Finally hit the breaking point in your career? 5 years of experience, a flat lined salary, and a mundane work culture could be a sure fire recipe to realize that you may have picked the wrong career. But now what? With $30,000+ dollars in looming student debt hanging over shoulders, can you really change things up this late in the game? YES! If you’re unhappy in your current gig, there are plenty of ways to switch up your 9 to 5 for a happier life… even if you still have student debt. Here’s how.
#1: Consolidate Student Loans.
Making a big career move could lead to a short period of financial uncertainty. With that said, it might be a good idea to consolidate your student loans. If you need help navigating through your options, companies like Docupop can help you find the best student loan repayment plan to fit your unique budget. Here’s a great example. If you qualify for an income-driven plan (IDR), the amount you’re expected to pay each month will depend on your income, family size, and a few other personal factors which could lead to a much lower payment. That extra cash could really come in handy while you’re on the job hunt.
#2: Set goals.
Next, it’s time to think about your career goals. What do you want to do? Is there another department at your current office where your personal goals are more likely to be met? If an uninteresting task or the lack of a good challenge are bringing you down – perhaps a quick talk with your manager could solve your issue. Instead of totally jumping ship, see if there’a good opportunity to switch departments internally. Your dream job could be just a few doors away if you knock! If it’s the company or industry as a whole that you’re not satisfied with, you may have to make a more drastic move. Start by looking at the things you enjoy. Think about the skills you’ve acquired that could translate into that field. Finally, you need to ask yourself how much money you need to make in order to support the lifestyle you want. If your interests don’t add up to income you need right away, try a freelance gig on the side. You can search and work towards the career you want while earning the extra cash you need working remotely.
#3: Learn something new.
If you’re diving into a totally new industry, you might have to school up a bit. Many colleges offer extension programs where you can learn specific job-related skills at an accelerated rate. The best part? Many offer night and weekend classes so you can still work full-time at your current job while gearing up for what’s next. Not thrilled about acquiring more student debt? Haha join the club! Pending the field you’re going into, there are tons of online programs, certificates, and tutorials that can quickly bring you up to speed on your new craft for FREE!
Cary says
Doing what you love is the only reason to be happy in the workplace. Aside from what motivates you to do a job. I love all your advice here. Work/life balance. Life is more important than work, that is the main reason why we work. Don’t risk your health. Find a job where you are good at and be productive.