Balancing career and family is difficult for anyone who attempts it. Starting a new career or changing your career can be even more of a challenge. Having an open and honest conversation with your family is essential to making the right decision and later, in making a smooth transition. Three key points to include in that discussion are how much money it will cost or gain, what kind of time commitment this change will bring, and how you are feeling about the particular career possibility.
Finances
For many families, the financial impact of a career possibility is the foremost concern and an important one to consider. Will you be making more money or will this be a pay cut? If you need to further your education to make a certain career possible, that will be a financial cost at first to take into consideration. Does that factor outweigh the possible promotion or raise you can expect in the future? Starting a career can both bring in money but also add major additional costs if it means adding the cost of childcare, a second car, or new clothes to your budget.
Commitment and Convenience
When discussing career possibilities with your family, what kind of time commitment it will require is very often just as important as the money factor since most families are hoping to maximize their time together. Will this career path require more time away from home? Is there a way to compromise such as working to complete a master of social work degree online to minimize your time away from home? Location is also important to consider since you may need to factor in commuting time depending on where this new career path will take you geographically immediately and in the future.
Passion
Lastly, and arguably the most important in the long run, is your passion for the particular career path. The popular saying, “Find something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” rings true for many people who feel that they are involved in their life’s passion. Is this career where your heart lies? Does it feel like the perfect fit? Depending on your personal situation, your passion for a certain career may be the determining factor.
Money, time, and passion are all essential components to the conversation and ultimately the decision you and your family make about career choices now and in the future. Ideally, any family decision will balance the three components in a way that satisfies everyone.
