Though the unprecedented job-change frenzy of the Great Resignation has subsided, plenty of professionals are still considering the possibility of shifting careers. Indeed, as of last summer, a full 58% were contemplating a change. Of course, any professional planning a career move needs to look at how to uplevel their skills and build a new network in their desired field. But as I discuss in my book Reinventing You, here are four critical, less-obvious questions to ask yourself before you transition into a new field.
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Changing Careers
Determine whether you truly want to move into a new field, or just escape your current situation.
February 23, 2024
Summary.
Changing careers can be an exhilarating way to keep yourself intellectually engaged, but it inevitably entails some risk. In this article, the author outlines four questions to ask yourself before you transition into a new field: 1) What’s motivating the change? 2) What’s the smallest way to test your hypotheses? 3) What’s your runway? 4) What’s your fallback plan?
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New!
HBR Learning
Career Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Career Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What's your next career move? Learn how to set yourself up for success.