Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Major Career Change

A career change touches money, identity, time, and the people who depend on you. These questions won't make the decision for you, but they'll make sure you're deciding the right thing.

About the move itself

• Am I moving toward something, or only away from something?

• If the pay were the same, would I still want this?

• What would I need to learn, and am I willing to?

• What does a normal Tuesday look like in the new role?

About the risk

• How long could I manage if it took longer than planned?

• What's the smallest way to test this before committing?

• Who else is affected, and have I asked them what they need?

About regret

• In two years, which would I regret more: trying or not trying?

• Am I deciding on my own timeline or someone else's?

• What would I tell a friend in exactly my position?

Talking it through

Coworkers have their own stake, and family worries about the paycheck. An outside view from someone with nothing riding on your choice can help you hear your own answers. For legal questions about contracts, non-competes or a termination, talk to an employment attorney.

If you'd like to talk your decision through with someone who has no side to take, The Neutral Hour offers private sessions by phone or video: The Half Hour ($125, 30 minutes) and The Hour ($200, 60 minutes). Learn how it works at neutralhour.com/how-it-works.

When you're ready, you can see open times and book a session at https://www.neutralhour.com/.

This article is general information for personal reflection. It isn't therapy, counseling, or legal, medical or financial advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.