flickr.com/landii
Think how dull life would be if it weren’t for change. Life is all about changes: in our selves, in our relationships, and in our professions. In reality, there will come a point along your career path when you’ll be facing a change. When it occurs, grab onto the opportunity and run with it!
Career transformation is a natural life progression. Many studies reveal that average job seekers will change careers several times over the course of his or her lifetime. Facing career changes can be unsettling, but following an easy six-step plan can keep you grounded and on the path to success.
Step One: Evaluate your likes and dislikes
Decide what you really love to do, and what you could do without. Many people change careers because of the elements they dislike; for example, their boss, their organization, or even the type of work they do. It is essential to identify exactly what it is you’re unhappy about. You may think it’s your boss, when in fact, it’s actually the work itself.
On the other hand, you can’t possibly know what career path to take unless you consider your likes. What is it that you really love to do? What’s the best thing about your current profession? What is your true passion? What is it that you do for fun? If you could have any occupation, what would it be? Ask yourself these questions, and answer honestly. If you’ve examined your likes and dislikes, but you’re still not sure what career path to take, consider taking a career assessment. The secret is investing in the time to rediscover yourself, and using your self-assessment to steer your new career search.
Step Two: Research new careers
Once you’ve discovered your passion, spend some time researching the types of careers that will focus on those particular interests and skills. Don’t worry if you’re feeling unsure or insecure. This is a healthy and natural part of the career change process. Visit the library or career centers, research online, or speak with professionals in that line of business. Find as much data as you can. The amount of research you do will show how badly you want a career change.
Step Three: Know your transferable skills
Recognize your present skills, and leverage some of that well-earned experience into your new career. There are many skills that you hold right now that are applicable and transferable to your potential new career. Make a list of the skills and experience you already possess, and those that will be needed in your new profession. Chances are you’ll be surprised to see that you already hold a solid amount of knowledge and talent to apply to your new career.
Step Four: Education and training
Career changes normally require training or upgrading. Depending on the path that you pick, you’ll likely find it necessary to update your skills and broaden your knowledge. Sign up for a course or two, just to ensure that this is a career you’ll really enjoy. Take it slowly, and learn everything there is to learn so that you can start your new career on the right foot. If the skill that you require to learn is one that could be applied in your current profession, look into training courses that your employer might cover financially. If you need to obtain a new degree or certification, validate the accreditation of the school you choose, and check their placement success.
Step Five: Networking.
One of the real keys to successfully changing careers, in fact, will be your ability to network successfully. People in your existing network of coworkers, family members, friends and associates may be able to give you job leads, offer you advice or provide information about particular companies or industries. Broaden your network by requesting the people you already know to introduce you to others. Professional organizations are an excellent means to expand a network. Consider joining a professional organization or a service club, involving people in your field of interest. Get in touch with college alumni who are working in the field to see if they can provide leads or advice.
Step Six: Be flexible
Career changes can be sudden and unplanned, so you need to be prepared to adapt to possible changes. You will need to be flexible in your employment status and seniority, and maybe even areas like salary or residence. You need to decide how badly you want the career change, and how far you are willing to bend to make it come true. Set positive goals for yourself, but expect setbacks or changes. Don’t let unplanned changes reduce your positive outlook. In fact, even lateral moves can turn into complete career turnarounds. You may take a similar job with a different company, and find that your new forward-thinking supervisor wants to promote you.
If you’re considering a career change, think it through and take the time to make it happen. Then, when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll be prepared to grab on and run with it.
Tagged with: career planning • home business • work from home
Filed under: Home Business - MYO