You're feeling unfulfilled in your current job. How can you tell if it's time to switch careers?

1 Assess your values

The first step is to identify what matters most to you in your work. What are your core values, passions, and goals? What kind of impact do you want to have with your video production skills? How do you define success and satisfaction? Write down your answers and rank them in order of importance. Then, compare them with your current job and see how well they align. If there is a big gap between your values and your job, you might want to consider a career change.

2 Explore your options

The next step is to research and explore the different career paths that are available for video production professionals. You might be surprised by the variety and diversity of roles, industries, and niches that you can pursue. For example, you could work as a freelancer, a contractor, an employee, or an entrepreneur. You could specialize in a certain type of video, such as documentary, animation, or corporate. You could also combine your video production skills with other interests, such as education, marketing, or social justice. Make a list of the options that appeal to you and learn more about them.

3 Evaluate your skills

The third step is to assess your current skills and qualifications for the career options that you are interested in. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a video production professional? What are the skills and knowledge that you need to develop or improve? How can you showcase your portfolio and experience to potential employers or clients? You might need to take some courses, workshops, or certifications to update your skills and stay competitive. You might also need to network with other video production professionals and seek feedback and advice.

4 Experiment with change

The fourth step is to test the waters and try out some of the career options that you are curious about. You don't have to quit your current job right away, but you can look for opportunities to gain some experience and exposure in different settings and contexts. For example, you could volunteer for a non-profit organization that needs video production help, or take on a side project or a freelance gig that challenges you and expands your horizons. You could also ask your current employer or coworkers if you can take on some new responsibilities or tasks that align with your interests and goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?