Is it time for a career change?
Top things to consider and prepare

Is it time for a career change? Things to consider and prepare

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way we work. Times have changed and the conditions for finding jobs and even its availability may have changed. Rest assured that we at Xcruit are dedicated to connecting employees and employers, and supporting the Filipino workforce in every way that we can.

Have you been mulling over leaving your job now to change careers? If you’ve been itching to resign and feel that you’re not where you’re supposed to be, it’s ok. You can do something about it. This might be a sign that you need to switch careers.

We understand that there’s a right time for everything. If you’ve been thinking about leaving your current job, here are things to consider and prepare.

People leave their current jobs to switch careers for various reasons:

1. Burnout (also: How the company treats them)

People will thrive where they are valued. When one feels that the company they’re working for doesn't treat them with respect, they look for better places to work. Are you overworked to the point that it has become a medical concern? Do you feel that you are just a cog in the machine? Then it’s time to work at a company where you can excel and bring out your best skills.

2. Compensation and benefits

We have different needs at different stages in our lives. There’s inflation to consider, too. Getting better compensation is a valid reason to change careers. There are also employee benefits to consider, such as better medical and life insurance benefits, gas and transportation allowance, paid time off/leave credits, and even performance bonuses (read: there are companies who give up to 16th month pay, plus coop dividend earnings). Sometimes, even the retirement plan and HMO coverage for dependents play a factor.

3. Company culture

Working for a great company is motivating. Employees who agree with the company culture are more likely to enjoy their time at work and be productive. Does the company encourage their employees’ career growth? Are they an ethical brand? Do they give importance to family life? How’s the work-life balance? If an individual cannot identify with the company’s culture, then burnout is more likely, causing disengaged people to leave. There is no right or wrong answer. It’s a matter of identifying culture fit.

4. Change in career path

While it’s ideal to know what you want to do for the rest of your life early on, it’s more likely we recognize our passions as we grow. I know a Masscom graduate who, after a year of working, went back to school to take up medicine (she is now a doctor). I also know a person who took up pre-med in college but ended up taking law (she passed the bar exams recently). It’s alright to change career paths. It’s essential to be your true self, even at work. This way, you can contribute a positive impact while doing what makes you happy.

5. Office location and working hours

Not exactly career-related but also important and true. The idea of saving time in the commute is very tempting. People might want to enjoy the convenience of working closer to home.

As for the working hours, if you’ve been on the night shift for so long and you miss proper sleep, find work where you can be on the day shift. Not exactly an early bird? Look for work where you can be on a midday shift.

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic still looms and you want to take extra precautionary measures, you can also look for work-from-home jobs.

What you need to prepare before switching careers:

1. Updated CV

Prepare your CV as soon as you’re decided that it’s time to move on. Highlight and customize your skills, certifications, and professional background for the role you want to take on. Add your latest achievements and update your employment history.

2. The right skills

If you are changing your career path 180 degrees, make sure you have the right skills for the new job that you want. Prepare for your new role by taking certification trainings or a second course if needed.

3. Six-month contingency fund

The rule of thumb is to have at least six months’ worth of salary saved up. Your emergency fund will cover your living expenses while you are still transitioning to your new work. If you have saved up more, then better!

4. Priorities in life

Where do you really see yourself in your career? What would you call your non-negotiables? Rethink your priorities and create a clear path on how you want to achieve it. If you are changing jobs to get more of what matters the most to you, remember this when you are looking for new work.

5. Well-being

Your overall health and safety—including mental health—matters.

When you feel that you are ready to switch careers, Xcruit is here for you. Use our advanced job filters to look for a job that will fit you best. We have thousands of jobs available to meet your needs, such as work-from-home jobs and jobs for frontliners. Simply log in to your Xcruit account, update your profile and start applying.

Need more interview tips? Explore our careers blog for more helpful job advice.