Key questions to ask yourself	Yes	No
Do you know why you want to change?	Y	N
Are your reasons more positive (you have an ambition) than negative (you're running away)?	Y	N
Have you explored your options to a complete career change? Eg flexible working or taking a different job in the same company?	Y	N
Do you know what your skills are?	Y	N
Are your skills a good match for the career you'd like to have?	Y	N
Have you researched the job or career you'd like to have?	Y	N
Have you already started to put feelers out, via networking, for example, to suss out your chances of a successful move?	Y	N
Is the job market in your chosen sector buoyant?	Y	N
On the financial side, are you prepared for a drop in salary if that's what it takes?	Y	N
Do you have enough money to cover your costs for approximately six months - just in case your career change takes longer than you think?	Y	N
If your career change involves re-training, do you have the time and money for it?	Y	N
Have you thought through how the career change will affect your personal life? And is your partner or your family on board?	Y	N

Results

If you've circled Y more than N, it's clear that you've given your move a great deal of thought. Just ask yourself now if the move feels right.

If you've circled N more than Y, it doesn't mean you are acting on a whim - you just need to give more thought to your motives and resources.

Which change?

Not all career change decisions need to be of the radical 'I changed my life' variety featured in the downshifting articles you read in the papers.

If you feel driven to change because of your...	Then why not try...
Boss or colleagues	Same job, different company or team
Company's culture or values	Same job, different company
Salary	The next job up, or a different company
Lack of challenge in your current job	A different job, or the next job up
Long hours	Same job, flexible working
Personal life	Same job, flexible working
Unfulfilled ambition	A career change

Whatever you do, don't:

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