Career Trend: Downshifting

(ARA) - All over the country, high-power professionals are trading in their high-paying, high-stress careers, with their 60-hour weeks and $200 ties, for a more fulfilling life. This trend, known as "downshifting" is catching on, as over-worked professionals seek to find balance in their lives.

"When you are stuck in the rat-race trying to climb the ladder to career success, you often have to put so much of your life on hold. You may end up sacrificing time with your family, not giving yourself time outdoors, or putting your hobbies and passions on pause," says Julia Kennedy, assistant vice president of career services for 110 Everest schools located throughout North America.

"Downshifting is one way that professionals are redefining their priorities," Kennedy adds. "They recognize that perhaps their new careers won't be as lucrative, but they will be more fulfilling."

Downshifting is one of many innovations to traditional work culture that have been made in the past few decades, including the huge rise in part-time, flex time and work-from-home options. The phenomenon of downshifting is due in part to generational differences between baby-boomers and older generations, says Kennedy. While older generations saw work as something mandatory -- yet not necessarily enjoyable, baby-boomers have always believed they deserve fulfilling lives and careers.

There are many options for employees who are seeking balance between their careers and personal lives, without necessarily having to give up their job, says Kennedy. For example, you can say no to new projects, or take on fewer projects or try to change work arrangements. "If you aren't ready for a complete career change, you still have a number of options. For example, bargain for more vacation time instead of that annual raise. Or see if you can work from home or move to part-time work," says Kennedy.

But for some, small changes aren't enough. There are many wake-up calls that can encourage a complete career change. Whether it is the death of a close friend, a divorce, or getting that dreaded pink slip because your company is downsizing, many professionals realize that life is too short to stay in a career they hate.

For those who might be considering downshifting, it's important to consider how a career change will alter your life. Dr. Samuel Carrol, business department chair at Everest University in Orange Park, Fla, says, "You have to take your finances into consideration. There is a lot of planning that needs to happen before you make any big changes. Specifically, you need to be thinking about how to meet costs of your insurance, children's education, and mortgage and retirement savings. That being said, with careful planning, changing careers can be done well and can be incredibly satisfying."

In addition to financial planning, downshifting may also require going back to school. "Many downshifters want to open a new business -- perhaps a bed and breakfast, or local used book store or massage therapy business," says Dr. Carrol. "Starting a new business in something you are passionate about is a great way to find a fulfilling career, but at the same time, you want to make sure you have the knowledge you need to be successful. For example, if you want to become a massage therapist or bed and breakfast owner, you may need to take massage therapy classes, or basic accounting and entrepreneurial courses before making that leap."

"In our Massage Therapy program we find a number of older and career-changing students. This is something they have always been passionate about, but just didn't have the time to devote to developing their expertise. We recognize that our students will be coming from a wide-range of backgrounds, but all are looking for a fulfilling career," says Daniel Keller, a licensed message therapist and massage therapy instructor at Everest University in Orange Park, Fla.

Courtesy of ARAcontent