Career transitions are like onions. They’re complex and there is usually a lot more to them than we see on the surface. Whether you are pursuing a passion or side hustle, confused about quitting your job for a new one, or just looking for a change, know that it’s not a straightforward decision. It requires careful planning and thinking through the why, the what, and the when.

• Why do you want to change? Is it the culture of the organization, the people you work with, or is something else bogging you down? It is critical to be radically honest with yourself and think things through.
• What do you want to do? Conduct a self-assessment. It is impossible to know where you are going if you don’t know where you are. Then write down the steps you will need to take that will get you closer to your goals and the problems that you might encounter in doing that.
• When will the change happen? Be realistic about the time it can take. Some transitions are unlikely in the short-term. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals in unrealistic timeframes.