Did you know that the average person changes their career six times in their working life? There are many different reasons why a person would decide to switch careers- they may be laid off at their current job, a dream job may come along, people in a committed relationship may find themselves having to consider new prospects due to a change in location of the job of the other partner, or someone may just become plain bored in their current career, to the point where it feels like there is no point to the day. Career changes are not a bad thing, but they need to be planned according to the circumstances of your life, in such a way that you will still have the funds coming in which you need to survive.
Most of us will spend our lives hoping for the ideal job, but this will rarely materialize. The fact is, almost all jobs have their pitfalls- we may scoff at actors of musicians who complain about their long workdays or schedules, pointing to their pay checks, but the fact is that many jobs that offer lucrative incomes also entail a lot of dedication and hard work in order to get to the top. When you are defining your dream job, remember that almost every job comes with its downside, even if that downside is only the repetitiveness of the day.
A career change does not necessarily have to entail extensive retraining. Many people who have lost their jobs through layoffs or downsizing will find that their skills are still in demand, and that their experience is very useful in finding a new career. If you do not feel like retraining, consider a job with a different company where your skills fit. If you want to get right out of the corporate area, the odds are good that you can find a niche for yourself as an independent consultant or another area in which your expertise will add to your marketability.
Some people decide that they in fact do desire a total 360 degree turn from their current career path. In such circumstances, it is again best to begin by shopping the skills obtained at your former job only applied to new markets. You may also want to consider some retraining through college or university courses. There are many training courses available online, so people often do not even have to leave their homes in order to obtain the skills necessary to their new careers.
Whatever your decision, remember that it is always easier to find a new job when you are not desperate for one. Take the time to think through your decisions and applications carefully before severing ties with your current job; you may be ready for a change, but you will still have to eat in the meantime! In the event that your company has been downsized or other circumstance that has led to being laid off, find out if there are any contingency plans in place for retraining through the company or through any of the levels of government. This can provide a good financial buffer for that in-between time.
Looking For A Career Change
You never know, you might even find a whole new career is waiting for you just around the office corner, simply minutes away.
So, opening your mind, taking the time, finding and using good information to help you, will make establishing yourself in a completely new career an exciting prospect and can give you a whole new challenge, sparking off new energies, as well as new opportunities!
You see, over 60% of employees want to change job, but, sadly, they don't know how and stick at the one they've got, for too long. So, it's vital to identify and recognise the signs to move on. Boredom, lack of motivation, sickness and general tiredness are just a few of the indicators that will help you realize you need a change.
Then its time to imagine how your life would be if you had a job that more suited who you are, rather than be a square peg squeezing into a tight round hole. And would you recognise it if an opportunity to change job arose? How tempting would it be to avoid change and to just sit back, comfortable in your discomfort.
Occasionally there are much more unfortunate indicators. Having to experience poor behaviors from a boss who doesn't care, of picks on you and even bullies you, is a dreadful thing to go through. Of course the secondary symptoms are like those mentioned above, but what are the deeper, mental strains?
Or do you simply want to enjoy work more and, shock upon shock have fun! Its vital to enjoy work that is both challenging and stimulating, supported by a workplace environment which allows you to be stretched with the safe knowledge that you will not be allowed to fall. The safety net enables you to take risks, learn from them and then grow further.
Without such an experience many will grow bored or fearful, neither of which makes work an enjoyable experience. So, to enjoy your work-life by taking your job seriously, as well as being able to relax when you are not working, safe in the knowledge that you've done well and developed your skills, is vitally important.
Remember, life is not all about work. The balance that a great work life as well as an enjoyable home life brings is immeasurable. With many people finding that they spend more wakening hours at the workplace than at home, it is critical for wellbeing that the workplace gives you all you need too.
Indeed, it is possible with the wrong experience for your work to impinge on home life to a detrimental effect. Which affects others in your family and does no-one any good.
Just a little thinking around whether your work gives you the best experience is enough to start you off. The ideas in this piece are intended to trigger in you some ideas; some thinking that will prove a starting point for you to get to a new and happier life in the kind of job you've always dreamt about.
For us all, a new, revitalized career is just around the corner, waiting for us. If you think its only a dream that is beyond you, give yourself a chance - stretch your imagination that it can come true.
If you take a little time to relax, review the opportunities and let yourself go, trusting yourself that what you want and need in your work experience will come.
A new career path is quite a challenge to take, and then again, those who have made the journey most often feel its been worth it in the end.
Both Herb Lazarus & Martin Haworth 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.
Herb Lazarus has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Career Change and Financial Planning. Chester Smith maintains a website dedicated to helping people find a better job.. Herb Lazarus's top article generates over 9900 views. Bookmark Herb Lazarus to your Favourites.
Martin Haworth has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Interview Questions and Team Building. (c) 2007 "How To Land Your Dream Job". You can have the job of your dreams. It takes application, attention and the information you need to get you there, young or old. There's all you need at Martin Haworth's website,. Martin Haworth's top article generates over 3350000 views. Bookmark Martin Haworth to your Favourites.
