Are you feeling stuck or stagnant in your current career? Are you getting by in a financial sense, but unhappy with your life’s trajectory? If so, a career change may be the right move for you. And while changing careers can be challenging, not to mention frightening, the advantages are often well worth the effort. From enhanced professional satisfaction to better overall quality of life, the right career can improve your well being in a number of ways.
So, if you feel like making a major move in your life and career, keep reading for tips on choosing the professional path that will suit your needs, lifestyle and skill level.
Tip # 1: Know Yourself
The most important part of changing career paths is knowing, beyond the shadow of a doubt, what it is you want to do with your life. This is no time for snap decisions or settling for a dissatisfying career all in the name of a steady paycheck.
If you know what you want, congratulations. If you’re unsure, consider this question: What type of career would you choose if money were not a consideration? Would you help the needy? Would you teach? Would you spend your days researching diseases and possible cures? Would you write, make music or create art? Once you figure out what makes you tick, you’re better equipped to choose a rewarding career.
Tip #2: Be Realistic
While it’s nice to know that, figuratively speaking, the sky is the limit, being realistic is important as well. For example, if you’ve decided to be an artist, you can’t expect to be offered a solo exhibit overnight. However, that’s not to say you shouldn’t set the bar high and have complete faith in yourself; just remember, a successful, fulfilling career is one that suits your particular set of skills and expectations.
Tip #3: Explore Your Options
Once you have an idea in mind, spend some time brainstorming your options in a particular field. For example, if you know you want to go into nursing, you should explore available healthcare career info to decide which path is right for you. Do you want to work with children? Would you prefer specializing as a respiratory therapist or ICU nurse? Figure out which niche is right for you, then take the ball and run with it. Sites like Atkins Careers offer a wide array of job to browse for the one that fits you best.
Tip #4: Formulate a Plan
Odds are, you don’t have the financial security to just quit your job and hope for the best. Instead, start planning as soon as you realize you want to make a change. Start saving money, research job availability, sign up for classes, and do whatever else you need to do in preparing for your professional transformation. Also, it’s a good idea to set concrete professional goals, and list the steps you plan on taking in achieving them. While this can take some time, just remember that it will pay off in the long run.
If you are planning on going back to school, then research different benefits offered by some employers. Occasionally, some jobs have been known to even offer tuition reimbursement because it saves them money on the cost of hiring a new worker. They also want to invest in their employees, so that they can reap the benefits later on in your career. Seeking out jobs that offer these benefits can help your plan run smoothly, while allowing you to increase your knowledge in the industry. Keep in mind that attending an online university provides you with more flexibility and could make it more likely that your employer will consider your proposal. Planning ahead can only benefit you when it comes to finding your perfect career.
Tip #5: Network
When it comes to getting a job or changing careers, building a solid professional network is extremely helpful. When you’ve decided on a particular field, start tapping into resources in the form of friends, family members, college pals, professors, etc. These types of acquaintances can prove invaluable when it comes to references, professional advice, job openings and so much more.
Changing career paths can seem like an impossible dream; however, when armed with determination and the right information, you can make that change, successfully and efficiently. Good luck on transforming your career and enhancing every aspect of your life!
You hit all the key tips. Switching careers is not a simple task, but it can be done. Being realistic is an important one because a lot of things are easier said than done and you don’t want to get caught short handed. Planning and preparation go a long way.
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