Career, Business & Money

Mid-Career Crisis? Here’s What To Think About Before Jumping Ship

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A mid-career crisis can hit out of nowhere. You’re happy enough in your job and then all of a sudden, you’re hit with this malaise about work. You’re feeling off, you hate having to come in, and you’re not sure what you’re really doing with your life. All in all, you feel burnt out, used up, and like you’re desperate for a change. 

But before you make this change, it’s worth it to think over a few things. Because while career changes can be very good for you, you don’t want to jump ship without knowing there’s a raft to catch you down below. 

What Kind of Change Are You Looking For?

Now you’re feeling sick of the career you’ve dedicated your professional life to, the one answer you need to come up with is why. What’s gone wrong? And what would need to change to fix it?

Perhaps there’s been a change in your work’s policy that you don’t agree with. It happens, and it’s incredibly frustrating. Make sure the difference is significant enough that the job you’re doing is no longer the one you used to love. 

Maybe you’re just bored, and need something else to do? Whether this is for a bit or permanently is crucial though, so you don’t want to quit your job on a whim until you’ve worked this out. 

What’s Your Financial Safety Net Like?

Your current financial standing is going to have a lot to say about your mid-career crisis decisions. The better financial position you’re in, the easier it’ll be to find something else. So, what’s your savings account looking like? Do you have any income protection, or even a life insurance policy to tide you over? 

If you get pension or savings contributions through your job, what will happen to this money if you leave? Find out the specifics of this before you hand in your notice, as you don’t want to see significant losses because of a certain contract clause or two. 

Of course, if you are genuinely unhappy in your career, you shouldn’t let a potential dip in income or a temporary dip into your savings stop you from making the change you need. 

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Your New Career is Likely to Be a Lot Different

And while that’s what you’re looking for, not all of these changes are going to be pleasant ones. The job you’re walking away from has known you for at least 10 years, and you’ve gained a lot of experience and seniority within this well-paying role. You’ll have to work to gain all that back at your new job, and that could be a challenge you’re not quite ready for. 

It takes time to establish yourself, even when you’ve got a resume that proves your amazing track record. Is this kind of effort on the cards for you right now? 

Looking for a professional change? A mid-career crisis is hard to get through, but don’t let it cloud your judgement, making a positive but well-thought out change could set you on a path to a whole new career.

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