For many people a new year brings with it a new year’s resolution and the fact we are already 17 days into 2012 will probably mean for many this resolution has already been broken. However for those with more long term resolutions and goals, such as to get in shape or to find a new career, January is the time to sit down and evaluate if such a big decision is the correct decision in terms of lifestyle and career choice.

At Career Analysts we have compiled some of the best advice we have heard over the years in order to help you decide whether a new career is the right choice or whether the current thoughts of packing in a job are merely “New Year, New Career” mentality kicking in.

For a lot of people, they know the time is right for a career change when they begin to become negative about the business or their colleagues, and are simply plodding along in their current job rather than taking the steps moving on.  However a career change takes focus and commitment to ensure you’re not taking a step backwards in your career or hampering your social life by potentially taking less money home.

Here are some of the most important indicators that you may be ready for a new career:

• You really are unhappy in your current role. Most people dread work on a Monday morning but if you constantly have negative feelings for the company you work for or the industry you work in, then a career change will most probably improve your overall happiness.
• You can’t see yourself in the same job role/industry in 10, 5 or even 2 years down the line. Planning your career is vital if you are to have a sustainable lifestyle for the foreseeable future. If you really can’t see yourself in the same position in the future maybe it’s time to look for a job role with more opportunities for progression.
• You have become bored or uninspired in your current job role. You drag yourself to work each morning but have no real passion for the work you are doing.

If you are serious about a new career here is some of our best advice:

• Analyse your personal skill set, passions and interests. Ask yourself, what sort of job role are your skills suited to? Secondly what are your passions and interests, if you have a passion for your work, you are much more likely to enjoy it, a famous wise quote states: “choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
• Consider your future, both in the work environment and your social life. Would changing to a new career have a detrimental effect on how much time you will be able to spend with friends or would a new career allow you travel to a part of the country or world you have always wanted to visit?
• Network, network, network and find support from those closest to you. Identify friends and professionals who can help your new career change become reality, this could be ex colleagues or family members. Utilising your network both offline and online is vital. Gaining support from your friends and family is also important, if they back your career change you are much more likely to enjoy your new line of work.

If you are interested in a new career as part of a career change, talk to Career Analysts