Changing Career

Are you considering a new career? Maybe you can’t take another uneventful day in the office, and are looking for an exciting alternative, or the economic downturn has forced you into considering a new career with more secure prospects?  Whatever your situation, changing career takes a lot of commitment and willingness to take a calculated risk, so it is important to figure out exactly what it is you want to do and the reasons why, and then start planning ahead.

Do I need a change?

There is a big difference between a couple of bad days in the office and constantly feeling unhappy, dissatisfied or burnt-out at work. Many of us encounter regular irritants at work, often involving computers and printers refusing to perform the most basic of functions, and we have all been tempted to deliver a deadly blow to the recalcitrant machine before marching out of office, never to return. But in reality, there is no career without its daily challenges and obstructions. An everyday feeling of unhappiness and frustration with your daily tasks is a truer indication that you’re ready for a career change.

Know thyself

Think carefully about the career area that would reignite your withered passions. Knowing what makes us a tick represents a big step toward discovering which career will fascinate and inspire us. What are your strengths and interests? If you can find a job that combines the two, so much the better – it means you’re less likely to ever want to change profession again! For example, someone who is good with children and enjoys being around them might well thrive in a childcare role. It may be useful to embark on an evening course or two to get you started – this way you can really see how interested you are in the subject matter and weigh up whether it is the right career path for you. If you are still in doubt as to which career direction to take, why not consider seeking professional career guidance to help you make up your mind?

Planning

When it comes to changing careers, planning ahead is imperative. It is often said that a change is as good as a holiday, but even holidays require a certain amount of planning, careful consideration and budgeting. In this way, the more research you do into your proposed career and the more realistic your expectations of achieving your goals, the better equipped you are to land your dream job and enjoy your journey along the way! After all, it is not going to happen overnight. Research the job opportunities in your intended career area and its demand for people like you. Ask yourself what you can bring to this industry – all your previous achievements and experience need to be pored over for any possible relevance to your new career. For instance if your going for a job in the media, now’s the time to place the fact that you once penned a published article prominently on your CV.

Challenges

Be prepared for what your long-term goal may mean for you in the short-term. Most changes of career mean that you will have to re-train or gain a qualification in that industry. Ask yourself if you are ready and willing to commit to an evening course for three years, and whether your financial and personal circumstances will enable you to see it through to the end. Investing in your future means you will have to put in time and effort and you may suffer some initial financial setbacks – such as the cost of your studies and the possibility of starting your new career on a lower salary than what you are currently used to – so you will need to be doubly sure that it is the right choice for you.

A viable alternative

For those who will need to commute from home to work, and then from work to an evening class on the other side of town, and then home again, there is another option to consider: distance learning. Distance learning – or e Learning – is, as the name suggests, the delivery of educational programmes via the internet. Virtual classrooms and the flexibility of being able to study when you want to, makes distance learning an increasingly popular method of study for a wide range of qualifications. It is important, however, to make sure you check the accreditation of distance learning courses very carefully - as some 'qualifications' may not actually be worth the email it arrives in.

Get experienced

A great way to test your commitment to – and interest in – your intended career is to gain some essential work experience in the field. For example, if you are serious about training to be a nurse, take up a voluntary post as a care assistant in a nursing home, while would-be journalists can start writing a blog. Do whatever you can to get the experience you need. At least this way you will know if you like it, if it’s what you expected, and if it’s right for you. Use your work experience as a way to test the waters and see if the work is as enjoyable, challenging and rewarding as you had imagined it to be. Gaining work experience is also a great way to impress potential employers when you start attending interviews.

Taking the step

Once you’ve decided what you want to do and you are happy that you know what to expect and what it will take, go for it! Remember – you will already have many transferable skills that you can take with you from one career to another, such as communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. These skills and a real desire to succeed in your new career industry will give you the headstart you need on your path to realising true career satisfaction.


Ten people who were glad they made the leap:

1. Ricky Gervais: Pop Singer – Comedian
2. Madonna: House Cleaner – Singer
3. Michael O’Leary: Newsagent – Airline CEO
4. Danny DeVito: Hairdresser – Actor
5. Elvis Presley: Truck Driver – Singer
6. Ian Wright: Plasterer – Footballer
7. Anita Roddick: Teacher – Entrepreneur
8. Sean Connery: Coffin Polisher – Actor
9. Jerry Seinfeld: Telesales – Comedian
10. Alan Sugar: Civil Servant – Entrepreneur

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