Everything in life might be going well; you might be able to lead a decent life with the salary you get, the children can go to school and even if your spouse doesn't work the house still manages on your paycheck. But, deep inside there may be a voice that says something isn't right. The current job you have isn't the one you enjoy doing. Listen to that voice, especially if it starts affecting your work and you cannot concentrate.
Think of alternative jobs that you could do instead of your present one. The career change you decide on can turn out to be the most exciting in your life.
Here are a few do's and don'ts to keep on mind when changing your career:
Do's
-Planning a career change is difficult and it is best to have a plan. Think long and hard before making any decision, as this will affect your career in the long run.
-Since you are making a change, consider a job that is not similar to the present one. Also consider careers which make optimum use of your interests and skills.
-Network with people through friends and business associates. This is the best way of finding out about the industry you would like to join.
-Consult a friend or someone who has knowledge of the industry and can act as a mentor, advising you and helping you to focus on your goals.
-If your chosen field requires additional qualifications, think of ways you can do it and the course you could opt for.
-If possible, try to work part-time for the job you want. This can help you understand the intricacies of the new job.
-When you start working on the new job you should take time to adapt to the new surroundings and system of working.
-When you quit a job, leave on a positive note. Keeping good relations with your past employers will help you in the future.
Don'ts
-Don't have too many expectations from the job; you could be disappointed if things don't turn out the way you thought.
-Don't discuss your plans for a change of career with your office colleagues until you have a solid offer in writing.
-Don't be dazzled by the glamour and big money that some jobs offer. What you should to look for is job satisfaction and a secure future.
-Don't expect a career change to be instant; it might take more time than you expect.
-Don't leave your current job until you have another one in hand. You never know how long finding the job of your choice will take. If it takes longer than expected, you may have to consider paying bills from your savings.
Do away with all your inhibitions about making a successful career change. Your job and how you perceive it has an effect on you, your family and your future.
Career Change To Education
Why do people change careers? The two main reasons are:
* The industry or occupation becomes obsolete (or is outsourced overseas)
* Job dissatisfaction (If you dread going to work on Monday morning, you're probably in this category.)
What makes a career change so difficult? After all, most job seekers attempting a career change know exactly why they would do well in a new profession or industry. The problem comes down to communication. Most job seekers have difficulty communicating in their resume their ability to excel in a new career. Resumes, by definition, focus on career experience (history), but career changers need employers to see their expertise (current skills) in order to be viewed as a viable candidate.
If you are attempting a career change, it becomes easier when you understand the ABC's of career change:
A: Assess
B: Bridge
C: Communicate
Assess what you want changed.
Before you can make a successful change, you must decide what needs changing. Is it the duties you perform? Your overbearing boss? Your current geographic location? The industry you work in? The size of company you work for? The level of responsibility you hold? Once you pinpoint your exact source of unhappiness, you're on your way to making the correct choice for change.
Bridge the gap between what you've done and what you want to do.
The key to selling yourself based on your expertise rather than your experience is transferable skills. Transferable skills work like bridges to help you cross over from one industry to another or one occupation to another. Transferable skills are those skills you now possess that qualify you as a viable candidate for your career change.
Communicate your ability to excel in your new profession or industry.
Your resume is your front-line communication tool to prospective employers. No matter how well you interview, if your resume doesn't sell you, there won't be an opportunity to convince them in person. Use your accomplishments to prove the strength of your transferable skills, and you'll get interviews faster and with more enthusiasm.
An experienced career coach can help you apply these ABCs to your current resume and your interview skills. Once you practice the ABCs of career change you'll be on your way to changing your career and changing your life-for the better!
Both Tony Jacowski & Deborah Walker are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tony Jacowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from University, Six Sigma and Information Technology. Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigm. Tony Jacowski's top article generates over 90500 views. Bookmark Tony Jacowski to your Favourites.
Deborah Walker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Career Change, Prospects and Recent Graduate. Deborah Walker, Certified Career Management Coach is uniquely qualified to help job seekers through career change. Her background as former executive recruiter and veteran career management professional provides an insider's perspective on the challenges. Deborah Walker's top article generates over 8100 views. Bookmark Deborah Walker to your Favourites.
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