How to know if it’s time to change careers | The Way We Work, a TED series

Quitting your job can be scary, but sometimes it's the best thing you can do for your career, says entrepreneur Chieh Huang. He shares how to know when it’s time to move on -- and what can you do to prepare.
The Way We Work is a TED original video series where leaders and thinkers offer practical wisdom and insight into how we can adapt and thrive amid changing workplace conventions.
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[@charleshurstreinvention3959]

Usually it is fear that keeps people in a job they hate. This is my weekly topic for my own subscribers. Career. One thing that can really bring a person into depression is 40 hours a week of hating their job. The job is literally almost half of the waking life. The problem many people have is that they have a craving for security. The person will tolerate being unhappy if that is their normality. People would rather have secure bitterness than the fear of stepping off the cliff. The fact is that you can change your career anytime. At 40 or 50. I once knew a car salesman of 30 years who did really well but started to hate his job--so became a nurse at 57. He is now a travel contractor. His friends told him he would be 57 by the time he got licensed as an RN. He told them he would be 57 anyway. So he will now spend the next ten years doing something he likes instead of something he hates. But you have to decide if it is life on the sea you hate or just that ship you're traveling on. In other words--do you hate your trade or just the company you're at? But whatever you aren't happy with you must change and continue to advance yourself. Hope this helps someone---Charles.

[@Maxfli82]

Great advice. Beautifully written. Thank you n

[@charleshurstreinvention3959]

@@Maxfli82 You bet---keep being great--Charles

[@nadiesbrain]

I needed to read this

[@bal7530]

I needed this thank you so much

[@Aaron94asl]

Thank you

[@duncanmaclennan6744]

LOVE this new format from TED. Feels much more current

[@someonewithsomename]

yeah, Vox made it so great, everyone are taking tips from them now.

[@jane8735]

Totally agree!

[@DigitalDiego]

This was excellent! That's how I went from graduating medical school to releasing music on Spotify. I'm sooo happy I decided to follow my gut!

[@FEARDROP]

Hey Diego. Do you make a living out of music? It’s pretty hard to do so…I still have a small audience :/

[@DigitalDiego]

@@FEARDROP You're right, it does seem pretty hard. I haven't been able to make a living off it yet, but what I have learned since my decision to switch is that Jesus is the only One we need to go to for help, and not relying on ourselves. He has a bigger plan than any of us could ever think of. But we have to put all our trust in Him.

[@Nectarine333]

Love that!!

[@kidmaad9811]

Hey Diego can you please share your journey ?

[@ProdFluxoxo]

​@@DigitalDiego I don't think Jesus is going to ensure people listen to your music. That's up to you.

[@bipclaire]

You do not have to start from the bottom. 50-60% of skills are transferable and you can play to your strength to take that to the next organization and role that you want to work in. Many times what you do at work and salary are negotiable as well. So the key is really to understand who you are and what you want.

[@tevinheath3997]

Exactly he did circle back to your point at 3:52.

[@tricallyourmama]

Let’s see the skills transfers over in construction

[@roxana7246]

Some people love their jobs, but they have the feeling they could do something bigger and don't know what. This is what happened to me and to other people I met on the way. I decided to spend several years in a job I liked more or less, to prepare the "completely scary leap" you are talking about. I don't regret it at all ! Because that scary leap became a well prepared leap, with a clear action plan. Thank you for this video

[@roaminrecluse2088]

I don't hate my job. I just feel like it's not getting me were I need to be anymore.

[@tidyarea]

This appears in my timeline just right when I decided to quit my current job. What, youtube can read my mind now?

[@DrJonTam]

Probably recommending similar videos to those you have watched

[@wuddafxuppp]

I knew it was time when I got a great paying job, good boss, nice office.... and I still wanted to quit within my first week.

[@AnnaWickham321]

SUCH good insight, thank you!

[@kiransays]

"The only way to do great work is to LOVE what you do" -Steve Jobs. This has helped my a great deal in my journey. I hope all y'all have an amazing blessed day♡

[@alexandrugheorghe5610]

Depends on the company and the leadership. Steve Jobs for away with it due to how he negotiated his position in corporate America. I, on the other hand, did that just to get back stabbed by my manager and be told I wasn't doing my job while getting threatened not to delete my inventions. That's American capitalism for you.

[@jmoo72]

Ive been at my job for 13yrs! And finally got into maintenance the last 4yrs i learned so many things in 4yrs that i can take into my new job! im nervous and excited for the new opportunity! To what i really wanted to do after highschool which is to be a electrican!

[@martinformato895]

Those are great tips. Thanks for sharing. I personally found that it takes 3 steps to transition successfully: 1. Career clarity 2. Confidence building 3. Transition strategy Career clarity involves understanding your passion, personality and purpose. You got to know what role you are aiming for. This can be challenging for many people as they don't know themselves well and where they best fit in.

[@zeexiong9404]

Thank you brother for your advice and word of wisdom! I am leaving my job of 5 years and going into an entry level position at the end of this month. I’m so nervous and scared. This video was very encouraging! Thank you again

[@gomes_plh]

I hope everything went well

[@willylalata8559]

@@gomes_plh if not, what would you do? Shift career again?

[@jennifer742011]

I been on my job going on 21 years I’m sooooo ready for a change

[@jodystrickland9150]

I feel terrible for getting a degree in a major I didn't love. I feel like I'm stuck now bc I work 12hrs 5 to 6 days a week and don't wanna take a drop in pay to return to school

[@jokerrhe]

Switch sooner than later. Trust me on that 👍

[@jodystrickland9150]

@@jokerrhe too late now lol

[@aabhanikhade8317]

Trust yourself, you’ll do good in whatever you decide to pursue. For now, try to become calm when you feel anxious about this. When you are calm, you’ll be amazed at how fast you can find solutions.

[@friedlemon5172]

I'm still in college in a major I am caring less and less for by day, and I wasn't too up for it in the beginning either... I hope I muster up the courage to pursue a different degree.

[@peppybalentine711]

Thanks for sharing your experience and advice! Those are really good points to take into consideration!

[@zephyrbalance5840]

That's got to be the best video I've watched on this topic, ever! Thank you!

[@zenzen5440]

currently in career transition and youtube recommend this, good job technology

[@Xaider1026]

Burning bridges? I didn't even bother to create a bridge. LOL

[@habiebiee1]

you are either super rich or super intelligent to be able to say that. 🤣

[@johnb1121]

FACTS

[@jrkasaurus]

Right I just have a couple of those lil stepping stones 🤣

[@marlena.g202]

🤣🤣👏👏👏 yea i feel that

[@marlena.g202]

U sound like my brother D, aka Don Banks. 🤣🤣🤣

[@devibalachandran8402]

This has been the most helpful guide on career change I have watched so far. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@NarinEmre-dc5up]

[@Aless.D]

Planning for retirement, or even financial freedom, is a marathon and not a race, as the saying goes. Breaking your financial independence goals into small pieces can help you stay on track while making the process a little more manageable and hopefully a little less stressful. Even if you are starting small, the important thing is to start. Investing is important. Everyone needs it so you don't go bankrupt when you stop working

[@Aless.D]

[@H_lucas]

Yeah that's true and investment creates a safe haven for the future, It's rare these days to get a profitable source to invest it. Is Sherman Williams Trading that good?

[@Aless.D]

On a scale of 1-10, I'll give Sherman Williams Trading a 9 simply because no one is perfect when it comes to trading, but when it comes to making a profit...Trust me when I say that it can surprise you when you don't expect it

[@Bella.Grasso]

Yes you are right, no one is perfect in the trading zone but still making good profit from it, I think I'll like to give Sherman Williams Trading a trial and see how it goes. I love creating multiple source of income because it never funny at the end when you depend on one source of income especially when you are retired.

[@AK-tc1wq]

Man, videos are flowing in !!!

[@pavelow235]

#2 2:38. " shore up your finances" bingo, that's the key to the whole damn thing. I harken it to being unemployed, and all the freedom that contains, but being able to afford food and appreciating shelter.

[@DrJonTam]

Yep, a safe change requires planning and savings. Don't just make the leap out of a whim.

[@milysantos9831]

Definitely what I needed to hear. Thanks for taking the time to make this viseo

[@emanuelatenca83]

Great advice! Thank you so much!

[@hr2079]

Great video. Thank you for sharing!

[@Jean980]

Undecided? Consider these 3 things 1. Are you still learning? 2. Trust your gut. 3. Short-term pain shouldn't be a factor If you're decided, do this immediately: 1. Network, meet as many people as you can 2. Figure out your finances 3. Learn to side hustle (part time, volunteer, intern) Do now: 1. Do not burn Bridges! 2. Remember what you've learned 3. It's normal to freak out at your new job

[@mariontinio8667]

Thanks for the brief!

[@srinivasanv6573]

Thanks

[@jesrhylmarcelino3470]

🔥

[@bradhouston4734]

Good tips. I would love to know more about why you shared them? I’m actually looking for a guest to feature in one of my shows on this topic (no tie to me selling services or anything recruitment HR related)

[@44BlueFoxes]

It's Employee Appreciation Day today and earlier this week I found out I was losing 18.5 hours a month off my contract, which puts me at a yearly loss of £1800. Add all the demoralising me and my colleagues are facing on pretty much a daily basis and yeah, now I'm job searching!

[@jalencleric]

Thank you Chieh Huang!

[@bigolpancake9136]

Amazing advice, thanks so much.

[@modyshiha9056]

I really liked this topic, especially that I will implement your advice

[@tonygareth221]

I’m 49 years old and don’t know what I want to do. I’ve wasted a lot of time and money, that’s my biggest regret. I’m doing something I somewhat like but the low pay and ridiculous people I have to deal with daily makes it frustrating. When I am able to leave the job with benefits for like in less than 4 years I’ll do something else. Gotta figure out what that other thing is. I should have prob left my job years ago (I’ve been here a little over 8 years) but here I am

[@alc7084]

Are you still at the same job?

[@anuragtumane5227]

Changing careers is something which is legit, and there's no problem doing so.

[@binhan6432]

awesome one, love this rhythm

[@russellbeck1774]

Great advice, thank you!

[@julieqiuli9360]

I think it's time to change careers for me since I'd always had doubts of being in software engineering (trusting your gut) and then my first job in the industry I had honestly great coworkers, team culture, and decent pay. So on paper, I should have been happy but I was still miserable. The work definitely was not the right fit. So now I'm job searching but I can't help but keep going back and applying to software jobs because at least the pay is good. But I don't feel any passion for it :(

[@chaek1702]

Hey. Im in the exact same situation, i have barely any passion for what i do right now (in tech) but dont have something stimulating to keep me going & working after my 9-5. i dont want to have to channel my energy two track… have you been doing anything that could help if i may ask?

[@user-rd9gv5gy1s]

I’ve worked for corporate and private companies and learned that all companies are the same. It’s the same type of bs from all departments-just in a different setting. There’s always going to be problems everywhere you go. I had an epiphany during the pandemic to just find something you enjoy doing and live your best life-because life is too short. Sounds cliche, but just been in really sh*tty jobs to no longer give a f. Do you and what makes you happy!

[@amanr6346]

Such great advice 🙏.....

[@Pakmei11]

So this guy is the one that is taken me all the jobs.

[@ImoralmenteFeliz]

Amazing video!!! I'm thinking to change my career and I was burning bridges....lol

[@sacrificetheory650]

Thank you for this video

[@mahlina1220]

I like this guy!

[@David-_-_-]

I think its very individual. Some people stay in the same career their whole life and love it. Others move around. I think both ways are fine and its really down to what the individual decides and is drawn to

[@1234kingconan]

I almost spent 2 hours and $150+ on a career counseling session and pretty sure this is better than what I would’ve gotten there

[@edwrosario]

10/10!! Awesome

[@SaeleeSaan]

Love it.

[@naut_nigel]

Thanks. This was kind of a confirmation for me.

[@prasun6084]

Same here. Electrical engineer turned Quality controller turned 3d artist. Currently on a short term pain.

[@naut_nigel]

Wow. Having a tough time right now and searched to this video. Didn't realize I've already watched it until I read my own comment from 3 years ago haha.

[@linettelow]

Thank you :)

[@SaeleeSaan]

Looking to make a career change as we speak.

[@hasianmanik8689]

Thank you...

[@yashdudhe3011]

Thank God I watched this video

[@xuhao7208721]

Wait, I am in career transition and I got recommendation by KZbin. Good job!

[@DrJonTam]

The algorithm is doing its work 👍

[@introman1016]

thank you

[@ShirleyLyMusic]

Side hustle first then change 😊

[@hendruckc]

this was excellent video!!! i will be having career change 1 month and this video helps me so much and prepared me to the new career!!!

[@aabifauzi5087]

i understand all of that i thought i was ok at 2017 but they really hit me from all sides and now i am just fadup by myself

[@aurabless7552]

I really wanna switch careers buttt the current one has decent benefits, the only thing is the position is stressful. Been trying to apply to new positions every few months (and getting interviews) but nothing really coming of it from current F500 company. I'll be trying outside of the company, as good as the benefits are its not worth the stress of the position (especially when the company plays favorite with less qualified applicants getting promoted quicker).

[@billnye8143]

😎 time for that career change

[@tashab883]

In an effort to “make connections” is anyone an English teacher here in NYC? I would like some advice. Thank you. 😊

[@mubbshirramay4897]

I'm working as network support in great company with good package. I learned many things from there but now i feel that there's no growth in this company.. as well i have job offer from a reputation company as sale Executive... I really want to learn or deep dive in sale as now but I'm really confused about switching career 360% .... I hope I'll find my answer. Wish me luck

[@marcusbeattie6086]

I'm choosing my education at the end of the month and it is really nice to know it is not going to ruin opportunities to get another job.

[@DrJonTam]

You still gotta make the best out of the education experience with networking and building the right skills. The bottom line is you gotta close the skills gap to your target job.

[@marcusbeattie6086]

@@DrJonTam I'm on it boss👍

[@oumarsouloum7272]

great....

[@RonaldRaiden]

once they see you're serious they try to break your spirit, try to make you grateful for the job but the truth is there are more

[@Kenbomp]

Dang he seems he'd be welcomed in any field

[@cocodesuplex547]

Want to quit job. This pop up. Thanks

[@historyhongkong7521]

May I ask which fields can a professional property / leasing officer ormanager change please?

[@IceyJunior]

The only part that is not easy is staring again with bottom pay when you got so much commitment already.

[@srinivasanv6573]

Right now 2021 which is the best career to make in life?

[@baggydude7582]

Is 4 years a long time? Real question Im thinking about changing career paths now that im in uni, from psychology to biology, and im just looking for advise.

[@fazalmengal298]

I Love Space Science unfortunately I had to do my bachelors in civil Engineering. Finally I am thinking to switch my career. Can anyone guide

[@dannycamacho2664]

I’ve been in construction for a couple years and recently had a bad injury it made me see that I want to switch careers. I wanted to before that just never really gave thought until now. I’m 29 with no other experience other than construction and some restaurants. I’m trying to make a switch over to IT it’s just been so stressful any advice one how to jump into an IT or even office job with no experience?

[@lfg235]

Well said!

[@Pravallikasdigitaldiaries]

I worked for 2years as a process associate in operations and now I'm taking my time to learn business analytics as it really caught my hunger. The moment I started investigating about it, I felt peace. But now, it's been 4months without a job. Will they even consider me for the job or reject me due to the 4month career gap? Please do advise me. Im really stuck and confused at the moment. Also, I didn't enroll myself into any paid courses as I'm currently broke.. Im trying several free sources and gaining as much knowledge as possible to put it into practice. KZbin, udemy etc, have been the backbone in this journey. Im really looking for some advise that'll really help me..

[@saiourbeaconoflight1866]

How r u doing now?

[@friedlemon5172]

Thanks for this video. I'm in the third year of my degree and I really want to quit. However, I am still not 100% sure what else to pursue. I know I want to be a writer, but that takes a while to start paying the bills, so my dilemma now is whether to get this degree (it's a 5 year program) and at least have some job security while I work on my writing (it's pharmacy, so I'll probably get a job fairly easily...), even though it's my third year and I still have anxiety surrounding my degree and future, or should I quit and pursue something I'm 85% sure I'll love studying, but promises little job security (say, a degree in english or directing, or playwriting). Any helpful words would be appreciated 😅

[@Zux78]

Fried, as a working professional, I highly recommend that you complete your degree. And the best part is, you're almost done! Your degree can give you significant financial security, which can enable you to pursue your interests and hobbies later on.

[@friedlemon5172]

@@Zux78 thank you very much for the reply, I really appreciate it :). That's a fair point and that would be the sensible choice. But, could you tell me would I even have enough time and energy to pursue my passion after work? What's worse, my grades aren't too dandy, so I would almost certainly end up in retail pharmacy and I just can't stand the idea of working that job... Other than that (grades aside), I know I can work in a hospital pharmacy, biochemical lab in a hospital, medication agency (administration, drug control) and I can work for a pharmaceutical company making drugs if I get a specialization or phd, and I hardly believe there's a chance and a will for me left to pursue that education...

[@harizrizki4823]

Yes you can change your career after you gaduate. I change my career after 8 years working as professional. A degree any type of degree can be helpful for you. And what you've done can be a unique point towards your next career. It can be a safety net, an inspiration to specialize the next career, or how you learn and hustle on your previous career can be implemented on the new ones.

[@lollolly3985]

It's the same for me I'm in my third year in engeniring so I have 2 years left to finish and I can't stand it any more because I want to be "animator" I love art but the probleme is my familly and if I quit as you said I will definitely give up on a job with a good salary

[@friedlemon5172]

@@lollolly3985 literally minutes after you commented I submitted my application to another university, my first wish being an English degree lol, I still have to mull it over, but today was the last application day and it feels good to at least have that as a potential option... To you I'd say if you're absolutely, 100000% sure you want to be an animator, then go for it. If you still enjoy your engineering degree, you could finish it and probably pursue a masters in animation, maybe look into that. I'm at a point where I can't bring myself to care about my pharmacy studies and, apart from money, I have lost all reason to finish this degree...

[@cosmicrdt]

You lost me at step 2. I make too much money now and have too many commitments to change careers now 😔

[@MrDosonhai]

You make too much money and you cannot change your career? That's a contradiction right there. I really want to change my career, I no longer want to learn anything new anymore, but I cannot afford to change right away but you have every opportunity to. Just slowly get rid of those commitments even if it costs you short-term and you're set. No one can really force you to do anything and if you explain to them clearly, they should understand and even if they don't, what are they gonna do?

[@BrilliantBravura]

@@MrDosonhai Sounds good in theory, but what if that commitment refers to spouse and children?

[@MrDosonhai]

@@BrilliantBravura Well, since he/she makes too much money, I don't think it's a problem to move. Home-schooling your kids is a thing and I believe it's much more effective than school nowadays with underpaid teachers having to manage multiple kids at once.

[@bdbensley]

you hate your boss or supervisor, or the people in the office are grating on you? Well, that was the attempt to get me to quit...yep, get me to quit. I liked my job and what I did...information technology , and I pulled off a number of miracles and did my job very well...but it kept others from getting friends in at the university I worked for. They finally got rid of me during a layoff...but they never got their friends and relatives in...at the ones that torched me. So...if you find others jerks and assholes are trying to get rid of you...which they are, then yes, it may be a good reason to jump to a new career. BTW, had they just promoted me to a management position, I would have gotten a new job at another university just 6 months afterwords...which is what I was working toward, but it took them 6 years to get me out....a conversation and some dealing would have benefited all!!!!!

[@peppybalentine711]

But that doesn't mean you have to change careers when people are bullying. You can find a job in the same industry but at another company.

[@DrJonTam]

Gotta make a distinction between a job switch and a career switch. Even a different position in the same career path would fundamentally differ in responsibilities.

[@abroadera9916]

and the fact that i am in this comment section means i need to dive in and change career.

[@plekplek-edu]

❤❤❤

[@ironkinggaming_]

I don't have enough experience for my level role and I'm too over qualified for junior positions like wtf do I do I got no choice but to change careers

[@NHC2000]

Yeah, I don't this apply to every country economy in the world. At least in my country it could be millions of dollars to study three different things in collegue. Plus, I'm not asian.

[@happiness4541]

I am a graphic designer and I love branding but m boss wants me to do websites which I hate doing but how do you tell your boss I NO LONGER WANT TO DO WEBSITES.

[@kc0369]

How to figure out what you wanna do?

[@violetchanel438]

I have been networking for years and apparently in my country because I am a female who does not want to settle down and wants to career chase it's a crime nobody wants to mentor me

[@alexandraterry3984]

Omgg 1:40 ME !

[@johnpauldelrosario88]

what’s his name? good speaker :*

[@user-cp1zi7fi4w]

最後かっこよすぎ

[@meliiajikal]

Cool. He left being an attorney I am about to do. I hate the legal field.

[@fitriamalian3727]

This is for employee i think

[@mohammedothman1588]

I have been working for a year and half , I have decided to shift to anthor job , but waiting for the pandemic situation to end😁😁

[@DrJonTam]

It's so important to time it right and plan accordingly. Networking is key in the meantime.

[@jamuojisan]

"How to know if it’s time to change careers?" when it's too late.

[@nataa_hopkins]

Never is too late, you can go slowly as you think or as other people think it doesn't matter. It'll works at the end, that's the important thing the end or the goal that you have in mind.

[@jamuojisan]

@@nataa_hopkins thankyou, you're sweet

[@DrJonTam]

肯德基創辦人65歲開始賣雞～沒有太遲這回事

[@nascentnaomie]

📝📝📝✅

[@tonysoprano9370]

I don’t have a pot to piss in as it is so how do I make a change and still survive ?

[@hantu4321]

On top of what you're good at and what you like, environment from government policies also play a major role. Yeah I make my side hustle postgraduate even Elon musk do it by becoming PhD student

[@brandonmcgowan4897]

Im thinkin about goin from CT technologist to plumber

[@stephenpeacock8592]

Low status but high pay

[@naq8405]

How did he switch to being a video game creator with a law degree? :O

[@cocodesuplex547]

Network. Network. Networking

[@obw1r3d]

Probably a high IQ type of person as well that can learn and do just about anything

[@alexandrugheorghe5610]

This is for the middle class who has no issues with things such as mental breakdowns, homelessness and poverty.

[@happyfreeky]

“No one ever builds a career without a good mentor.” That’s outright nonsense. Tons of both famous and non-famous people-have done so. I’ve built several careers without a mentor

[@ericwebb6263]

How about when the owner of the company. Say you have been doing this about 4 yrs. Your skill set should be better than what it is.

[@johnburnz648]

Hi.

[@KhanRifatBinSalam]

what type of speech is this ?