a career change? For example, if you’re switching from a well-paying job to pursuing a passion, you may earn less than you currently do. Therefore, any loan repayment would be affected when you make the switch. On the other hand, if you can comfortably cover the repayments and pursue your passion, that would be excellent.
These decisions can positively alter the course of your career. Therefore, it would help if you commit to proactive research before taking a crucial decision.
