This post is featured on behalf of Stacey White.
Changing careers can be a scary prospect for many people. Leaving a sense of security and safety behind as you explore other options is absolutely challenging. However, changing your career can be a life-affirming decision.
When you look at other people and wonder how they are change their careers, it might seem intimidating, but making smart, informed decisions also makes it a lot safer for you to do so.
Don’t Quit Just Yet
Some people might find that quitting their job and searching for their new calling in life is the best way forward, but for most people, this is a very troubling prospect. Everyone has bills to pay so quitting your job while not having another one lined up is likely a risky move. It might seem contradictory but not quitting the job you want to leave is a good move when looking for an alternative career.
This means that you are not applying for jobs or accepting jobs that you aren’t right for you. Having a job means you get to have the luxury to look for and apply to jobs that genuinely interest you, and you won’t be saying yes just because you need to pay the bills. If you are tempted to quit your current job and dive into the career hunting then go for it but for most people, it could be a potentially risky move, and one which is not necessary if you want to take control of your life.
Get Educated
If you are serious about changing your career, try looking into what qualifications you can get that might benefit you. There are many vocational courses available at colleges and universities that are available to take full-time, part-time or even evening classes might be available.
Learning about a subject from experts shows employers you are serious about your career change, and you are genuinely interested in the subject too. There are so many courses, make sure you check out ones that are available near you. Whether you want to learn more about a law firm that practices Defence Base Act representation, or you want to know what pathway to take to become a nurse, all of these options can be explored by taking courses. It is also a great way to bolster your resume and gain some knowledge and expertise about the new field you are planning and breaking into.
Work For Free
Usually we advocate against this, however, when you lack experience and knowledge in a field, a great way to get your foot in the door and learn more about an industry is to volunteer a few hours of your time in exchange for a behind-the-scenes look into an industry.
No matter how old you are, it is never too late to do some work shadowing or embark on an internship. This way you get to experience firsthand the industry you want to break into and see if you actually like it. You’ll learn new skills and make new connections that will help you if you decide to switch fields. If you find you don’t like it then you can always move on and try something else!
Make sure you consider taking on an internship or getting some work experience in a field you are interested in and figure out if this career is for you while gaining some valuable insights along the way.
If you know you want a career change but aren’t sure what you want…
Try Out Everything
Being open to new opportunities and experiences is essential if you want to find a career that is right for you. Trying out anything and everything that comes your way is great if you want to find something that will fulfill you.
Knowing what you don’t like and enjoy is just as important as knowing what you do like. What is it about your current career path that you want to change? What aspects of other career paths interest you? Trying lots of things out is really important in finding the right career path for you, and taking control of your life. It is always a process, however, so invest in the journey. Trying out anything and everything that comes your way is a fantastic way to figure out what is right for you and what career path is the best match for your passions and interests.
Evaluate Your Current Job
If you are unhappy with your current job, it can be useful to know why you are leaving it so you can avoid having the same problem with future jobs. Writing down what you like and what you are looking for can be a useful step in moving forward in your career. What has helped you to realize your potential in this job? What kind of organization can help you flourish? Asking these kinds of questions and evaluating your current job can help you to know what to look for next, and what will suit you in the future.
Here are just a few ways you can change your career and in turn, take control of your life. It is by no means an easy thing to do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. Many people are held back from making this change, so don’t be one of those people that don’t realize their full potential. Taking some of these steps can help you figure out what you want to do next, and by doing so you could stumble across something you really enjoy.