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8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making The Next Career Leap

  • Publish Date: Posted about 2 years ago
  • Author: Taylor Varco

The higher the title, the bigger the salary, and the more prestige. That's what people think about when they think about a Big Job. When considering a new career, it's important to think about what you want to accomplish.

Here are eight questions to ask yourself when considering a new job:

1. "What is the next step in my career that will allow me to make more of an impact?"

When looking for a career, you're likely looking to maximize your impact and make the best possible contribution. However, it's easy to get caught up with titles or specific job functions.

Give yourself a refresher on why you are in the workforce and what impact you want to make. Keep your focus on the effect you want to make in your next role, not just the words on your business card. Furthermore, assess if any tangential benefits come with your next career move. For example, you may want to make more of an impact and advance your career and work for a company doing business globally, giving you more opportunities to travel.

2. "What is the next step in my career that will allow me to work with amazing people?"

One of the top reasons millennials leave their job is because of their manager; so its vital to assess if those you work with are people you want to do life with.

Great managers know how to give clear and constructive feedback, effectively manage projects, and hold people accountable for their actions.

If your current manager is not that, then it might be time to find out more about career opportunities, where you will work with people capable of providing the environment you need.

3. "What is the next step in my career that will allow me to work with amazing people?"

It's important to ask yourself if the people in the organization inspire you to be your best. Do they give you a healthy dose of fear and encourage you to do something that contributes positively to the community? Or, does it feel like a job where you push paper, and no one is accountable for any of their actions?

If you're working for a company that doesn't meet your expectations and you're ready to move on, you should consider what the next step would be: staying put, leaving the company, or even taking a step back in your career to make an impact elsewhere.

4. "What makes me happy?"

We all have hobbies and interests that bring us happiness. Before you choose your next career move, think about what makes you happy currently.

Are you able to do those activities well? What makes you happy about them? Does your current career support those interests or force you to leave them behind.

If you're forced to leave your passions and interests at the door before you walk in each morning, it might be time for a change.

5. "Does my industry need me?"

Some people stay in their career field because their industry needs their expertise. But don't stick around in a stale industry just because you have many knowledge and experience.

Take a look at your industry and see what trends are taking place. Is your industry going through a period of change? How can you use your knowledge to help other people in the industry instead of just doing your old job?

If it's become stagnant, you should think about the next step. You can either find a way to evolve with the industry or make a change.

6. "Do I want to specialize in something?"

If you're a specialist, always strive to improve. There's no reason why you'd want to be the best in your field one day and then feel stuck the next. It would help if you always were looking for ways to improve yourself and make yourself a better candidate for the next job opportunity.

7. "Why not me?"

If you're unhappy with your work, it's time to think about why you're working. Is the amount of money you're making worth the stress you're going through? Or, are you working just because it's something to do every day instead of finding a job you believe in?

There's no point of sticking around in a job that doesn't make you happy. It's time to take the next steps to figure out what you love.

8. "Do I want more responsibility?"

Sometimes taking on more responsibility leads to getting paid more money. But, there are also jobs where you can do amazing things even if you're not in charge. Before committing to another job opportunity, think about what kind of responsibility you want. Do you want to be running the company? Or would you rather work on a team and make a bigger impact in the community. Regardless of your answer, remember that it's important to ask yourself why you want more responsibility and if it's something you believe in. If it is, then go for it!

At Per Se Group, we support and empower people in their careers. Get your career moving in the right direction, and contact us.