By Jane Bianchi

Have you been fantasizing about leaving your job behind and going into an entirely new profession—but also worrying about what a big change would mean for your finances?

You’re not alone. “A lot of times people stick with a job out of fear. I’ll ask, ‘What are you afraid of?’ The person might say, ‘I’m afraid I won’t make as much money,’” says Nancy Von Horn, Senior Career Coach at SoFi. “But once you do some digging, you’ll likely find that it’s possible to make that money back.”

It’s true. Changing careers doesn’t have to mean accepting a lower salary. It just means that you have to do some soul-searching and some homework ahead of time. Ready to dive in? Follow this game plan.

By Katie Wolf

Think back to the first job you ever had, and compare it to the job you have now. You can probably see quite an evolution—over the years, you’ve likely gained experience, confidence, and efficiency in the way you approach your role.

Yet when it comes to the job search, many people take the same approach they did when they first entered the professional world. It’s simply easier to default to the strategies you’ve always used. But that mindset could lead to a frustrating, lengthy search.

Instead, think of how many executives look for new jobs. By that point in their career, it’s no longer about casting a wide net—it’s about knowing what they want and confidently going after it. And that often results in a more strategic, efficient, and fruitful search.

Here’s what you can learn from that executive job search mindset and how to apply it to your own job hunt—even if you haven’t made it into the C-suite yet.

By Jane Bianchi

If you’re groaning because your boss just gave you yet another pointless assignment with an unreasonable deadline, you might think, “My job sucks, but all jobs do. Work is work, so I better just deal with it.”

And sure, every job has its downsides. But how do you know when things are getting so bad that it’s time to quit?

One major red flag is when the work doesn’t matter to you at all. “Fundamentally, we’re wired for meaning. When we are in a role that isn’t aligned with things that we really care about or the things that we’re really good at, we suffer,” says Valerie Olson, Senior Career Coach at SoFi.

Another is realizing that your dissatisfaction at work is making you sad, irritable, or angry, not only at the office—but also at home. “Work bleeds into the rest of your life. If you’re unhappy during the day, it’s going to impact your friendships and your relationships,” says Alexandra Dickinson, Member Strategy Lead at SoFi.

Sound familiar? Check out these six other subtle signs from Olson and Dickinson that it’s time to start job-hunting.

By Katie Wolf

Something needs to change. Maybe you don’t feel fulfilled anymore, you can’t stand your boss, or you’re bored with your industry. Maybe you were laid off, and you have no choice but to make a change. Whatever the situation, you’re starting to plot your next career move.

It’s an exciting place to be—the possibilities are endless! But when you’re not exactly sure what you want, it’s also disconcerting. How can you be sure you’re making the right decision?

SoFi career coaches Alexandra Dickinson and Gabby Bill recommend stepping away from the job boards for a second and taking the time to think about your next move strategically. Start with these six steps.

We want to help you knock your career goals out of the park. That’s why our members get access to our brand-new SoFi Career Services, powered by Korn Ferry—a global leader in talent.

SoFi Career tools and coaching are a comprehensive career management solution personalized for you. Our members can now access the gold standard in resume, assessment and career coaching solutions—complimentary for SoFi members—a $999 retail value.