Back in my sophomore year, I decided to become a programmer. Problem? I had no clue what that actually meant or what I needed to learn. I just thought, “Cool title, cool job.”

Then a professor told me data science had the “sexiest jobs in the world.” I was sold. I asked him how to become one, and instead of warning me to think it through, he just encouraged me.

Fast forward: I spent three years in a career that wasn’t right for me. Lesson learned: don’t make career decisions based on flashy titles.

If you’re planning a career change, self-assessment is your not-so-secret weapon. It helps you figure out what actually excites you, makes your decisions smarter, and cuts down the anxiety of switching paths. 

What is Career Self-assessment? 

Self-assessment is the process of checking in with your personality to figure out what job truly fits you, not just the one that pays the most. It’s about understanding your habits, values, priorities, and desires, so you can find something that not only makes you money but actually makes you happy.

It’s important because choosing a career that aligns with your personality leads to a life that’s healthier and more fulfilling. You’ll work smarter, not harder.

There are four key areas to focus on when doing a career self-assessment:

• Personality: What drives you? What are your goals, desires, and motivations?
• Interests: What excites you? Think hobbies, passions, and that thing you could talk about for hours.
• Values: What beliefs and morals guide you? What’s non-negotiable in your life and work?
• Skills: What do you bring to the table? This includes your experience, education, and training.

Benefits of Self-assessment for Career Change

A career change self-assessment is like a roadmap to your dreams. It gives you clarity on your goals and desires, so you can avoid the endless cycle of frustration and burnout that comes from jobs that don’t align with who you are.

It also helps you take a hard look at your skill set and experience, allowing you to identify any gaps. Once you know where you need to improve, you can create a plan to upskill or learn something new. Plus, a self-assessment pushes you to think outside the box and see new possibilities for your career.

I’ve been there—choosing a career without really thinking it through. It led me to sleepless nights and two years of feeling stuck. Trust me, that’s not a place you want to be.

So take the time for a career self-assessment. It’ll save you unnecessary stress and get you closer to turning your dream life into a reality.

Are Online Career Self-assessments Enough?

You’ve probably taken one of those online career self-assessments. You answer a bunch of questions about your personality, the system crunches the data, and bam, it spits out a list of jobs you’d be perfect for. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Here’s the catch: while the algorithms behind these assessments are pretty smart, they’re not foolproof. We humans have this funny habit of not being totally honest with ourselves—especially when we’re influenced by outside factors. That’s where things get tricky.

Take the “Do you enjoy working alone or in a group?” question, for example. You might answer “I enjoy working in a group,” just because you’ve seen a bunch of LinkedIn office selfies and think that’s what you’re supposed to say. But deep down, you’re most productive when working solo. That little attitude-behavior gap can lead to some pretty off-track results.

So, while online assessments are a fun starting point, they aren’t perfect. Be mindful of how external factors might influence your answers and get real with yourself.

How to do a career self-assessment?

Self-assessment starts with asking yourself the right questions.

Better if you do it in a peaceful spot to help you think more clearly.

Don’t rush through it. After you’ve written down your answers, let them marinate for at least a week. Our thoughts change, and giving yourself time to reflect can help you notice shifts in your career preferences.

So, what questions should you ask yourself? Let’s have a look below:

1. Your desires

Desires are those things that stick with you—the dreams, the cravings, the things you can’t stop thinking about. Whether it’s the need for social acceptance, a yearning for independence, or the pressure to achieve, your desires play a big part in shaping who you are.

Because of that, it’s essential to consider them when brainstorming career options. Ignoring your desires is like trying to build a house without a blueprint. You’re not going to end up where you want to be.

So, what questions should you ask yourself to get clear on these desires?

What do you want to do (passion)? 

Maybe you’ve always wanted to be an animal painter or an aerospace engineer. Whatever it is, focus on what excites you. Think about how you want your days to look, too.

Whatever it is you want, it’s all about getting clear on what lights you up.

Don’t overthink it—not everyone has a grand passion, and that’s okay. You can still find a career without passion that aligns with your skills and values, even if it doesn’t make your heart race. 

What do you enjoy doing?

Write down things you love doing, even if it seems like something you can’t make money from. No matter how “useless” it feels, it’ll come in handy later when you’re brainstorming career options.

You never know what might spark the perfect fit.

2. Your ability

Desires are all about what you feel driven to do, while ability is what keeps you grounded in reality.

Your ability to pursue a career depends on things like external limitations, location, and finances. So, let’s face it—sometimes, reality checks are necessary.

To figure out your true ability, ask yourself these questions:

Where do you live? 

But not just the name of your town or city. Think about what that place really offers. Does it give you the opportunities you need to grow, the freedom to chase a dream career, and the space to make it all happen? Your location matters more than you think when it comes to a career change.

What are your financial hurdles? 

I’m talking about the tough stuff here. How long can you survive without income? Can you afford to invest in your career change? If you’re relying on someone else financially, would they be on board with covering some of the costs?

It’s important to lay it all out, even if the situation looks less than ideal. Writing it down will help you make smarter, more realistic choices as you brainstorm your next move.

What are your internal and external limitations? 

These could be anything from the pressure to pursue a career you’re not into, to the voice of self-doubt that sneaks in when you’re about to take a leap. Write down everything that holds you back.

Family responsibilities, stress, fears about stepping out of your comfort zone etc. Don’t skip this part. It’s key to understanding what might slow you down and how you can work around it.

Cost of switching 

I once made the mistake of only considering the learning costs when picking a career. Big mistake. The cost of switching careers is way more than just paying for courses or certifications, and you’ll really feel it once you’re in the middle of it.

To avoid that, take a moment to answer these questions. They’ll help you understand what switching careers will really cost you:

What will be your estimated learning cost?

You can learn most of the skills for free these days. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about the costs upfront. How much do courses in your desired career actually cost?

Are there quick bootcamps or do you need to commit to a whole series of courses before you can start making money? 

And don’t forget the time and effort it’ll take to learn those skills while juggling your current responsibilities. Whether it’s late-night study sessions or sacrificing your weekend Netflix binges, it all adds up.

What will be the cost of finding a new job? 

Changing careers is exciting but it’s not always a quick fix. You might find yourself jobless for a few weeks or even months before landing your dream role. That time without a paycheck? Yep, that’s part of your “cost of career change.”

It’s smart to estimate how long you might be without a steady income. Planning for that gap will keep stress at bay and ensure your transition is as smooth as possible. Manage your finances now, so you’re not scrambling later.

Are there any relocation or transportation costs? 

Thinking about moving for a new job or to learn new skills? Will you need to relocate temporarily or permanently? How much will that cost, including travel, accommodations, and any return trips if things don’t go as planned?

Even if relocating is something you want to do, not just need to, it’s smart to calculate those costs now. A little foresight will save you from unexpected expenses later on.

What are your initial salary needs?

Your first paycheck in a new career might not be as glamorous as you hope. Salary depends on your skill level, the job market, and your field. So, when you’re planning, think of your salary estimate as enough to get by, not to live like a millionaire.

If you’re already eyeing that sweet ROI from day one, you might be in for a rough ride. Start with realistic expectations, gain some experience, and then, slowly but surely, you can start increasing your rates. 

Your skills

What do you actually know? Your skill level will dictate how long it takes to land a new job and which careers are realistic options. That includes everything from what you’ve learned in school to the skills you’ve picked up on the job.

Here’s how to identify your skills:

What are your skills and experience? 

List every skill you’ve got. I’m talking even the small stuff. Think about the skills you use every day, the ones you barely touch, the course you took “just because,” and the ones you used to be amazing at. All of them count. 

What skills do you enjoy practising? 

We all have those skills we can’t wait to dive into. Spot those, and you’ll be on the path to a career that won’t make you dread Monday mornings.

Your location

Now, let’s talk geography—because where you are (or where you want to be) can totally influence your career path.

The two locations that define your path to a new career are:

Where do you currently live? 

Your current location plays a big role in the opportunities available to you. I learned the hard way that location matters more than you think—so make sure you’re thinking about it before you get too deep into your career change. 

Where do you want to work from? 

This is your dream location. Whether it’s working from your couch, a coffee shop in Paris, or a town you’ve always wanted to live in, get clear on where you want to be. If you don’t know what you want, it’s hard to make it happen. So, take a minute to figure it out.

Your needs

Okay, here’s the part where we talk about the stuff you actually need to pull off this career change. This includes finances, tools, and time.

This could be learning expenses if you’re taking a course, a quiet place to focus, or something else entirely. Whatever it is, write it down so you can plan ahead.

Your willingness

This one’s important. Ask yourself: do you really want to make this career change, or are you feeling influenced by what others are doing? It’s easy to get caught up in the “everyone else is doing it” trap.

If you think about your career choice without any outside pressure, would you still pick the same path? If yes, then you’re on the right track. If not, maybe give it a little more time.

Learn the skills you’ll need. Research the job market and talk to people already in that field. Make sure it fits your needs, both financially and socially.

More tips

So, you’ve answered those questions—now it’s time to make sense of it all. Take a step back and analyze your answers. Are you great at communicating and a tech enthusiast? Maybe DevRel is calling your name. Got publishing experience? Content marketing might be your jam. Use AI to brainstorm career options based on what you’ve learned and pick the one that feels like the best fit.

No matter where you’re headed, these tips are like career-life hacks that always work:

• Optimize your LinkedIn profile like a pro. It’s your digital first impression—make it count!
• Network, network, network. Surround yourself with like-minded people and potential clients.
• Acknowledge that little voice of doubt (hello, Imposter Syndrome!) and push through it.
• And most importantly, believe in yourself. Manifest your success, because you’re the one who makes it happen.

FAQs

How to do a career self-assessment?

A career self-assessment involves identifying your desires, preferences, and lifestyles. This often includes stepping away from your daily routine, engaging in meditation, and asking yourself questions to clarify your career preferences and goals.

What is a personal statement for changing careers? 

It is a brief narrative of your career goals, motivation, skills, experience, and your commitment to pursue a new career.

How do I write my self-assessment?

You can write your self-assessment by asking yourself questions related to your career aspirations, strengths, needs, and readiness to change careers. These questions help you identify your desires, abilities, needs, commitment, and the cost of switching careers.

What is the main purpose of self-assessment? 

The purpose of self-assessment for a career change is to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and pick a career that suits your lifestyle. A suitable career saves you from burnout and loss of purpose in life.