Your first real adult job is probably something you took for the money and possibly because it was related to what you studied in school. You might even have had a plan for your career, and that job seemed like the first step. However, if you’re like a lot of people, after a few years or even a couple of decades, you might find yourself looking for something different. However, sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint the exact source of your dissatisfaction. The points below can help you think through how a different career can change your lifestyle for the better.

What Changes Will You Make?

One thing you’ll need to keep in mind throughout this process is how much you’re willing to change your life. For example, are you willing to move? What if you need to go back to school to pursue your new career? Keep in mind that you can cover the high cost of tuition with student loans from private lenders among other sources. Be sure to do some research to find out the rates and options that suit you best. If you have a family, you will also need to think about how any big lifestyle changes will affect them.

More Money

This is a big reason many people are looking for a change. Maybe you went into a low-paying job without a great deal of direction, or perhaps you sought out a career in a field you felt idealistic about but which pays very little. If you are tired of living from paycheck to paycheck and never being able to save up for a house or other things you may want, you may want to look for a more lucrative position.

More Time

On the other hand, there are people who chose a particular career field because they wanted to make a lot of money and found that the long hours weren’t worth it. Maybe you want to spend more time with your family or on hobbies. You might want the kind of job that you can really leave behind at the end of the day when you walk out of the office.

More Satisfaction

Maybe it’s more about satisfaction than either money or time. Satisfaction can mean a job that is aligned with your values, or it could just be a job that makes you feel you are accomplishing something. For example, if you work in a service-oriented job, you might feel as though your work is never really done. You may want to move into something that is more focused on specific projects with a beginning, middle and an end.

Less Pressure

Maybe you once thrived in the competitive atmosphere of your industry, but you’ve grown tired of the stress. This is another big reason for a career change, but be sure that you are realistic about what the new job involves. For example, perhaps a job at your favorite bookstore or at an inn by the sea looks idyllic, but keep in mind that dealing with the public all day and having little control over a shifting schedule could be stressful as well.