Ever wake up in the morning, absolutely dreading having to go to work? Every once in a while this feeling can strike, and for most people, it is but a momentary feeling. But what about those people that wake up, day after day, dreading going to work and then counting down the minutes once they’ve arrived. If this unfortunate feeling sounds familiar to you, then you’ve probably considered the option of changing careers. Since there’s a lot to keep in mind when deciding whether or not changing career paths is right for you – we’ve compiled a list of things to consider before you make the leap.

Determine what needs to change

If you’re unsure where to begin when trying to decide if it’s time to switch jobs, is to identify what it is exactly you don’t like about your current position. It is helpful to consider the bigger picture when doing so, as a stressful project at your current job will eventually conclude, but a brutal commute or unpleasant supervisor may persist into the future. Consider the following:

• Of the issues you have listed, can any of them be changed, even slightly? Small changes can lead to fresh outlooks on your current situation.
• Is your pay-cheque your only motivation to work? If so, it’s probably time to consider something new.
• If you’ve noticed that with a lack of motivation at work, comes a failure to perform your job well, it is probably a good time to consider looking elsewhere.

Do some research

So you’ve answered the above questions, and come to the conclusion that it is time to start searching for new career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in making a subtle shift to a new role at a different company, or completely changing over into a brand new line of work, there’s a few things to keep in mind.

• Will you be able to live decently on what your new career will pay? When transitioning from a job in finance to a more creative profession, odds are you will be taking a cut in pay.
• Have you got the skills that are in demand for this new position? If not, why not take a few classes, either online or in-person to ensure you know your stuff.

Make some connections

Once you’re feeling confident in your chances at a new position, it’s time to get out there and make a splash in your field of interest. While changing careers can be a daunting prospect, getting yourself out there and making connections is often where most people decide to turn back. But not you!

• Make sure your resume is top notch before submitting it! If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve written an article in the past detailing what to include, so be sure to give it a read!
• Have you got some connections in the profession you are considering switching to? If not, consider building your network by reaching out to others. This can be done over a cup of coffee, so be sure to get yourself out there!
• Experience is important, so if you’re starting out fresh, why not volunteer or intern for a bit to build up some workplace experience? Freelancing is another great option.

If you’re feeling ready to jump into a creative career, you’ve come to the right place! Now that you’re ready to take that next step, be sure to check out our job listings page for all of the top creative jobs in Canada!