There is no universal reason to change careers, and therefore there is no universal way to change careers successfully. There are a few things you should know, however, before you embark on your career change journey. Find a career change advice for current and future career changers to help make the transition a little easier.

Twenty Things Every Career Changer Should Ask Before Changing Jobs:

Have I been passed up for a promotion?
Do I obsessively daydream about a better job?
Is my job repetitive and boring?
Am I consistently exhausted at the end of the day?
Do I have little impact on the company?
Do I display a bad attitude about my work?
Am I no longer given the resources to do my job?
Am I being fully utilized?
Do I receive only "fair" evaluations?
Do I feel as if I have been let down in my work?
Am I overworked and overwhelmed?
Am I stressed out at work?
Do I live for time away from the job more than the norm?
Do I negatively compare my situation to others`?
Do the bad things outweigh the good things in my job?
Do I feel like time is standing still?
Am I becoming more cynical?
Do I feel as if my employer has broken promises?
Have I lost sight of my career goals?
Do I no longer feel valued?

This is not an exhaustive list; however, answering affirmatively to too many of these questions can certainly indicate that you are in need of making a career transition. Evaluate your answers to determine what is at the heart of your career discontent. Do you need a more challenging career? Do you need a career more in line with your values? Does your current career propel you toward your career goals? Understanding why you are dissatisfied with your current work situation is the first step for a successful career transition.