It can be difficult and challenging to change careers. For some, entering the IT and Digital Media industry is a dream come true. For others, finding a new career choice outside the high-performance IT industry is a welcome escape. Although a lot of people have reasons to change careers, many feel that these reasons are simple or unimportant. Recently, Seek.com conducted some research into the reasons why Australians change careers, and here are some of their findings:

More money

As people work in the IT industry, they get better at what they do. Both software developers and digital media experts get better with practice and experience. However, after a while, some people do not feel that they are being properly compensated for the work that they put in and this is quite common. A recent news article suggested that Australian workers as a whole were underpaid $23 million in 2014. Reaching a level of seniority does merit more salary.

Many people are changing careers for new positions for better salaries. This can come in the form of an overall better pay package or more benefits. This can be due to increasing costs of living from starting or growing a family, or to feel better rewarded for the effort and skillsets that people have. There is no shame in changing careers for better pay; you are worth it!

Negative work experiences

Tensions can run high in a high-performing IT company. When pressure mounts, work experiences can become quite negative. Many Australians change careers because their workspace has become unpleasant. Seek.com.au lists some reasons for this, such as excessive stress. Workloads have increased for many people but they are either not properly compensated or properly equipped with the staff or tools to handle the workload, leading to high expectations and high stress. For example, software developers may experience this when they have to finish a project alone that require two or three people to complete successfully. Other reasons include poor management,  a bad boss and feeling underappreciated in the workspace. The latter in particular can murder motivation and lead to negative experiences. You deserve to feel comfortable and happy at the workspace; there is no shame in changing careers if the workspace you are in makes you feel miserable.

New Challenges

Let’s face it; some IT jobs can be quite boring. Seek.com.au finds that some Australians are changing careers in search of new opportunities and challenges. In fact, finding new challenges and opportunities is a big reason for many to change careers. Sometimes, changing careers is the only way to find greater potential in career advancement or to feel invigorated at the chance to tackle new, novel experiences. For some in the IT industry, an opportunity to tackle a different project outside of one’s comfort zone is needed to stay motivated and productive. The staleness of a company’s workspace is enough to encourage people to look for greener pastures.

There is no shame in changing career paths. In the past, it was common for people to get a job or two and stay with a company for a long period of time and in some cases, their entire working career. Now, it is common for people to find new careers after some time. There is nothing wrong with changing careers, and if you are planning to, there is no shame in thinking about it.

Did you change careers recently or are you thinking of changing careers in the near future? What are some of your reasons for doing so? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!