We all want to make changes in our lives – it’s how we move on to the next stage and, hopefully, become happier and more fulfilled. Some of these changes may be major, others will be relatively minor, but they are all going to have an effect both on us and the people around us. So, rather than taking a great leap into the unknown, it makes sense to try them out first. Here are five examples of things that you’d be well advised to give a trial run before you commit to them.
The place you plan to live
When you decide that a home move’s on the cards, there are so many things to think about: things like where to move, what kind of home you want to live in and whether you want a garden to care for. When it’s a major change you’re making and if you’re planning to buy, it can be a good idea to make the first step to rent somewhere first. That way, you’ll be able to get a feel for whether everything from the area to the change of lifestyle is right for you. If it’s not, it’s better to find out before you’ve committed to a long-term purchase.
If renting is too much of a commitment, many homeowners have actually started temporarily house-swapping to get a feel for living in certain neighbourhoods, so this is also something to consider.
Your mattress
Most people are looking for ways to live healthier lives these days, and one of the most important contributions we can make to this is getting a good night’s sleep. Having the right kind of mattress that gives the support we need is crucial. Trying them out in a bed store is one thing but you really need to spend a few nights on one to test it out fully. Fortunately, more and more mattress makers are offering free trial periods so you can do this and, if it’s not right for you, you can send it straight back for a refund.
A new pet
Getting a pet like a dog or cat might sound like fun, but it can be a lot of hard work and disruptive too. But, as they say, “a dog (or cat) is for life, not just for Christmas”, so before you make that commitment, it’s a good idea to foster a pet instead. Plenty of charities are looking for temporary places for the pets they’re looking after before finding a “forever home” for them. It’s also worth looking into giving a temporary home to a guide or assistance dog that’s still in training before it’s ready to start its service.
A change of career
There comes a time in most people’s lives when they fancy a new career challenge. But, exciting as this sounds, it’s going to be a big change. One of the best ways to check that you’ll enjoy it is to try some volunteering in the specific sector that interests you.
You’ll be surprised by just how welcome free help might be. It is certainly worth trying out being involved in an industry before you fully commit, with many options being available to those looking to test the waters. One such example is the world of currency trading, which is becoming a popular option for those looking to diversify their skills. Forex, as it’s sometimes called, isn’t for everyone though. But there are lots of brokers that provide demo accounts that you can try for free before committing any actual money. For anyone considering trading, it’s a good introduction to how to go about it as well as teaching you all the important language that’s involved.
The car you drive
Besides your home, the cars you buy are likely to be some of the most expensive purchases you ever have to make. Usually, when you go to a dealership, you’ll be given a test drive with the salesperson in the car with you. It will only last a few minutes and they will be subtly distracting you from really being able to see what it’s like to drive. So, wherever possible, you should insist on an extended test drive, for example over a whole weekend. That way you’ll be able to put the car through its paces in different environments and driving conditions – and decide whether it really is the car for you.
So there you have it: five examples of when it’s a good idea to test the water first – you know it’s bound to make sense in the long run.
