Just about everyone will go through a career change at one time or another during their lives. Whether they are changes that happen based on your internal desires or the marketplace mayhem, you will be way ahead of the pack if you start to take action now. Don't assume because you've been in the company for a long time that you will not have to go through changes in market forces. Many people who assumed are not working or work dead-end jobs they took in order to survive. Even if you are very happy with your current job, you may still see a career change in your future.



Most people have two or three career changes in their lifetime. If you think that the career you started in may not be forever, it is a good idea to be proactive about your career changes. If you plan for the eventual possibility of a layoff, an extended illness, a corporate takeover, a company bankruptcy, or any other number of potential disruptions of your present career, you can make the transition easier for yourself.

Keep a file of items like your five-year plan, updated resumes, cover letters, business cards, your network and an emergency fund ready in the event of a career change. By doing the research ahead of time on possible career choices that include your skills, you have the choice during a career change to find work in your area of expertise or try your hand in another field using the same skills or those that you gathered while you were in your job.

You should have several copies of your resume. One should be in Word format and have all the format most resumes contain. One should also be electronic and be used for online submissions. It's also wise to have a functional resume instead of a traditional one, if you have a lot of years of experience that may make you seem dated instead of fresh. This way you can list your skills by job experience rather than dates, making you look younger at least on paper.

Together, with your professional network and other things you do to be ready for a career change, you will realize that having an emergency fund is one of the wisest decisions you can make. You will have to pay your bills while you make the change from one job to another. You will have to cover transportation costs to interviews and continue to present a professional image, while having no income in many cases.

You will also want to build a professional network. Start to put together a network of professional contacts outside the company as well as on the inside. You never know where your next job lead will come from, but it will most likely be from an individual who knows someone trying to fill a position. Having a network with the right people will create opportunities when they are necessary. Remember, being prepared ahead of time helps you not only advance in your career but also helps reduce the stress involved in career change.