Over the last few years through my work in adult education I have met more and more peole who have decided on a radical career change. And far from the cliché of the mid-life crisis, we find that people are making this decision for many different reasons and may be aged anywhere between 25 and 60 years of age, or older.
People may decide to change careers because:
- they are becoming disillusioned with their current profession or career
- they have lost interest in their current role
- they feel they have gone as far as they are able in their current role
- they are seeking a better life-work balance
- they would like to earn a living out of something they love doing, perhaps currently a hobby.
Today, career change is becoming the norm rather than the exception, with many studies showing that the average person will change careers (not just jobs) several times over the course of their working life.
If you are considering a career change, you may find the following steps useful as you navigate your way through the process.
Step 1: Take some time to rediscover yourself. If your main reason for considering a career change is dissatisfaction with your current situation, it's important to step back and assess your situation objectively. What it is about the situation that is really causing the problem - the job, the boss, the company, the profession itself? Are there any aspects of your current role that you still enjoy? These can give you a clue about which direction to take next. It may be that factors outside work are causing the problem - perhaps you don't have enough time with your family, or to follow your other interests. Sometimes when you have completed this step you will realise that a drastic career change is not the answer. Switching to flexible or part-time working may give you the freedom you need to create a better work-life balance. Shifting to a different area of your profession may reinvigorate your interest and enthusiasm.
Step 2: Explore alternatives. If you decide that a career change really is what you need, the next stage is to explore your interests and enthusiasms in more depth. What really gets you firing on all cylinders? Explore possible careers around your interests. You can find useful career information on the Learndirect website - this is an independent, government funded website offering a range of resources, including career advice and over 700 job profiles. It also includes advice on the training required for each career.
Step 3: Assess your current skills and experience. Even if you are planning to move into a very different career area, you may be surprised at how many of your current skills and experiences are relevant. Make the most of these as they can provide a strong foundation for your career change. Sometimes current skills can provide a stepping stone into a new career area. Louise worked in a big marketing agency and had decided to change careers completely, building on her keen interest in gardening, she planned to start her own landscaping company. She realised that retraining was essential. Her first step was a new job as marketing officer of a large landscaping and design company. This gave her the opportunity to learn more about the industry while completing her horticultural training on a part-time basis.
Step 4: Obtain further training. Often career change will require some retraining or updating of current skills. It may be possible to obtain funding for some of your training from your current employer, especially if your current career shares some similarities with the new one. There are many options available that allow you to train and work full-time as well. These include distance learning courses as well as part-time college or university courses. Introductory courses are a good way to test the water and ensure you really have made the right career choice. Sometimes a subject that you love as a hobby can lose it's lustre when it becomes a career and you have to earn living from it.
Step 5: Work experience. Another way of finding out more about your chosen career is to obtain a part-time job or volunteer in your new area. This is a good way of learning more about the industry and making contacts, as well as helping to confirm that this really is the right choice for you.
Step 6: Be open-minded. Flexibility is important. Starting in a new career often means starting from the bottom of the ladder again. You will almost certainly need to take a salary cut as well as a cut in your status at work. You may also need to relocate. Set clear goals and be prepared for the odd setback. Think of it this way, if you were having a new kitchen fitted you would expect a bit of mess and disruption, it's an inevitable part of the process, and the same is true when making life changes too. But however well-prepared you are, such drastic change can be tough at times. It's important to have support network in place - whether a mentor in your new workplace or supportive friends or loved ones. Also keep in mind a clear vision of your long-term goals, it will help you to stay focused through the difficult spells.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I can't delete my browser settings, help.. when I ...
By: mathius78 | 24-07-2008
I can't delete my browser settings, help.. when I select tools, delete history, nothing happens. Also, my folder options won't allow me to view hidden files...
Http://www.luggage.com/Solo-464-4-USL1051.html
By: yousaf | 23-07-2008
I forgit pasward ples halp me ! HOW I OPEN SOLO BAG LOCK?
>>>> http://www.luggage.com/Solo-464-4-USL1051.html
2005 1600 vulcan nomad
By: destiny | 23-07-2008
what locks in the last plate on the 2005 clutch assembley on a 1600 kawasaki vulcan motorcycle
How do you change your alterative email address on ...
By: Brooke :] | 22-07-2008
How do you change your alterative email address on aol ?
Lonely
By: Richard | 22-07-2008
Is there a dating service for men to date women who had a complete sex change
State inspector of cosmetology
By: Helen | 22-07-2008
I was trying to find info on how to become a state inspector for cosmetology in the state of mass and where to apply in boston
Q&A Powered by:
More from Linda Pollitt
Working as a Copywriter
By: Linda Pollitt | 19/08/2007 | Copywriting
Copywriting is an exciting and varied field offering a wide range of opportunities in many different media. This article explores the possibilities of a copywriting career, and considers the importance of a strong portfolio.
Competitor Intelligence and your Business
By: Linda Pollitt | 19/08/2007 | Marketing
Competitor Intelligence is not only for the big corporations, it can be invauable for small and medium-sized businesses too, as this article shows.
Understanding Childhood Anxiety
By: Linda Pollitt | 07/07/2007 | Parenting
Anxiety symptoms and disorders are a significant health problem in all developed countries. According to recent data, around 25% of adults will experience an anxiety disorders at some time. The frequency in children is unknown, but felt to be significantly under-reported and under-diagnosed.
Encouraging Children's Language Development
By: Linda Pollitt | 07/07/2007 | Parenting
There is much parents and carers can do to help children explore language and develop their language skills. This article explores a range of practical ideas.
Understanding Children's Learning Styles
By: Linda Pollitt | 07/07/2007 | Parenting
Understanding a child's learning style can help us to offer them the most appropriate learning opportunites and support their learning effectively throughout their pre-school and school years.
Developing your Business: Creating your Core Team 2
By: Linda Pollitt | 07/07/2007 | Small Business
Following on from article 1 this article shows you how to identify the most suitable person for each role in your core management team.
Developing your Business: Creating your Core Team 1
By: Linda Pollitt | 07/07/2007 | Small Business
These two articles explore the development of an effective management team for the developing business. Although many small businesses begin with only one or two members of staff - the founders - most growing businesses quickly recognise the need to create a larger team. Not only can this spread the workload but a well-selected team can bring in more energy, creativity, drive and knowledge than the founder alone might possess.
Creating a Competitive Advantage for your Business
By: Linda Pollitt | 07/07/2007 | Small Business
Learn how to identify and communicate your business's competitive advantage following this straightforward advice.
Careers 
