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Call us on 0800 222 733Things to consider when making a career decision
How will a new job or a change in career affect your life outside work, and the people around you? You'll need to consider these aspects before you make any career decision, because they may affect what you'll be able to do.
- How will your career decision affect those closest to you?
Considering what type of life you want to live, and what commitments you already have, will have an impact on your career decisions.
Some of these things - such as financial commitments - will have to be met whatever you do. Other things, such as how much time you have to spend with family or doing activities you enjoy, may be flexible - but are you prepared to make sacrifices in these areas?
Having a good think about these things may help you narrow down your options, and reach a decision.
Financial commitments
What are your financial commitments? These might include:
- mortgage or rent
- cost of living – bills, food, petrol
- supporting a family
- loan repayments.
Also, think about your financial goals such as:
- owning a business
- buying a house
- saving for travel
- paying off any debts.
Will your career decision have a positive or negative impact on your financial commitments and goals? Is this in the short or long-term? How could you get financial support to help you?
Family/whānau and friends
Family/whānau and friends can be an important source of support when making career decisions. This group may be able to help you identify your skills and talents, and their support can help you reach your career goals.
Career decisions can also impact on them. For example, taking on study may limit the amount of time you can spend with your whānau in the evenings and weekends and leave you feeling tired. Changing to part-time hours could help you spend more time with your family, but would reduce your income. Think through what impact your decision may have on those around you.
"When I was studying for my Masters, if it got too noisy at home my husband would ask, ‘Is four hours enough for you?’ and then the family would take off somewhere. And they all helped with the domestic duties. One of my boys even gave up his room for six months so I could have a place to study."
Manutai Leaupepe, Tertiary Lecturer
Life roles
Throughout life we take on different life roles, such as parent, caregiver, worker, friend. These life roles should be considered when making career decisions. This allows you to fulfill the roles that are most important to you.
Involvement with the community
Getting involved in your community provides opportunities to network and gain valuable skills, knowledge and experiences. You can get involved in your local community by joining a sports team or by doing voluntary work, for example.
Being a member of a religious community is also very important to many people. Will a change in your career path help or hinder your involvement in your community?
Leisure and recreation time
All of us need to balance work with leisure time.
Working out how much time you would like to spend doing leisure activities can help you decide what is important to you when looking for a new job. Making sure you have a good balance can also help recharge your batteries in an existing job.