It is critical to thoroughly examine the expectations and ramifications of a career change. Whether you are an entry level sales professional or have been representing products and services for decades, a career change can result in complete life transformations. It is vital to enjoy your career and the company you work for, but before you give you boss notice take some time for careful thought and planning. Preparation will ensure a career change that is the right decision at the right time. Below are some areas to address, prepare for and consider before putting your plan into motion.

Have you thought about why you want to change careers? Is the change for status, location, money, or possibly boredom? Money is always an issue and in some cases must be the deciding factor; however, job satisfaction usually suffers if decisions are strictly monetary. Examine your current position to see if there are alternatives that might change your mind or improve the situation. If that is not an option research the career you are considering, such as job expectations, stress levels, hours you’ll spend on the job and the amount of expected travel to make sure your expectations are accurate.

Are you sure the new career you are envisioning is right for you? Have you looked into what skills you will be using and what will be expected of you in terms of activities and responsibilities? Consider the atmosphere and work environment as well as what the job entails. Is this how you want to spend one third of your life?

A great tool to help identify your behavioral preferences is a behavioral assessment analysis such as the DISC Behavioral Profiling Assessment. Proven accurate more than 80-85% of the time, the DISC Assessment is very effective in discovering strengths and weaknesses in your preferred behavioral style. The results of behavioral assessment can be utilized to understand what types of work patterns, skills, and environments you prefer and are a great tool for learning how to communicate more effectively and for improving professional relationships.

Just as importantly you need to consider how your new job will affect your family and personal life? Check to see what the average work week will consist of; will there be longer hours or more travel? Your family will feel a career change too. What will you or your family be giving up and what will you be gaining from the change? Is it worth it? A balance in professional and personal life will help keep both areas of your life healthy and enjoyable.

Are there growth and promotional opportunities available in the new position you are seeking? Is there potential to make more money? Changing careers often places you at a lower seniority status. You may start with a decrease in income from what you are accustomed and if there are layoffs or cuts made you may be the first to go. If this is going to be the case, make sure you have a sufficient nest egg set aside to handle unexpected changes.

What does the career change say to future employers about your commitment capabilities? Is this your first career change or is this something you have done before? Review your professional history and prepare positive interview responses regarding changes in past professions or positions. If you have made similar changes in the past it may appear to an employer as a lack of dedication or focus on your part. Employers spend a great deal of time and resources hiring new employees and they expect their employees to be willing and able to a make long term commitment. If this is your first career change, prepare to show your career progression and always offer a positive spin on your past decisions during interviews. Even if they were wrong you can still show what you learned and accomplishments you achieved along the way.

Changing careers can be very rewarding financially and personally. It is important to take time to think about the reasons for wanting a change and the affect a career change will have on you and those around you. If a change is the right decision it will be easy to answer these questions and the answers will leave you excited to make the change. If you are unsure hopefully these questions will provide insight and help you in making an informed decision.