7 Questions To Ask Before Changing Careers

Many of us have felt the tug in our hearts when it was time for a change in our careers. For some of us—fear of the unknown keeps us from moving forward. For others, it’s trying to decipher if God is telling us to move or is it our own frustration. Whatever the reason or hesitation of changing a career, it’s best to ask ourselves 7 questions:

Question #1) Why do I want to change careers?

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out” (Proverbs 20:5).

Sometimes we want to change careers for many different reasons—it’s too hard, our boss is mean, we are bored, etc. However we must dig deeper than the surface reasons and seek God’s purpose. The Lord could be stirring up a restlessness in our hearts for His greater purpose which may mean significant financial gain or loss. We must sift through our reasoning and dig deeper for the Lord’s insight and direction.

Question #2) Is this God’s timing or mine?

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Although we know God’s timing is best—we don’t always know when it’s His timing or ours. We may need to resist the urge to be presumptuous in making decisions without waiting on God. Remember Saul when he became impatient and offered the sacrifice instead of waiting on Samuel’s arrival? (1 Samuel 13:7-14). His lack of patience brought great suffering for his family as well as on the nation of Israel. Waiting on God to give clarity and direction helps us to know the right time.

Question #3) Have I prayed earnestly and consistently on this decision?

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1).

The intense and earnest prayers from believers are heard from God. He heard the intensity of Elijah’s prayer and it didn’t rain for 3 years. Elijah was just like us—desiring God to show Himself strong in our situations. Yet are we willing enough to seek Him in prayer and fasting? If we desire to be led by God, we will press on. Our prayers are heard in heaven and we need to keep trusting Him.

Question #4) Will changing careers take more or less time from my fellowship with God, my family, or church?

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

We must consider if changing our careers will slowly leak our time with God and others. Many times we don’t recognize it at first, but over time we start to pray less, read the Bible less, and our attendance at church becomes touch and go. Our family and friendship times become a checklist instead of genuine times of connecting. It’s wise to consider what we want versus what we need in our career choices. The Lord knows what we need to take care of our families and He gives us the choice to choose His way over the ways of the world.

Question #5) How will this change help me to grow spiritually, emotionally, or physically?

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

Some of us have taken jobs that have helped us financially, but drained our spirits, damaged our emotions, and destroyed our physical health. Jesus asked the question, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” Every part of our lives can be touched by good or bad career choices. There must be serious reflection on how our quality of life will be blessed or cursed depending on a job. The Lord wants us to enjoy every good thing that He provides as we must one day give an account of how we took care of ourselves.

Question #6) Does a career change give more opportunity to my flesh, the world, or devil?

“In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Unfortunately many of us have taken on jobs that had a negative influence on our lives. Some have fallen into sin resulting in marital loss and family separation. Others have found themselves worshipping their job instead of God who blessed them with the opportunity. All of us can easily be entangled with the desires of our flesh whether it’s the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, or the pride of life with our career choices. We must think carefully through this choice to be sure that we aren’t giving Satan a foothold in our lives.

Question #7) How will God be glorified in this potential move?

“Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

When the Lord leads you to a career choice and it’s a blessing, how will He be glorified in it? Will we then be afraid to share about our faith? Or will we be tempted to climb up the corporate ladder receiving the praise and adulation of men? When we humble ourselves in prayer and daily remind ourselves of the Lord’s provision—our focus will be on pleasing and glorifying Him.

Change God’s Way

A change in career can be an awesome God intervention if we are willing to ask and answer the hard questions first. As we make career choices supported in prayer and wise counsel—our choices will be the catalyst towards growth in Christ. Any career change success is rooted in the wisdom and knowledge provided by God.

Article by Crystal McDowell

Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.  

Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at https://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.