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May 4, 2006

Twenty questions you should ask yourself before changing careers

~ written by Celia D. Crossley, Celia D. Crossley & Associates

1. Am I dissatisfied with my career or only with my job? Could I find satisfaction in a related job within the same field?

2. Are the working conditions the motivating factor for a change?

3. If so, could I change my environment, or my attitude toward it, or is the only resolution a career change?

4. Do I wish to express certain values on the job that I cannot in my present occupation?

5. Do I feel as though I could use more of my skills and abilities in another occupation?

6. Do I have an understanding of my personality and the type of environment I would prefer to work in and be successful?

7. Do I know my interests? What do I know about my vocational interests?

8. Have I taken an inventory of my skills and know what are my marketable skills?

9. Have I acquired new skills that I have not had the opportunity to use in my current occupation even though I would like to use them?

10. Am I willing to make sacrifices to start over in a new occupation? Can the individuals that rely upon me sacrifice as well?

11. Can I enter another occupation without retraining or further education?

13. Do I have an alternative plan or are all my eggs in one basket?

14. Are there ways in which I can try on a new career before quitting the job I have now?

15. What will I be giving up and what will I gain by making the change?

16. How important are the golden handcuffs – seniority, retirement fund, other benefits – to my welfare both in the terms of short and long run? Have I actually “costed out” these items?

17. Is there help available to facilitate my career change and am I willing to put forth the effort both mentally and financially?

18. Do I have the patience to begin again at the entry level?

20. Am I willing to take the risk and take it again if not successful?

Celia D. Crossley & Associates provides guidance, coaching and consulting to organizations and individuals. crosworks@aol.com