We’ve all had those days at work. The days where you hate everything about your job—from your incompetent coworkers to your overly demanding boss. On particularly rough days, you may even spend the entire workday fantasizing about rage quitting in front of everyone.
Then, the clock strikes five o’clock. The moment of rage passes and you’re back to looking on the bright side of things once more.
But what if those feelings don’t pass? What if you continue to wake up, day after day, filled with dread at the thought of going to your soul-crushing job?
In that case, making a job change or even a career change could be worth the risk. Plenty of successful guys have done it before, so why can’t you? To make your job change smoother sailing, here are a few tips to keep in mind before you jump ship.
Tip #1: Identify Your Reasons for Leaving
Do you want to leave your job because it’s not fulfilling? Or is it because your boss is an uncaring narcissist who has the emotional range of a teaspoon? One is a good reason for a complete career change, while the other may call for a change of environment.
Career changes and job changes aren’t the same thing. If you used to enjoy your accounting job until your incompetent boss came around, that’s a good indication that you aren’t ready for a major career overhaul just yet.
Tip #2: Start Building Up an Emergency Fund
One of the scariest things about changing jobs in the middle of your career is the potential financial fallout. At this point in your life, you may have a mortgage to pay and a family to support. They’re counting on you to bring home some—if not all—of the bacon.
Start by building up an emergency fund. Ideally, it should cover you for at least six months of expenses—preferably more. Taking the leap of faith is a lot less stressful when you aren’t worried about putting food on the tabled during your job transition.
Tip #3: Network, Network, Network
Let’s get one thing straight: Networking is something that you should be doing well in advance of changing jobs. In case you weren’t networking like a fiend, now is a good time to start attending more events and schmoozing with new people.
If you have a decent network already, don’t forget to nurture your existing connections. According to a 2017 study published in the journal Management Science, stronger professional connections are far more likely to result in job interviews and offers.
Set regular reminders to keep in touch with your connections. Don’t let it fall to the bottom of your to-do list.
Tip #4: Do Your Research
Nothing is worse than hopping from one terrible job to another. To avoid making a bad career decision, be sure to do your research before you start handing out resumes like they’re candy.
Do a little digging into the company to find out what their goals and vision look like. Do these goals align with your own? You’re more likely to feel fulfilled and happy in a job if you’re working towards the same end goal.
Also, don’t forget to assess the company’s culture. Comb through Glassdoor reviews to find out what current and previous employees have to say about the company and their jobs. You’ll glean more from these reviews than you would by just looking at their website, which is usually nothing more than their highlight reel.
Tip #5: Don’t Rule Out Women-Dominated Fields
Thinking about changing careers completely? Do yourself a favor and don’t rule out fields that have been historically dominated by women. We promise that no one is going to take away your Man Card for considering a job as a nurse or a veterinarian’s assistant.
On the contrary, research shows that you could stand to benefit by switching to a women-dominated field. In a 2020 study published in the journal Social Science Research, researchers found that unemployed men who transitioned into female-dominated fields were more likely to report higher wage increases and feel a greater sense of prestige at their new job.
Tip #6: Put Your Best Face Forward
When it comes to job interviews, you may find yourself competing with younger guys. And unfortunately, they may have the upper hand, thanks to their youthful appearance.
In a 2011 study published in the journal Applied Economics Letters, researchers found that a fictitious younger applicant in his 30s was three times more likely to be hired compared to an older applicant in his 40s. Countless other studies have shown similar findings.
If you want to remain competitive in your field, it’s time to get serious about your health. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting on a simple skin care routine can do wonders for your appearance—and your job prospects.
Tip #7: Work on Expanding Your Skillset
Bill Gates. Warren Buffet. Richard Branson. The most successful men in this world all have one thing in common: They never stop learning.
A learning mindset is especially valuable for guys who are on the hunt for a new job. Not only will this way of thinking help you expand your skillset (and thus, make you more marketable), it’s also something that prospective employers want to see in their employees.
To expand your skills, consider taking a class or setting aside time each day to read articles in your industry. Keeping your skillset fresh will maximize your chances of securing a job you love and that pays well.
Tip #8: Be Prepared for the Ups and the Downs
Changing jobs is a lot like taking a new medication—things might get worse before they get better. Starting a new job can feel overwhelming and you’ll probably question whether you made the right decision several times a day.
Trust your gut. Leaving familiar territory for something new and unknown will always be scary. You’ll no doubt have an adjustment period where you’re trying to figure out how things work in your new job. Take a deep breath, try to relax and go easy on yourself.
Final Thoughts
Change is always difficult, especially when it comes to changing jobs. It’s your livelihood, maybe even your identity. But you know what’s scarier than leaving your old job? The thought of staying stagnant in your career.
Life is too short to work at a company that makes you completely miserable. If you’re ready to make more money and do something that lights your fire, take our advice above and make a strategic career move. It may just be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made in your career.
