Are you looking for more than just a better job? Are you looking for more rewarding profession, one than better aligns with your skills, interests, values and plans for the future? If so, be prepared to face a lot of reflection and planning. It's important to take a serious look at the many possibilities and outcomes before you jump into a new career or field. Consider these tips as you make a transition from your present career to your next:
Have a clear plan:
The smartest move that you can make is carefully map out an effective career-changes strategy. This should include a detailed action plan that takes into consideration finances, research, education, and training. Keep in mind that a successful career change can take several months or longer to accomplish, so patience is key.
Wait for the right time:
The best time to consider a new career is when you are safely ensconced in your existing position. It goes without saying that a steady pay cheque can relieve a lot of pressure. There are many ways to take steps toward your new career path; you can volunteer or offer yourself as a freelancer or consultant. This can help you to test the waters in your desired new field.
Be sure of your reasons:
Just because you're unhappy in your current job isn't strong enough reason to make a total career break. Carefully analyse whether it is your actual career you dislike or whether your employer, supervisor. or office situation is the problem.
Do your research:
Be sure to examine all possibilities before attempting a career jump. Talk to people in your network: read career and job profiles; meet with a career management professional. The more information with which you arm yourself beforehand, the more successful you will be.
Decide what's important:
This is the best time for thought self-reflection.Ask yourself what it is you really want to do with the rest of your life. take an honest inventory of your likes and dislikes, and evaluate your skills, values and personal interests. Many people who are looking to change careers do to so find a balance between their personal and professional lives, to accomplish the right mix of meaning and money. You may want to consider consulting a career coach and/ or taking a career assessment test.
Examine your qualification:
Do you have the necessary experience and education to be considered a qualified candidate in your desired career field? If not, you need to find a way to bridge the credentials gap. This might mean making your goal more long-term while you go back to school or receive additional training.
Learn about the industry:
Get a feel for the field that interests you. Read industry journals, attend conferences, and talk to people in the profession about what target industry has grown potential. Trade magazines, organizations, and entrepreneurs have created a slew of websites that offer searchable databases where job openings in many specific industries are listed. Start looking at these sites on a regular basis.
Develop your network:
Begin nurturing professional friendships early and tend them regularly. Professional organization and job industry trade associations are good place to start. Many of them hold networking events and jobs fairs.
Update your job skills:\It is especially important to polish up your job-0hunting skills and techniques before you get out there and start networking. Make sure you are using your time and resources as effectively as possible.
Pay your dues:
Don't expect begin at the same level of seniority in your career that you held in your old one. It will take time to move up the ranks, but if you find a new career that you absolutely love, it will be worth it.
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