It’s not unusual to hit a point in your career where you no longer want to be where you are. It’s scary and confusing, especially if you thought you’d found your forever job. You’ve invested time and energy in what you’re doing, and it’s hard to start over. Fear and uncertainty are understandable, but don’t let them keep you stuck.

You aren’t the first person to be in this situation. On average, people change careers roughly twelve times between ages 18 and 52. There are lots of reasons, but the most common are needing more money, a challenge, or more control of your life. If that sounds familiar, becoming a contractor could be your solution.

Reasons to Consider Changing Career Paths

You Need More Money

Things have changed since you started your current job. Maybe you’re starting a family, buying a home, or need to help support your parents. The reasons vary, but the point is the same: The salary you have now isn’t cutting it, and it’s time to move on to a more beneficial job.

Contracting is on every top ten list of high-paying jobs you can do without a degree, and not without good reason. A contractor makes between $70,000 and $95,000 a year on average. That total goes up depending on location and the workload you’re willing to take on.

That kind of money is a recipe for financial health. You’ll be able to manage your current bills, pay down debts, and set money aside for the future. You won’t be stuck waiting for someone to give you a raise or promotion, you can just create one for yourself.

You Need A New Challenge

If money isn’t your main concern, it could be that you’re bored at your current job. You’ve done the same thing every day for a while now, and you’re sick of it. You want a job where you can learn, grow, and test yourself. The opportunity you’re looking for exists in contracting.

Variety is the nature of the job. One week you’ll be handling a commercial project in the middle of downtown, and the next you’ll be doing a home renovation in the hills. You’re free to keep things fresh by taking on new challenges whenever you want.

As you take on those new challenges, more and more doors will open. Before you know it, you’ll be picking and choosing exactly what you want to do. This means you won’t end up bored a year from now or even five years from now.

You Need More Control Over Your Life

Working for someone else always comes with a certain loss of control. You have to be at a certain place, at a certain time, most days of the week with little or no variety. If that’s not working for you anymore, becoming a contractor is a way out.

Part of getting to choose what projects you work on is getting to choose when you want to work. You’re planning a vacation in May? Great, just don’t agree to any projects that week. You can’t be on the job until after your kids are at school? No problem, just instruct your team on what to do until you get there.

That kind of freedom doesn’t come with most jobs, and it’s an incredibly valuable asset. So how exactly do you get that freedom? By becoming a contractor.

How Do You Become A Contractor

Now that you know why becoming a contractor is a great option if you’re considering changing careers, you’re probably wondering how you do it. It’s actually pretty simple. You need to gain experience in the field and get your general contractor’s license. Not all states require a license, but it’s still a good idea for insurance purposes.

To get licensed, you’ll need to pass your contractor’s exam. In states like North Carolina, where licensure is a requirement, you can do exam prep online to get ready. The exam prep covers rules and procedures you’ll need to know for your test, and while you’re on the job. It’s a great tool to help you get ready for this new chapter in your career.

Becoming a contractor is a career change that will let you take control of your finances, your schedule, and your future. So take your time, do some research, and study thoroughly for your exam.