We have passed the winter solstice, the days are getting longer and winter is passing. In the same way the longest recession for almost 30 years is passing and things are getting brighter. Our economic outlook is also going to improve and many people are now looking to change jobs. This is particularly true right now, as we tend to take stock as one year ends and a new one unfolds.
Many people at this time of year have made resolutions deciding they want to change and possibly what they would like to do, only to be put off from pursuing the job of their dreams by the cost of making the change, and so break their resolution.
This cost of change might be financial, in terms of having to take a drop in salary, the cost of training or studying, or the mental cost of uncertainty.
Is it worth it?
It is certainly an important consideration. Very rarely is it possible to completely change what you do without a cost. This needs to be balanced against the gains. Is the view at the top of the mountain worth the effort of the climb?
Take in the view first.
In practical terms if you find yourself wavering it is important to focus on what you want out of life long term and the benefits this will bring, emotionally as well as financially. You will need to think long term. What do you want your working day to be like in five years time? Who do you want to work with? What do you want to be doing and why? Make this as vivid and real as possible.
Now think about the cost.
* Will you need to invest in training or education? If so how much and for how long?
* What money will you earn in the first couple of years after making the change? Be realistic and make sure you have evidence. Speak to people who know.
Then work out a budget of what you can survive on now. Add in what are desirables and then add in what are luxury items so you are sure you have defined survival level properly.
Ask yourself if you would be prepared to live at survival level for a certain amount of time in order to change to doing something you love. Make sure you discuss this sacrifice with those who will be affected with you. And get their understanding and support.
If the answer is that you are not ready to make the sacrifice then accept this and seek alternatives.
Plan long term.
I had a client recently for whom a key part of the process was accepting that in order to move towards her dream job she would need to get her finances in order first. This involved making decisions on moving to a flat at cheaper rent, arranging a debt repayment plan and curtailing desirables, such as going to the pub. All this needed to be tackled first so that she was in a position to financially take a step down to change jobs. This required long term thinking as short of winning the lottery there was no quick fix solution.
Until this key realization happened there was a pattern of thinking “I’d love to do this but can’t afford to quit” which caused her to be stuck and taking no action at all.
Are you serious?
If you are serious about change then be serious in working out what you really need and want and what you are prepared to forgo. Remember you only have one life and the biggest regrets we have are the things that we didn’t do, not what we do.
The happiness felt from going up the mountain may well be worth the effort of the climb.
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