Just the thought of how daunting it is to step out of your comfort zone and pursue a new career is enough to scare anyone off. But, there are times when a new career is necessary. Staying in a career that isn’t right for you can lead to misery and later regret. It’s important to follow your gut feelings when it comes to your career. So, here are some of the things you’ll need to do to ensure you’re in the right job.
Admit it
When going to work makes you unhappy, it’s easy to brush it off. Everyone hates their job, don’t they? Everyone has bad days? That isn’t necessarily true. In fact, if you find a job you love, where you feel appreciated and challenged, the good days far outweigh the bad. One of the first steps to getting a new career is admitting that you aren’t happy in your current one and you need to make a change. Once you’ve decided that you want to move on, you can begin to make a plan.
Don’t Look for Any Old Job
Just because you know you want a change in career, it doesn’t mean you should apply for the first different job you find. Now is the time to really think about what you want. Consider different career choices. Write down your skills and passions and see what jobs they apply to. If you work in a career that you’re passionate about, you’re far more likely to enjoy it. Every job has its downsides; it wouldn’t be called a job otherwise. But, you should be able to see value in what you’re doing and feel proud of the things you achieve.
Online Learning
Many adults don’t change career because they feel like it’s too late. It’s never too late! Even if you have to study to get the qualifications you need to make the change, it’s not unreachable. One of the most recent aids in allowing adults to change career is online learning. So, if you want to get a finance MBA, you don’t have to quit your job and go back to school full-time. You can study in your own time, at your own pace and still get the qualifications you need while working. Online learning also means you have a huge choice of subjects to choose from.
Make Connections
Don’t be afraid to tell people about your plans. Ok, it may not be wise to tell your boss that you’re thinking about a change in career but you’ll be able to tell family and friends. Sometimes, it’s not a case of what you know but who you know. You never know what kind of connections people have until you open your mouth. You could tell your friend you’re interested in hairdressing and find out their cousin has just opened a salon is looking for trainees.
Switching to a new career may not be easy but it’s certainly worth it. Leave no stone unturned and explore all of your options so you make the right choice.
