Considering Switching Careers 
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Gone are the days when most people would stay working with the same company long term. People are now changing jobs more than ever. In addition to just shifts to different employers, people are also entirely switching careers more than in the past.
So how does a person decide to switch careers? Such a major life changing decision isn’t just made on the spur of the moment. It is one of those decisions that you really need to weigh the pros and cons. Even then you may be unsure of your decision.
I am currently facing this situation with my own career. While I really feel that a career switch is in my best interests, it is still intimidating to put into motion. So to help with my own decision and hopefully help others, I will discuss what is going into this choice.
What Is Wrong With My Current Career Path?
Originally I started out in the IT industry as a web programmer. It was fairly enjoyable work, but job prospects were extremely limited. To qualify for most jobs you need an extremely diversified skill set that forces you to learn new technologies continuously. Stop learning and you quickly become obsolete.
So when I started developing website marketing skills and experience at one of my programming jobs, it seemed so much more promising. Here was a role that virtually every commercial website would require and wasn’t dependent on knowing a specific programming language. Still many employers thought it was a skill that a web designer or programmer could bring to the table as a secondary talent.
I did seem to have problems finding a good job where I wanted to stick around long term. Compounding the problem was the expectation that traffic and sales should constantly be improved while you are fighting an uphill battle against competitors. So unless you’re lucky enough to be marketing a website with some kind of competitive edge, it is a role that isn’t very appreciated. Too many bosses just don’t understand the nature of website marketing.
The lack of job stability wasn’t only within each workplace either. The industry in general keeps changing so rapidly that it just seems a matter of time until SEO pros simply aren’t necessary. Or things will shift to focus on something that might not be one of my strengths.
Then over the years competition in this industry really picked up. More marketing firms were snatching up jobs turning it into an employer’s marketplace. With technology booms in other countries, it has become a very crowded job market.
So how do I plan for the future with these kinds of circumstances? It seems that the only way I’d survive long term is if my own side business builds up enough and I manage to successfully navigate all obstacles. In the end I’d still be in a situation where next month’s income is never truly secure.
What I Hope A Career Change Would Accomplish
There are a variety of advantages I could see from switching careers…
- Stability – Obviously the main thing I’m after is job stability. I want to be able to buy a home and be very confident that I’ll always be able to cover the mortgage payments. Even the psychological benefits of job stability would be huge.
- Long Term Potential – It would also be nice to have the potential to move up in a company if I do my job well. With that kind of incentive I know I can go above and beyond. In another field I think I could get more recognition for my efforts and not be the scapegoat.
- Bigger Challenge – Plus I’d hope for a more challenging job that isn’t all about staring at a computer screen all day. I’ve realized that just sitting down all day isn’t very good for my health. Too many SEO tasks just make me feel like a robot.
- Retirement Benefits – As I get older the potential for a pension or retirement savings matching becomes a bigger priority too. Getting benefits like that would be awesome, but is pretty rare in the SEO industry.
So What’s Holding Me Back From Switching Careers?
I think I’ve progressed to the point of knowing it’s a matter of when not if. At my age though I don’t want to take on a bunch of student loan debt. I’m not willing to take 2 steps back to take 1 step forward.
So ideally I could build up my online business enough to cover most expenses. It would also need to build to a more self sustainable level where I could concentrate more on school.
Of course I would need to decide on my ideal career too. I could see myself getting into some kind of engineering or another science focused career. This time around I’d want to really look into job prospects and long term potential.
The other minor factor is actually my love life. I am considering the kind of career where I could move to a small, industry focused town. To make that move it sure would be nice to find a woman who would be willing to move too.
So do you think I am going about this career switch right? Or should I just go with my heart and assume things will work out? Have any of you undergone a major career change like this?
76 Comments
I have never made a major career change. However, I think you should go with your gut and do what makes you happy!
And I wish you good luck finding a woman to move with you! =)
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My gut is telling me to go ahead and make the move, but at the same time it would be pretty awesome if I could just turn my own websites into a full time job again. I realize the smarter move financially would be to still have a full time job with some stability.
As for the woman, I’m working on that, but finding one that would move is a little difficult.
I made two major career changes in my life. One worked out very well, the others marginally so. One thing to keep in mind: there is a learning curve, no matter what anybody says. The younger you are, the easier it is to make the switch.
So, if you’re serious about it, do it earlier, rather than later. the cost only goes up…
For sure. If I do this it will have to be within the next year or so. I just don’t want to rush into anything and then realize that it’s not really what I want to be doing either. So it’s going to take a lot more thinking and research.
I think you are going about it right. It’s a hard decision to make, because we will all spend a lot of time working throughout our lives, but I think you’ve looked at all of the right aspects and asked all of the right questions.I’m interested to hear what you choose for a new career!
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I’ll be sure to keep everyone up to date as to what I decide. I just feel that I really need to be doing something different that is more emotionally and financially satisfying. It seems a little pointless to constantly be moving horizontally in my career.
What are you thinking for your new career? I really don’t think it’s a big deal these days to switch, provided you can do it without too much student loan debt, as you say. Try to utilize skills you already have in a different area. I never got a job directly related to my degree, but leveraged other experiences I had while at school.
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Yeah I don’t know about leveraging existing skills much. Since I’d like to get away from working on a computer, I think those skills might be limited.
My new career is still up in the air, but I had previously considered going into some kind of engineering such as civil & structural. I think there are a lot of science related fields that would be pretty cool though. I guess I need to figure it out soon in case there are any additional high school courses I’d need to take first.
I think you’re doing the right thing to wait to finance the education BEFORE you enter to avoid loans, etc. That’s what I did, and years later, it’s actually working out and I’ll graduate debt free. As for love life…how do you know that lady isn’t already in that small, industrial town?
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I grew up in a small industrial town. So I know there is usually pretty limited dating potential there. I don’t know how much that factor would really hold back my career choice though. I think once I get researching more I’ll find something that really appeals to me regardless of stuff like that. And yeah it would be pretty nice to be able to get an education without the debt. If my websites and blog keeps up, it should be fairly manageable.
I haven’t switched careers but I imagine it is really tough. The biggest hit for me would be the lifestyle from going to being able to save a ton to getting knocked back down to the bottom and just having enough to get by. Good luck with your decision!
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I think I could adjust to that part of it easy enough. I’ve been in that kind of lifestyle mode lately anyway. Plus if it’s still a year away I think I could really build up my online income in the meantime. I think it would be well worth it for the long term potential.
Next year I will switch careers. I’m not sure to what, but it’s definitely time to move on from my current job. Gone are the days where people spend 30 years in the same job/company. It’s a bit daunting, but also exciting.
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I agree that it is pretty exciting. I was getting a bit depressed over where my career was heading, but to be able to start over in something new would be awesome. Sometimes people just later realize that their chosen career path isn’t right for them for one reason or another. It’s better they switch than just stay with a career where they aren’t truly satisfied.
By the way, the new blog design looks great.
I think just the fact that you have planned this much means you are ready to make the move. If you could pick something you can like as well as have stability, that would be ideal. It seems most people need to change something, either position or location, etc. every 10 or so years to keep from getting burned out. I have 8 years of education invested in my career choice, so I don’t see myself doing something different. I have switched modalities somewhat, so that helps. Blogging is a huge challenge right now, so that keeps me motivated. Good luck!
Yeah I only did 2 years at college. So I don’t have quite that much invested in my career. Then again I do have about 10 years working experience. I guess that doesn’t mean much if it just helps get me some job where I’m not really happy. I want to find something that I can really be passionate about and pour all my energy into. I am kinda that way about blogging but I don’t see it as a long term option at all.
I actually think you have the ability and personality (as far as know) to go it alone and start your own business; or rather grow your side gigs into the primary business. But I do understand and feel your pain on all the other perks to working for someone. I’ve worked at the same company now for nine years and enjoyed lots of retirement contribution, school reimbursement, medical/dental, etc. If there’s anything I would suggest, it would be to sway your career towards something more people oriented. Technology comes and goes, but companies will ALWAYS need people to manage other people and make sales. If you have any ability what so ever in those areas, I would play them up as much as possible.
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Good point MMD. The possibility of just starting my own business has been tempting too, but I’d be worried about having the same lack of income stability. If I want to buy a house and settle down I want to be able to know that I have at least $x coming in each month for sure. Plus if I keep my side business as just something on the side my savings & investments can grow so much faster. Maybe things will change in the next year though. That’s actually my other reasoning for wanting to wait until Sept 2013 to start anything new.
I have switched careers and it is a tough thing to do. You sound like you’ve already made the decision, which is the toughest part. I’d ask yourself if you REALLY need more schooling to make the switch. You may just need to educate yourself on the ins and outs of your new career rather than spend the money for an additional degree – unless it is a specialized field. Most employers will train you the way that they want you to work anyway. It could actually be an advantage for you to not have a degree so that you aren’t bringing with you additional baggage.
I was thinking the same thing as MMD. From what we know of you, you seem like the type of person who would do very well on your own. The risk is scary, but I would bet that you will be happy after you made the switch. If you think about it, once you’ve built your business up, working for yourself is more stable than working for somebody else anyway. You’ll never be fired, you ‘ll never be asked to relocate, you’ll never be demoted. I think you could do it, but I’m sure you’ll choose what is right for you.
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I think for what I want to get into, more schooling would be pretty crucial. It would just be too different to transfer over much of my existing skills.
As for running my own business, maybe I just need to start something up offline too. I’ve run my websites full time on more than one occasion, but online businesses can run into hiccups quite easily. If I could build up my online income to a full time income level again within the next year, that may very well change the decision.
By the way, great to see both you and Holly commenting here today
I’m pretty sure he’s stalking me…..
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I was in your shoes a few years ago. I stayed in the industry and am loving my current job (the one prior I hated!). I felt intimidated as you do about switching careers. What would I do? Would I like it? Is it a waste of time? I like the thought that you have put into it so far.
Maybe You can build up your businesses to cover your living costs then take a low paying job in the field you are looking into to see if there are any aspects that you like about it. That way, you save money by not going to school to get a degree you don’t need and you can talk to others in the field to see if getting a degree is worth it (and if they will help pay for it).
Hmm I hadn’t thought about that option. I may try that if I can’t find sufficient info about the career I end up leaning towards. Rather than just jumping into a 4 year degree program I would likely go to a technical school where I could get a diploma in 2 years. Then after a couple years experience I’d have the option of completing the degree.
Jeremy, I believe the SEO industry is a dying one. Those who survive the coming changes will morph into marketers with all sorts of online/ offline skills. Personally, I would take the direction of finding a more stable and satisfying job. Blogging will only get you so far but if done right it can turn into a generous side income that can get you through tougher times.
Starting your own business sounds glorious but don’t be fooled – it’s tough. Hours are long and rewards are distant. As for online income – that comes and goes as well. Depending on your needs you may very well be fine with covering basic expenses with income from websites but it’s not a future-proof career, even if you turn into a savvy PPC marketer who ends up making a significant chunk of money. The ups and downs associated with that sort of lifestyle are hard to handle – I know from experience.
All in all I think you’re doing the right thing by thinking about a career move. Staying in one place without moving upwards in my opinion is worse than taking the risk to find something you truly enjoy, where your efforts are appreciated and rewarded. I wish you the best of luck!
Yeah that was my thinking about the SEO industry too. My skills have already had to adapt so much. It is tough to say where things are going in the next several years. It could be that designers and copywriters eventually become more knowledgeable about SEO and take over those duties. It likely won’t always be possible to artificially improve rankings.
And I know all about the instability of an online business. So that’s probably not something I want to rely on long term unless it can really take off.
You are doing a great job with your blog. Look for other Niches and follow them through. You have the independence that so many other people want so bad, yet are so afraid to make the jump to! Whatever your decision, my advice is to not trap yourself and break any bridges.
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I would just stick with blogging and expand, but I’ve learned the tough way that I can’t rely on unstable traffic from search engines. So I don’t want my mortgage payments relying on something like that. You’re right that my current career does provide a lot of independence, but who knows for how long. I know at any time search engines can take a lot of that away.
Great post! I can relate as I recently went through a similar career change. Making the decision is the difficult part, as has been pointed out. I really think you have to look at what is going to make you the happiest and make the most sense financially. It does look like that is the approach you’re taking. I agree with previous comments that you seem as if you could give your own business a go. It is difficult, to say the least, but very rewarding when you see successes.
I know it would be the smart move financially to switch careers while I’m still relatively young, but a lot depends on what happens with my business in the next year. If it picks up enough I might put the school idea on the backburner or even just do studies part time. I could be pretty happy working for myself, but not so much if I have to keep jumping from job to job.
Making my career change was one of the biggest decisions I’ve made in my life. Not only did I leave what you’re looking to find, I moved onto what you’re looking to leave.
I hated my salary job, the way the managers handled people and what they expected from you. It’s not that I’m lazy, but I just think there is a serious deficiency in quality management around the country.
As of this moment I know I made the right decision. I really based my decision on finding something that I loved to do, but I neglected other parts such as the security of a hourly or salary position and the company benefits (as I have none).
Your industry does sound extremely competitive and I can see how employers can’t grasp how to value what you bring to the table. Saying that, it sounds like changing would be a wise decision (I just wouldn’t base it around your love life).
I think certain careers are more feasible to turn into a stable home business. When you offer a service such as financial planning, you can always find ways to get new business. Basing a business around advertising and affiliate income is a lot riskier. There wouldn’t be the profit margins to resort to paid traffic if necessary.
My love life probably won’t play a huge role in the decision, but that might change if I find the right woman. Maybe that would convince me to pursue a career where I could stay living in Vancouver. Or maybe she would give me more flexibility to pursue a career where I would end up in a small town.
I don’t think everyone is entitled to do something that they love. Sometimes you have to stick it out at a job you may not like until something better comes around. If you’ve put in your time, and made some sacrifices it’s not a bad idea to try and change careers to something you’ll enjoy more. But for those of who are just starting, you can’t expect to have a six figure job all while working in your underpants.
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How did you know I was in my underpants?! :S lol
I have to disagree with your first line. I do think people are completely entitled to do something they love. If they love doing something enough they can find ways to work their life around that passion. They might just have to make sacrifices.
I have put in my time in this industry, but regardless if I enjoy it or not, I can’t ignore the writing on the wall. If I ride it out until the industry dies off, then I’ll suddenly be scrambling to find something new. While I have this side income, I might as well use it to my advantage and pursue my passions.
I’ve never undergone a career change so it’s easy for me to say yeah go for it. It does seem like you’re in a good situation for it though. No wife, no kids, no house, financially responsible, part-time income. A little financial cushion and it seems like you’re ready. Although, this could just be me trying to live vicariously through you. Every time I read Popular Mechanics I want to make the switch from software developer to engineer.
Yep it probably seems easier to make the jump looking from the outside. I think I am in a decent position to make the move. I also know that I might regret it if I don’t make the move while I can. The longer I wait, the less time I will have to develop a successful career in my new field. Maybe you really need to make a career move too if you keep thinking that way when you read Popular Mechanics. IT industries do tend to be tough to stick with long term.
I think maybe a career switch is a good idea as it seems like that’s what your gut is telling you? But maybe you are meant to be a freelancer? All I know is I got an arts degree, now work in sales, and eventually want to move into marketing. I think everyone eventually switches careers at some point in their lives.
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According to the stats I was reading it is a pretty common thing to do. Some moves are easier transitions though. In my case I’d have to go back to school and basically start fresh. So it would definitely be more difficult than my jump from programmer to marketer. Sales and marketing go hand in hand to. I’m sure you’ll do well when you make that move.
I’ve got a mate who works in IT who feels the same way as you, but then I also have a friend who works as an accountant who feels the same. I think you have to be very lucky these days to find a job that ticks all the boxes.
I’ve come to the conclusion that if you want job security you have to be willing to accept the negatives. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t try something new but you will probably feel the same way about your new career in a few years time. I have to say you have a talent for writing though!
I prefer to work for myself, it doesn’t bring security but it does allow me to excerise my need to build or create something from nothing. I’m not sure my wife enjoys it as much though, I think she’d prefer the security of a steady income!
Great post Jeremy!
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I would think certain industries such as IT and accounting would lead to more career burnout. It is just too much of the exact same kind of work over and over. If I do switch careers I intend to do plenty of research to find something that has a fair amount of variety and is challenging enough to keep me interested long term. I think I’d have a bit more flexibility to pursue an actual passion rather than just chasing dollars. As long as my side business is making decent money, that is salary I can live without from my daytime job.
Thanks for the compliment about my writing, but I don’t really think it’s good enough to pursue a full time home business from it. I’m hoping it does improve over the next year though. I’d love to be able to do this full time. The money would just have to be pretty good to balance the lack of stability.
I think blogging/websites are a great side job, but it sounds like they’re much too volatile to sustain a large expenditure, like a mortgage. That being said, definitely keep your online business afloat as you switch careers. The biggest part is to have a substantial savings (at least a year or so) and a steady side income as you venture into a new position.
Setting yourself up with a lot of up-front capital acts as a buffer as you go to school and eventually settle into your new career. If you’re lucky enough to not need that buffer, then you have a huge pile of cash to do with what you wish. Which is a great problem to have
I know this because I’m planning my eventual transitions at some point in the next 5 years (hopefully sooner!)
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Online businesses in general are fairly volatile, but the bigger it grows, the more stable it becomes. With a blog, the trick is to build up a large regular following. The less reliant you are on search engines, the less you have to worry about. That being said, you do have to take advantage of search engine traffic to grow a blog.
I will be sure to have plenty of money in savings (well technically in investments) and will have steady side income. So that should make any transition substantially easier. It sucks trying to land a job when your bills are dependent on landing that job. When you have other income coming in, it becomes so much easier since you can afford to wait on the next job offer if necessary.
Good luck with your eventual transition Jake.
You seem to be doing a fine job establishing a following
I think as long as you go with your gut, do your research, and align your true priorities, then you’ll make the right decision. And if you really think about those priorities, you may be surprised. (In my own life, I always wanted to write and thought that was all that mattered to me. But over time I realized I need to have stability more so I’ve opted to build up my career outside of my writing and pursue the writing in my free time. That way I can work on my writing on nights and weekends, but still have a job that keeps my finances and future stable.)
I think I might be the same way. I’ve always thought I wanted to pursue my own business, but that uncertainty adds all kinds of extra stress and pressure. The slightest obstacle can create massive panic. Plus there are other disadvantages of working from home such as the lack of direct social connections. The nature of blogging does seem to make up for a lot of that though.
I’m in the midst of a career change now. It wasn’t an easy decision – in fact, it was one of the hardest I’ve ever made. It kept me up for many nights. Eventually, though, I just knew it was the right thing to do and I haven’t looked back since. The more you can take from one career to the next, the easier it is. For me, for example, I’m still able to draw on everything I’ve learned, I’ll just be teaching others how to do it instead of doing it myself.
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I’ll have to think more about how much I can take to a new career. The thing is I think I want to get out of IT completely and I don’t think I’d get into marketing either. So the transferable skills would be more general stuff. I am very close to deciding it’s the right decision to make the move, but my passion for blogging adds a bit of doubt.
As you know, I did the whole career change thing and I think it is finally working out. It was a huge risk but one that is worth taking if you find something that could turn into a great career. In terms of the love life, mine took a hit because of my decision to transition into a new career (bf was initially unhappy about it so things were rocky for awhile) – for that reason I think it would be ideal for you to take these important steps while you’re single…makes it a lot less stressful when someone else isn’t involved in the decision!
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Glad to hear that your transition it going well LF. I think mine would be a little less risky since I would have my side business still going. So if it didn’t work out I could always fall back upon that.
As for love life, that’s true that it might be easier to make the decision on my own, but it’s also good to have someone you respect a lot to bounce the ideas off of. Luckily I have all of you for that part
I did go on a date last night that went quite well. So it might be too late to make the move on my own.
Career changes can be really scary, but they can also turn out to be the decision some people make. As for the love life part, you could always find somebody where you want to live or close nearby instead of trying to find somebody now and then hoping they’ll be up for a move.
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Yep it is a bit intimidating. I could try to find someone wherever I end up after changing careers, but in a small town options would be extremely limited. I think I’d rather find someone here instead.
I have gone through a minor career switch – still with the same company, but moderately different role. The first year has been really tough – it’s hard to go from something you’re fairly good at to something you know nothing about. That’s definitely something to keep in mind if you want to make a switch.
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It would be nice to be able to make the move within the same company. That way you are not suddenly going back to school and starting fresh. Worst case scenario they might decide you are a better fit for your old role.
I’ve made a pretty big job change before, but not necessarily a career change. My change was within the industry. It didn’t go over too well, as I’ve written about before.
I’ll be the first to say that changing careers sounds really scary. But you’re at a good point to be considering something like this. Namely, you’re not married and don’t have children, so you can afford to take that risk.
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I recall your job change story. It was a bit rough but ended out alright.
For sure, not having kids and not being married does make such a move easier for me. Nothing is really holding me back from pursuing my passions. Well unless you count the fear and uncertainty of it all.
I say go for it. You wont be happy otherwise and that is too high of a price to pay if you ask me. You should follow your gut and passion and do what you want to do. It is the only way you will be able to look back on your life and smile.
I can appreciate it is a tough decision as I have been there but I find the toughest decisions are often the right ones too.
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Thanks Miss T. Being ultimately happy is the most important part of it. The long term potential of my current career is one thing, but the things like not being challenged or appreciated can’t be overlooked. I think it’s probably the right decision and this point in my life probably is the right time.
This is a touchy subject for me since I’ve had such difficulty with my career and getting a job. It’s tough for me to recommend that anyone leave a job for something other than another job. I also hate “follow your heart” advice.
That said, engineering is a soft spot for me since I have so many friends who are engineers. I only have one friend who is an online marketer!
A question, though. Why would you have to move to a small, industry-focused town? That kind of field you can go anywhere in the world. My friend mentioned above is currently working in Australia after doing a year in Vietnam. Plus, there are going to be more jobs in a city than in a smaller town.
If you want, I can get you in contact with a friend of mine who is a civil engineer so you can get a better feel for what you need to do to get from here to there.
Yeah that sucks that you haven’t been able to find any engineering related work. That’s why I’d make a point of going into a field with plenty of job openings.
Moving to a small town would really only be for certain fields I had been considering such as geology. Even that I could stay in a city. I guess my other reasoning for thinking of moving to a small town was to get a cheap house and have a better environment to raise kids.
I do have some college & high school friends that were in civil & structural. So I can probably send them a message to ask some questions. Thanks for the offer though.
My problem hasn’t been lack of jobs so much as lack of qualification. I keep trying, but mentally, I’m figuring out how to afford grad school so I can get the skills and knowledge I need to start my career.
That’s too bad. I guess I will need to take a deep look at what kind of qualification will be needed for jobs I might be interested in. Ideally you could get in on a company at a lower end position where they could help cover school expenses to upgrade. I’m sure that kind of situation is tough to find though.
Hi Jeremy.. I haven’t been through a career change, but like most working people.. have a dream of one day owning my own business.. With the kids and mortgage, taking too much of a risk is probably not in the cards any time soon, but ya never know.
As for you, sir, you don’t have any mouths to feed other than your own… So the choice to be daring and take a chance isn’t as revolutionary. If you aren’t happy, I don’t see any reason not to go ahead and change courses..
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One problem is that I really want to take on a mortgage soon, but this would force me to wait a few years. Then again maybe side income would improve enough that I could still take that on while doing school part time. It probably is time to be daring and take a chance. The potential benefits could be well worth the risk.
Its always nerve wracking when you make the decision to pivot and go in a different direction, but sometimes its the best thing to do.
Can’t wait to here about your choice/adventures.
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It is a bit nerve racking to think about, but it is even more nerve racking to think that my current career path might eventually hit a brick wall. It has already shown signs of being quite difficult to really do well in this industry unless I am my own boss.
It is always a hard decision to make, but sometimes it IS the best one and for the BEST reasons!!! When I decided to leave the position I was at years ago to follow my passion it was the best thing I could have done!
Just yesterday I just wrote an article on 5 Financial Moves To Make When You Change Jobs
Best of luck!!!
Well it seems that pretty much everyone is telling to go for it which isn’t much of a surprise. If I could find a career path that is truly satisfying it will be the best decision I’ve made. I guess I need to start researching those potential new careers
Sounds like the IT industry is a lot of work. I’ve only been in one career so don’t have too much experience on this subject. My ex-manager is in his 40s and he recently left the computer graphics industry to go into gold and jewelry crafting. I think as long as you do what you love, the money will follow. Engineering would be a great fit for you because you’re focused and good at paying attention to details, like reading all the comments here. The prospect of some sort of pension sounds awesome, especially a defined benefit program.
Wow going from computer graphics to jewelry is a huge change, but I’m sure it really made him happy in the end. I do think engineering would be a good fit, but there are so many engineering fields. So I’d really have to look into it more and see what is involved with each field and where the jobs are.
Well I’ve always been a proponent of running TO something instead of running FROM something. So while you may see some flaws in your current career path, I would recommend very well defined and thought-out plan for the next career before you make the move (and why that particular career will fulfill your goals (and you emotionally)).
One thing that jumped out at me was the notation that there’s a perception that “traffic and sales should constantly be improved while you are fighting an uphill battle against competitors.” If this is a major point of stress in your current career, it might make sense (or alleviate the issue entirely) to put together a plan and measurable, but realistic sets of data for you and your employer to know that your contributions are generating a sufficient return. For example, in the traffic and sales growth category, maybe separate online sales from in-person sales to show that your efforts help make the entire pie bigger and not just online sales. Maybe measure the number of positive reviews on Yelp or Angie’s list or whatever to show that you’re helping increase the VALUE of the business by increasing the good will in the marketplace. Maybe measure the number of negative search results on the first three pages in google, bing and yahoo to show that you’re helping avoid negative perception, etc. Basically, identify the concerns that you’re helping alleviate and put measurable data outside of simple traffic and sales. Maybe then you could ease both your stress and your employer’s perceptions. Your employer may just be a little ignorant to the total value of your services and how broad of an effect on his wallet “internet marketing” can have.
My two cents. Keep the change.
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Thanks for the advice Nick. There are things I can do to help convince my bosses over the years, but many of them just look at my salary and the increase in sales each month/year. With internet marketing there is decent growth in the first year and then it switches into maintaining that level and making minor improvement. They tend to not understand that if work is stopped that will gradually drop off, but I guess that drop off is tough for them to really appreciate and put into their calculations.
My current boss does seem to be smarter about it. He seems to understand the importance of investing in quality help to build up long term growth. I’m just not sure how long term the job is since a lot will depend on his business plan.
I think it is just as important to always be looking, because some employers want you to forget how beneficial you are to the business.
I have a friend that put her resume out there just to judge the interest and a company offered her an opportunity she could not refuse.
I think that applies more to switching jobs than switching an entire career. It is a good idea to keep an eye out for new jobs when you are not completely happy at your job. You never know when something better might come along.
I think that once you’ve decided for sure that you want to switch careers, it makes sense to get started sooner rather than later. If it’s not related to something you’ve been doing, then you’re not going to start very high within any company. I think it’s best to “restart” sooner so that you can start the progression up earlier. However, at the same time, you don’t want to rush into the decision and then be looking for a new career in three years.
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Yup that’s why if I’m going to make the move I want to start by next year. I know I’m not getting any younger. It would be weird to be starting from the bottom in a company again, but I’d welcome the challenge.
I can write a really long comment about this but I’l keep it short for now, as a person who is incapable of not listening to what the heart says… I say go with the heart. Sometimes stuff on paper looks great but it isn’t what will make you happy.
I’m sure you could Andrea…like your recent e-mail lol. Maybe you’ll have to expand upon this in your next e-mail. I’m trying to listen to my heart on this but my mind and bank account are playing a pretty big role in it too. I guess I need to research these other career paths to figure out if it is what would make me happy.