For many people, their careers carry more meaning than a paycheck, it can also mean a sent of identity which some are reluctant to change (Henton et al., 1983). However, there are many reasons by someone who is in the middle of their life may want to consider a career change. In today’s society, I believe that it has become rare that people will remain in the same career for decades (Barclay et al., 2011) for many reasons including:

• An increase in temporary or precarious work

• Layoffs.

• Not feeling the same type of job satisfaction or sense of purpose as you once did.

• Earning a higher income as the cost of living continues to rise.

Some of the signs that signal you may be ready for a career change include becoming disinterested in your current role or putting minimal effort into your work (Barclay et al., 2011). If you are considering a career change, counselling can help you gain clarity and confidence regarding making the choice to change careers and navigating the path to get there. Moreover, counselling can help you to realize how you can leverage your strengths or the path to pursuing the skills needed to make a career move. Furthermore, counselling can also help with the fear of risk that may be present as changing a career can be especially challenging if there could a loss of income associated with it or a change in family dynamics and responsibilities in order to adjust to a significant change (Henton et al., 1983).

In addition to helping with the emotional changes a career change can bring; counselling can also assist with the practical aspects of planning to achieve this goal. For example, if you require further education or training, counselling can help you set goals to complete the skills required to qualify for the change you seek. In addition, if networking and networking causes anxiety, a counsellor can help you navigate these feelings so that more opportunities can open up to you.

Therefore, if you would like support and guidance while considering making the move to another career, meeting with a counsellor first would be beneficial. A counsellor can support you during challenges in this process and offer you a new perspective. 

References

Barclay, S. R., Stoltz, K. B., & Chung, B. Y. (2011). Voluntary Midlife Career Change: Integrating the Transtheoretical Model and the Life-Span, Life-Space Approach. The Career Development Quarterly, 59(5), 386–399. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.2011.tb00966.x

Henton, J., Russell, R., & Koval, J. (1983). Spousal Perceptions of Midlife Career Change. The Personnel and Guidance Journal, 61(5), 287–291. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2164-4918.1983.tb00027.x