Navigating Career Moves: Making Informed Decisions That Shape Your Future
Since work is such a big part of our lives, it’s only natural to want to achieve the best. You don’t need to stay in the same job or work in the same industry forever. If you want a change, then go for it. Make a bold move and do what’s best for your personal development and your family. Before you do, take a moment to research and make informed decisions that could shape your future. Then you can achieve your personal goals.
Proper planning will be critical if you’re trying to make more money, return to school, or leave the daily grind and work for yourself. Here are some considerations to keep in mind for various professional paths and goals.
Smart Moves For A Higher Salary
One of the primary moves that many professionals try to make is learning how they can earn a higher salary. However, you must have a tactic, as going in blind and just demanding more money likely won’t get you that raise. It may even make your employer second guess your motives or dismiss you entirely.
The first step is to think about the type of position you’d like to have in the organization, so you can discuss with your employer why you’d be a good fit. Consider all aspects of the new job and decide if they’d be suitable for your life. Will you need to work different hours? Will the job take you away from your family? Do your research and make informed decisions that could shape your future.
When you speak to your employer, focus on the skills you bring to the table. When it comes to your skills, which ones will help you to excel in that new position? Prepare a list and some talking points and bring them up during the meeting with your manager.
Do you have any ideas that can improve that new position? If so, bring them up as well. If the boss tells you there are some things to work on, don’t dismiss the idea. Take them seriously. Once you feel that you’ve learned and can show off those skills, return and pick up the conversation again.
Make sure that the salary will meet your needs. If everything fits, then move forward.
From Regular To Self-Employment
Some people decide they’ve had enough of the daily grind and want to work for themselves. Or they choose to become an entrepreneur and start a business. There are many considerations you’ll want to make before taking a drastic move, especially when it comes to your finances.
You need to create a business plan. In it, take note of how much you expect to make monthly and then compare that to your expenses. Remember that you’ll be responsible for your health insurance and taxes, so account for that as well. It’s better to be conservative initially as you’re just getting your company off the ground. The last thing you want is to be underwater financially. In addition to the mounting debt, that situation can lead to mental health issues, like depression.
Taxes are a big piece of the equation as forgetting about them can be devastating. When you work for yourself, you’ll be responsible for paying on a quarterly basis. If you forget, you’ll get a surprise bill come April. It could be too much for you to handle and shocks like that are bad for your mental health.
Learn to track your deductions throughout the year so you can add write-offs that could ease your tax burden. The cost of a good tax expert is another expanse to add to your business plan.
Another thing that can negatively impact your mental health is an uneven work-life balance. Right now, there’s a chance that your 9-to-5 job allows you to go to work, put in your eight hours, and leave. However, if you start freelancing, you could be working around the clock as you try to find clients and work to pay the bills.
To avoid that scenario, you’ll need to set up a schedule ahead of time and stick to it. Work those hours and log out for the day. Keep your business phone on the desk and enjoy your life. Letting your professional life get out of control can too easily lead to burnout.
Switching To A Completely Different Career
Many people decide to stick to the 9-to-5 job but choose to change careers completely. There are many reasons it may be time for a change, including if:
- You’ve found a new passion you want to pursue.
- You hope for bigger earning potential.
- It would be best if you had a new challenge.
- You’re not happy when you wake up for work every morning.
- You believe that you can better use your skills somewhere else.
If you think you’d be good at a specific job but don’t know enough yet to pursue it, then how about returning to school? Returning to school later on in life can be daunting, but you’re not alone. Plus, it’s impressive that you want to expand your mind.
Your professors will teach you the basic skills you’ll need to learn and will answer your questions. You’ll likely also learn about real-world scenarios and how you would apply the appropriate skills.
Another option to find a job in a new career is to relocate. Going to a different city and testing the waters is a great way to find all new opportunities. Some of them may not exist where you live now. Plus, you’ll be able to meet new people and attend networking events.
While there, you can meet professionals who may be able to open doors for you. Plus, you’d have someone to lean on when you have questions about your new job.
Travelling is a great way to gain new experiences and learn about your true purpose. Try to meet new people, and strike up a conversation. It’s a great way to learn about new cultures and try new things. Remember that moving and uprooting your family can be a hassle. So make the proper plans before you make informed decisions that could shape your future.
Conclusion
These are just a few scenarios you may consider when making career moves. Remember that informed decisions that could shape your future will require research and planning for the best chance of success. Whatever you choose, we wish you the best.
