Changing Careers Made Easy
At some point in your life, you're going to need to make a career change. Maybe you want to go into art production or marketing design. Or perhaps you wanted to be a chef and found out it was too hard, so now you're trying acting on your long-term dream of starring in Hollywood blockbusters.
This blog post will show what the important steps are for making these changes and how they can have a dramatic impact on both your professional and personal life.
Saying Goodbye to Your Old Job
It's important to remember that you'll be saying goodbye to your old job and your co-workers. This can cause feelings of nervousness and anxiety. Things are going to change, perhaps drastically. It's important not only to enjoy this time but also to make the best of it by following these steps:
Let Go
Remind yourself that everything happens for a reason. If you're trying a new field then it's because you're meant to be there. If you didn't get the promotion you wanted then maybe it was never meant for you. By letting go and starting over, you will find new opportunities that are better suited for your personality and interests. Your new job will be an opportunity to really express yourself and give your skills more exposure.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
It's easy for people to think that moving into a new field is a bad thing, but that's not accurate. By keeping a positive attitude you'll be able to bounce back from any bumps along the road. You don't want to lose sight of the fact that this is an amazing and exciting time in your life and you hope to find success in this new career endeavor.
Continue with Your New Job Training
There are countless different levels of education that you can get throughout your career. If you're just starting out, then you might be able to get the help from your current employer. There are also many different support groups that are available for people who are looking to make these changes in their life. These groups can help you get past the initial hurdles and allow you to progress with security.
Volunteer Your Time
If you need to go back to school or complete additional job training courses before applying for new jobs, then volunteer your time doing this while working at your current job. In addition, this will help you be more prepared when it's time to start searching for a new position.
There are countless ways to say goodbye to your old job and make starting over into a positive experience. Whether you volunteer your time at a local soup kitchen or join a support group for people who want to change careers, you can use these steps to keep your mind on the future.
Be Ready for an Upsetting Change in Pay
You might not like it but when you change careers, you will likely have smaller paychecks. The simple fact of the matter is that even if you have the same skills and education, new jobs in new fields will pay less than ones in established industries. The transition may cause a bit of a shock, but don't let it keep you from making this change. There are plenty of resources that can help you transition and get to the next step in your career path.
Find Your Ideal Career
It's important to have an ideal career goal in mind while you're still working in your old job. If you don't know what your passions are, then it will be hard to find your ideal job match. It's important that you're able to follow through on these goals and if you're able to, then this will be a successful endeavor for you.
Be Aware of What You're Asking for and Accepting
It's important to always bring up the fact that you are happy with your current job when you change careers. You deserve to be treated fairly and even if someone says that you're overpaid, then say it's okay. If the work is too demanding or monotonous or there are too many changes in rules, then it could be better for everyone involved if you were to ask for a different situation.
Share Your Success Stories
Just because you're making a career change doesn't mean it should come as a surprise to your co-workers. Honesty is key when they hear of your plans and they will appreciate hearing how well things have turned out. You can also use these stories for an additional boost of confidence, helping them to believe that this is a smart move and that you're going to do well.
"You have to be ready for career changes and be prepared for them," says veteran (and former Marine) Cynthia Stump. "It's going to be very difficult getting used to your new environment. Everything has changed but there will be good things as well."
"... And don't let negative comments from your colleagues discourage you. Sometimes they are jealous or are waiting in line and may not know the whole story."
In most cases, people find themselves seeking advice because they know their own skills and want to improve their professional standing in the future. Often we get tired of the same old routine and need to make a drastic change. The following tips will help you make this transition in the best way possible.
Stick with it
Everyone seems to have their own opinions about what you're doing. It's crucial that you stick with it even when everyone else is saying that your plans won't work out. If you're able to, then this can be a very rewarding experience for you and will go a long way towards opening new doors in your life. It's important not to lose sight of the fact that these changes are meant to be good ones and they pay off over time.
Be sure to understand all the rules and regulations of your new career, as mistakes in paperwork could appear every which way. It's important that you understand how to take care of yourself so that you can help avoid last minute issues with pay, benefits and other issues that might arise out all the changes.
Learn More Skills
Don't just jump into a new job without knowing what it's all about. Address any questions before you make the move, so there are no misunderstandings later on. You can also sign up for some classes or seminars if you'd like to learn more information about your new profession.
Other people might be jealous of your hard work and determination. It's important that you not let anyone else's negativity hold you back. Continue with your new job training, volunteer work and professional association meetings, so that you can continue to build on your success.
If You're Not Successful… Yet
It's important not to lose sight of the big picture or think that things are all bad when trying to make a career change. If things don't go as planned then you need to learn from your mistakes and try again. There will be plenty of challenges along the way, but it can be a rewarding endeavor for those who stay positive and keep their eye on the prize.
Conclusion
There are many reasons that you might consider making a career change. You might be bored at your job or you may have some other issues that need to be addressed. If you're feeling stuck with your current job, then this is a smart move and can move your life in the right direction.
How to Change Careers: 8 Steps to Take
1. Do a Reality Check on What You've Enjoyed in the Past and What You Enjoy Now
Career change is not as easy as it sounds. Especially if you worked in the same job for over a decade or more and now suddenly want to do something else, it's important that you know what you're getting into and understand why you are making this change.