You think it’s time to make a career shift? You’ll have a happier life if you follow our nine-step career change plan.
You have decided to make a career change. Let’s take a look at some reasons why you might be considering a career shift.
Maybe you’re looking for a job with a better salary? Perhaps you are looking for a job that offers a better work-life balance. Perhaps you are bored with your current job and want to find a new career. Maybe you are looking for a career that allows you to travel more? Perhaps you want more chances to make a difference. You want to combine your career and other interests. You must make sure that you are looking for a career change and not another employer in the same field.
No matter what the reason, you’ve made the most important step: You have decided to make your career transition a reality.
Now what? Let’s take a look at a nine-point career change action plan to help you make your career transition!
1) Choose your next career
If you are assuming that your career move would allow you to get more enjoyment from your work time, you should first assess what you enjoy doing.
2) Experience and skills for career changes
Now you are clear about what you want from your career transition. You now need to assess whether or not you have the skills and experience necessary for your new job.
3) Training to start a new career
We would all be in our dream jobs if we made a career switch that was easy. What is holding us back? Maybe it’s the additional skills we need to become credible in our new careers. Training doesn’t have to be job-related. There are many ways to gain the skills and experience that you need for your career transition.
4) Accepting a salary cut to support your career transition
Maybe your main motivation for changing careers is to make more money. If this is the case, great! However, it’s wise to gather as much information about your new career as possible to ensure you make more money. You may have to take a pay cut if your career move is not motivated by making more money.
5) Finance your career transition
Sometimes, your career transition may not be possible without some paid work. You should not only tighten your belt but also review your financial situation, including your loans and mortgages. Switching credit cards can help you save money and gain other benefits.
6) Relocating
Maybe your primary reason for changing careers is to move to a place with lower living costs, better schools or a warmer climate. Although it might not, your career move may require you to relocate – there aren’t many opportunities to teach ski in San Diego.
7) Change your career without changing your employer
Do not assume you have to change your employer in order to make a career change. Take a look around to see if you can achieve your career goals where you are currently working.
8) Find a new employer
Every job seeker is familiar with the many ways that you can find an employer. These include online job boards, employer directories, and classified ads. However, many jobs are not listed on job boards or in classified ads because they fill quickly!
You must build a strong network for the career you want to change.
9) Refresh your job-hunting skills
If you have been in your current job for a while, chances are that your job-hunting skills may be quite outdated. You might only have one chance to make a career change.
10) Being flexible in order to realize your career goals
Now that you have made the most important step, choose to make a career shift. Don’t rush! It might take you a while to figure out what career you want and build the network skills and experience to help you get there. Do not settle for anything less than perfect. Otherwise, you will have to go through the entire career change process all over again.