Need a "Career Change"? Read This First

Need a "career change"? Read this first!

Career Counseling January 20, 2020

Need a "Career Change"? Read this First

How to Make a Career Change

Many of the decisions we made at 22 years of age are no longer serving us today. This includes the career choice we made at that age. The truth is that a large number of us will contemplate a career change at some point. It might be a conscious decision, or the loss of a job might be the genesis of a change.
 
When the rewards and risks are high, a new career path can be very exciting and overwhelming. An effective approach will help to minimize the risk and maximize the rewards.
 
Consider the points below for the best results when it comes to a career change:

Tips to Change Careers

Changing careers can be one of the most transformative decisions you’ll ever make. It requires a mix of self-reflection, research, and strategic planning. Whether you’re driven by burnout, lack of growth, or simply the desire for something more meaningful, it’s important to approach this process methodically. A well-planned transition allows you to align your strengths, values, and interests with new opportunities that genuinely excite you, rather than making a change out of frustration or impulse.

1. Know Why You Want That Career Change

You’re struggling to find fulfillment in your current career, but why is that? Regular long hours? Unsatisfying? Are you being underpaid for your level? Knowing the exact reason(s) why you want to switch careers will help you avoid the same problems in your next career.
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• Avoid taking the slightest opportunity to quit a career. Make an informed decision about your future and then plan accordingly.

2. Be Conscious of What You Want

 According to research, people tend to generally like their work. For the most part, the actual job isn’t very important. Instead, the license to be innovative, assisting others, and autonomy are some of the major factors. There are several careers out there that can offer you these possibilities.
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• Don’t give in to the misconception that you must land your dream job. There are multiple opportunities out there that would tick all the boxes.

3. Have Big But Realistic Ambitions

 Depending on your background and age, the time for becoming a professional trapeze artist or a ballerina may be long gone. You must realize that not every dream career is attainable.
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• Having unrealistic ambitions may leave you frustrated and can stifle progress.

4. Identify the Education and Skills Needed for Your New Career

Do you need a new certification? Degree? IT skills? Public speaking skills? What do you need to make this change a reality? Start to develop and gather the necessary skills or education as soon as possible.

5. Don't Quit Your Current Job Until You Secure a New One

This may not be very convenient, but if possible, avoid quitting your current job until you have a new one. You will be amazed at how fast a savings account can run dry when you aren’t making money.

• If you’ve been abruptly laid off, consider taking a job in the short term until your career transition is successful. Also, a job related to your new career would be perfect.

6. Anticipate the Possibility of Starting From Scratch

​You may currently be managing a department at a Fortune 500 company, but your first role as a computer programmer may put you in a shared office space, working with other interns on low-profile projects. The bigger the switch, the likelier it is that you’ll have to begin from the bottom of the ladder. You will have to step out of your comfort zone.

7. Establish Relationships and Contacts in Your Desired Field as Soon as Possible

​Do you have any connections in your potential career? Can you offer to volunteer or start as an intern? Is there a part-time position that you can apply for to learn the ropes? Given today’s digital media tools, it isn’t very difficult to connect with people, and with a bit of effort, you should soon revive your network or build a new one by connecting with recruiters and hiring managers.

Final Thought

Don’t decide to switch careers lightly. Think it through. Usually, you will only get one shot at changing careers! Identify what your present career is missing and settle for a career that satisfies all your needs. Keep in mind that your new career may mean that you have to initially start from scratch. But if you’re making the right choice, that possibility may be very rewarding.

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Source: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/need-a-career-change-read-this-first

About the Author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.
 
Feel free to connect with Mandy Fard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfard/
 
Please follow Market-Connections Resume Services on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-connections-resume-services.com​