How to Change Careers and Avoid Emotional Decision Making Mistakes

What makes a career change so difficult?

For most of us, probably the single biggest challenge in knowing how to change careers is addressing the emotions that are provoked when considering this kind of change.

Emotions can result from both external and internal triggers. External triggers that could stimulate a possible career change include:

Family needs that require a change in where you live or a change in income
A job loss
Approaching retirement
A company or industry downturn
Problems with a boss or coworker
A change in health status
A change in work content or expectations (work overload)
A company direction change that conflicts with your personal core values

Internal triggers that might motivate a career change include:

A change in your personal core values that now conflicts with the company ethics (e.g., you used to be OK with your company's business practices, but have had a recent change of heart)
Routine or boring work that lacks challenge, meaning, or purpose
Lack of opportunity for personal or professional growth
A desire to increase income beyond current career expectations
A desire to create better alignment with personal core values and/or beliefsThese triggers can lead to fear due to lack of knowledge; knowledge of oneself, knowledge of the environment, and knowledge of how to change careers effectively.

Breaking it down using a decision making process

An effective decision making process provides a framework for finding or creating the knowledge needed to make any change, especially one as important as a career change. How to change careers is not an isolated decision. It is part of a set of related decisions that connect in a way that creates the knowledge needed to choose a way forward.

Let's use the list of internal and external triggers above to expose some of the decisions that can be used to help in choosing a career.

Knowledge of oneself could include answers to the following questions:

Do I have a vision for my life?
What gives live meaning?
What are my strengths and talents? What are my weaknesses?
What fits with my personality?
What relationships do I value?Rephrasing these questions as choices would provide the following focusing decisions:

Choose my life vision
Choose my personal core values and beliefs
Choose my talents/strengths
Choose activities and environment that fit my personality
Choose my relationship prioritiesKnowledge of the environment might address the following questions:

What income do I need to meet the needs of my family?
What careers are available that I could consider?
What skills are needed to succeed in a career?
Where would I need to live pursue a career? Using a decision view would suggest these decision success factors for your next career (for each you would consider both your need and desire):

Income
Fits my skills / Aligns with my strengths
Training preparation, time and cost
Required travel / Daily commute time Knowledge of how to change careers effectively is addressed by using a reliable process for identifying and making each of the related decisions that will influence or guide your choice of careers.

Addressing the emotions as you focus on how to change careers

As you start down the path leading to a career change, you will continue to experience emotions that will bring up new questions and concerns. When using a decision-focused approach, each new question becomes an added decision to be made or provides a potential success factor as you progress toward your new career choice.

If you capture the questions and identify the corresponding decisions to be made or career change success factors, you can now use your emotions as a tool to motivate making the choices needed to progress toward a new career. Instead of being overwhelmed and afraid, this high value life choice is broken into smaller choices where emotions can provide the needed motivation to do some of the work.

Emotions now become a positive motivation for change instead of generating the overwhelming fear that leads to indecision. Here are some additional emotional pitfalls that are minimized when following this approach to how to change careers:


Choosing quickly without knowing why, and then creating rational explanations to justify a poor emotional decision
Creating mistakes due to distortions and bias in judgments, sometimes leading to unexpected and reckless action
Making errors that take place because we are subject to systemic inaccuracy about how we will feel in the future
Having tunnel vision with too few alternatives due to the desire to rush to judgment
Experiencing analysis paralysis with too many options that exceed our ability to keep track of them

It is possible to learn how to change careers effectively and with confidence

See how our four-step decision making process is used in changing careers at http://www.decision-making-solutions.com/how-to-change-careers.html.

Keith is Co-Founder of Decision Innovation, Inc.
Our company is focused on moving beyond collecting data and analyzing information to creating knowledge and providing insight. We will explore the decision making process and provide a unique combination of decision tools, decision and information management methods, and expertise that will give you the power over your personal and business decisions.

Visit us at http://www.decision-making-solutions.com/.

Career Change Mistakes to Avoid

It is such a shame when I hear of people trying to make a career change, but then their efforts run into the sand just because they don't know the key mistakes to avoid.

It is very easy when you are finding your current career a source of frustration, stress or disappointment, to rush into a career change. But changing careers is a major life decision that needs to be treated with respect. Many people spend more time planning a holiday than they do on their career change plans and they will have to live with their career for a lot longer!

So what are the main career change mistakes to avoid?

Resign in haste

An argument with the boss or with a colleague can drive you to jump ship without really thinking things through. It feels great in the moment, but leaves you high and dry once the moment of triumph has passed. Slow down. Put the framework of your new career in place before you abandon the old.

Start by re-writing your CV or resume

Yes, you'll certainly need to do this at some point, but it comes well down the list of priorities. You need to know what skills and qualities you will be 'selling' on your CV and who you are 'selling yourself' to before you begin to write.

Follow a friend's advice

Of course your friends will want to help and will readily offer suggestions and advice. But they are not you. The career that they love may sound great when they are enthusing about it, but that doesn't mean it is right for you. Only you can identify the work that will really satisfy you.

Think small

It is very tempting to stick with what you are familiar with, to feel that your next career has got to follow closely on what has gone before. That's the play safe option. Staying safe often means a lost opportunity to grow. So when you are researching your new career ideas, open your mind and allow yourself to consider possibilities you might initially reject.

Go it alone

You need support when you are considering a big change like this. Make sure that you share your ideas with a friend or partner who will encourage you and keep you going when your motivation begins to falter. That extra push from outside can make all the difference to whether you see the career change process through to a successful outcome.

Do nothing

Although I do not advocate rushing into changing career, doing nothing is much worse. Do you really want to look back on another year in a job you hate? You only get one shot at your life, so don't fritter it away!

The solution?

The main career change mistakes to avoid are those that come from lack of planning. So do take action, but slowly. Don't rush into anything. Start a planned campaign of review and reflection so that you will be sure that the career change you decide on is right for you and is based on sound information and research.

If you'd like to find out more about how to avoid those career change mistakes, take a look at the How To Change Careers website http://www.how-to-change-careers.com where you will find a step by step guide to help you through the process of career change.

And while you are there, grab a copy of my free Career Change Blueprint which explains the 5 essential steps to career change success as well as offering you 5 great bonuses. What are you waiting for? Start taking action now!

From Cherry Douglas, Your Career Change Guide

Career Coaching - Seven Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Big Career Change

Are you considering a big change in your career? Do you feel let down, bored, burned out? Maybe you think there is something bigger and more meaningful that you are meant to do. Perhaps your company downsized you into this predicament. Regardless of the reason, there are some common mistakes to avoid while you evaluate and select new career options. Avoid these pitfalls and you can stay motivated, keep your balance and move forward successfully.

Mistake #1 - Making Decisions in Haste

Tempted to just quit and wing it? Everyone is now and then, but unless you just can't stand your current situation another day, resist! Instead, write down everything you hate about your current situation, then one by one, look at the most intolerable issues and see how you can turn each around to make it more tolerable for the present moment.

It is easy to get so excited about the future that you decide to forge ahead without a plan and hope everything naturally falls your way after that. It will require more energy to sustain your new career and make it work well for you than it will to identify and start it. It is better to come from a place of higher energy and stability than to start out already burned out or worried about how you will pay the bills. Consider seeking the help of a qualified career coach, life coach or career counselor to help you identify your next career path. An objective, trained third party can help you strategize and phase it in for the best results and the least amount of heartache.

Mistake #2 - Ignoring the Finances

"I can't stand this any longer! I would rather eat dog food than put up with this another day!" Whether you are pursuing a new career voluntarily or involuntarily, you must pay the bills. Do pursue your dream. Do look for the career that brings out the best in you. If you have plenty of savings, good for you! Resist the temptation to go through it and be left without. If you have a dream, by all means hang on to it! But if it won't realistically get off the ground for three years, find another way to earn a living in the meantime. The need for income is a reality you cannot ignore.

Mistake #3 - Filling Your Head with Negative Stuff

What do you read? What do you view on television or the Internet? With whom do you spend free time? When you're looking at making big life and career changes, you need lots of positive energy around you. If you spend time with negative people or fill your mind with anything that isn't useful, guess what? It fills you with negative energy. Instead, surround yourself with people and things that give you positive energy and encouragement. Read books that motivate and encourage you. Go places that inspire you. Do everything you can to be what you want to be like after you land the next great career opportunity, and you will be more likely to attract it into your life!

Mistake #4 - Getting Bogged Down by Decisions

If you're an intelligent person who has enjoyed any measure of success, chances are there are a lot of different choices you could make in your next big life or career change. Clients often tell me they are overwhelmed by all of the thoughts and ideas that keep running through their minds. And as the overwhelm sets in, it is very easy to just shut down. As we work together, I remind clients when making tough decisions to ask themselves, "Is this going to move me forward?" If the answer is yes, proceed. If the answer is no, either revise the decision or drop it entirely.

Mistake #5 - Not Having a Plan

There are two reasons this is important. First, life is unpredictable and it is dangerous to relinquish security before the next career arrangement is lined up. Second, changing careers is a lot like dating. You are always more desirable when you are unavailable. You are more attractive to a prospective employer if you are already working. And if you have already lost your job either voluntarily or involuntarily, it is even more important to have a plan so that you are then more likely to achieve it. If you see success, you will be successful. (Conversely, if you don't have a plan, how will you know when you've succeeded?)

Mistake #6 - Ending your Preparation Too Soon

All I can say here is, prepare, prepare, prepare. If you're looking at several possibilities, don't immediately drop one when another looks good. Think about all of the big tests you have taken in life (college entrance exams, finals, certification exams) and how you prepared for those. Did you study way in advance and take a big, long break before taking the test? Or were you still reading the material as you walked in the door on test day, wondering if you could still be better prepared? When you're embarking on a new career or life change, give it all of your available energy, skills and attention. If you have a goal in mind, resist relaxing when you think you almost have it. Prepare and stay sharp right up until the day you start. This will help keep you from losing confidence at the last minute.

Mistake #7 - Getting Discouraged Too Easily

Does this happen to you when you face hurdles in the midst of your goal? Instead of giving in to the pain, pay attention to what specifically is making you uncomfortable and make adjustments to get you through. For example, if you're in career transition and you find that it is painful to go through the tedium of making phone calls, sending resumes, going on interviews where the competition is tough, etc., find the formula that gives you a break without stopping the process. Try devoting an hour or two each morning to these tasks and letting it go for the rest of the day, or only making a certain number of phone calls or interview appointments per week so that when you're finished, you can feel good about giving yourself some time off. Don't stop. Adjust.

Remember, a career change is a life change. You didn't arrive at your current level of education and experience overnight, and don't be disappointed if you don't immediately uncover "the thing" you want to do next. Allow yourself time and space to explore and make an educated decision. Get the help you need along the way (i.e., career coach, career counselor) to help you do it strategically, not emotionally. If you avoid these mistakes you are much more likely to end up in a new career that complements and fulfills your life.

Gwen Jewett is a Life and Career Coach and Selfgrowth.com Guide to Career Coaching, living in the Dallas area. After 14 years as Executive Director of a 12,000-member national healthcare association, she voluntarily left to pursue a more balanced life. Since 2001 she has helped many clients make their career and personal life stop working against each other and instead work in complement.

[http://www.coachgwen.com]

Decision mistakes to avoid when you change careers

One of the most important decisions in your life you will have to do apart from buying a home and getting married is choosing your career. Most people choose their career before graduating from high school or while they are attending college. If you stay with the same career is another story. Unlike our parents, who stayed with the same job until they retired, it is more than likely that people today will be one, if not more, career changes during their life time.

You may be at a point in your life that you need, or want, to make a career change. If this is you, make sure that use the process of career change decision-making essay to avoid huge errors before embarking on a new job. Here are some mistakes that can be avoided before making such a change of career.

Make sure you have a plan. Landing a great job often takes time. Do a self-assessment so you know what work would be good for you. Include a scheme in your plan that provides research, training, education, finance and time. You don't want to rush, taking the first job might get your right back into the same position as the work you're already in.

You love-hate relationship do your job?Is your job you hate or your career? Don't make the mistake of changing careers when you really hate your job, but I love your career. Sometimes a change in jobs in the same field is all that is needed to solve the problem. If you are sure that you want to change careers, start a plan before you quit your job.

is money a factor?If you are thinking about a career change because you can make more money in a different career, think again, you know the saying "money can't buy you happiness" well, this is very true. Careers just to make more money changing can leave in another job that I hate just as much as your old one.

Feeling the pressure.Are your friends and family trying to talk you into changing your career because they do not feel it is the right job for you? You know what you want in a career; changing careers for the wrong reason can lead to another career that you're not happy with the resentment and the.

Don't do it alone.If you found a career that you would like to pursue, don't go into it blindly. You should create contacts that you may capture information about your new career. These contacts can lead to job openings, associations in your field, or simply be a mentor, giving you tips, to help you get started in your new career.

Skills and education.Be sure to brush up on any new powers, which may be necessary to make a career change. Not knowing what you're doing can be a big mistake. Could cost you that new job you want.

Dr. David McDermott walked away from a career as a plastic surgeon, where he was helping people change outside. Now he teaches profound personal change from within, using the template to make your final decision, you're right! Learn more at www.decision-making-confidence.com/career-advice.html.

Changing Careers? Avoid These 5 Classic Mistakes

Most of the experts say that the average person can expect to change careers (not just jobs) 3 to 5 times in their working life. The reasons? Many people are burnt-out, underpaid, stressed out, bored, unsatisfied, or at a career dead end. For some, their careers have changed on them --thanks to corporate mergers, changes in technology, company restructuring, age discrimination, and a thousand other reasons.

After counseling thousands of people in finding new careers and jobs, we have found that there are 5 classic mistakes most career and job changers make:

MISTAKE 1: NO CLEAR GOAL.

Not having a clear goal is like trying to run a race when you do not know where the finish line is. Many career changers have only a partial goal. They KNOW that they want a job with less stress, or more money, or more of a future, or more independence, or more satisfaction. A career goal, however, should be comprehensive, specific, clear, and realistic. It should include not only the practicalities of your situation, but also who you are, the realities of the job market, and the potential pitfalls.

MISTAKE 2: NO CLEAR PICTURE OF YOUR STRENGTHS.

Most career changers (and job seekers) spend more time worrying about their weaknesses than their strengths. Most people don't even know what their strengths are. But it is your strengths--not your weaknesses--that determine your career success. Get a professional assessment. This should also include your personal characteristics, motivation, aptitudes, goals, values, interests, and talents. A career and job decision is too important not to have this picture.

MISTAKE 3: NO CAREFUL PLANNING.

Sure, most people think about it for a long time, but thinking is not the same thing as detailed planning. Most people plan a night out with friends more carefully than they plan their careers. Planning would mean researching the new career, talking to people who are in the new career, getting some hands-on experience, reading (books, trade journals, industry newsletters), developing strategies for any possible negatives or problems, consulting with a mentor, knowing what education or training you would need, and other actions.

MISTAKE 4: NO MOTIVATION.

As a psychologist who has worked with underachievers of all ages, I can tell you that many have good intentions but fail to take action. This is, of course, a normal human trait. There are times when all of us procrastinate, give ourselves excuses, and do not do the things that will lead us to our goals. If you are changing careers, however, you had better be motivated. Only consistent, daily, well-considered action will get you where you want to go.

MISTAKE 5: NO INDIVIDUALIZED JOB SEARCH STRATEGY.

If you are changing careers, you need something more than the usual job search tactics. You need a strategy that fits who you are as a unique individual and the fact that you are changing careers. For example, if you tell a job interviewer (or anyone else) that you are "changing careers," it is the kiss of death. You see, if you are changing careers, then you are starting over--from square one--and are competing with kids just out of school. Instead, you should say, "I am taking the next step in my career" (which, actually, is closer to the truth for most career changers). Another example: Make sure your résumé is rewritten so that it doesn't "lock you in" to the old career. Go light on the jargon. Emphasize skills in the old career that would be a real advantage (not just "transferable skills") in the new career.

If you avoid these classic mistakes, you are well on your way to making a successful job and career change.

Sander Marcus, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Professional Resume Writer in Chicago. He has over 3 decades of experience in providing career counseling, aptitude testing, job search coaching, and resume writing to tens of thousands of individuals, and has conducted pre-employment personnel evaluations for hundreds of companies. He is the co-author of 2 books on academic underachievement, various tests, and numerous articles. He can be contacted at marcus@iit.edu, 312-567-3358. http://www.center.iit.edu/careermotiv8.htm

Career Change Mistakes You Must Avoid

A career change, or even just changing jobs, is one of the biggest decisions any worker will face. Jumping too quickly into a new career or a new job can result in disappointment and failure so it is important to prepare well and be ready for the challenges that you may face as you begin this transition. Before you make that big jump, think through some common mistakes that people make when changing careers and do your best to avoid them to ensure your success in your career change.

Making a major career change simply because you hate your job. It's very difficult to be in a position of disliking your work, but a major career change needs to be based on mature decision making. You need to understand your real reasons for being unhappy in your work. Is it the specific job (the tasks you have to do each day), the work environment (your boss, your co-employees, the culture of the workplace) or is it the career path you have chosen (your corporate role, the skills) that you hate?
Making a career change based on money alone. Of course everyone wants to work in a lucrative job, a job that pays very well. However money is just an aspect of an ideal career and not all high-paying jobs can be rewarding. Money alone does not equate to happiness. Working in a field where you find fulfilment may not give you the same financial rewards, but it may make your work far more enjoyable. That decision comes down to your personal values.
Changing careers without self assessment. A career evaluation is very important for someone who's planning to make a major career change. First of all, assess your skills, interests and values. Identify the things that you want to do in the next few years. Don't forget to also identify the activities you hate doing. Make a list of your career achievements. By doing all of these, you can understand yourself better and discover the best career route to take.
Making a big career change without consulting a professional career counselor or career coach. Decisions are best made when each part of your thought process is scrutinized so you don't make decisions based on impressions, false notions or other misleading ideas. A qualified and experienced career counselor or career coach is trained to assist you through this transition period by providing professional guidance. He or she will help you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and will help you develop skills and strategies which are necessary to succeed in your new career.

A change of career or seeking a new job is a major decision that can result in serious setbacks if you don't take time to prepare thoroughly. Avoiding these mistakes will not only result in a successful career change but will save you from stress and wasted time and resources. Free career change and job search advice is available on Career Clarity blog http://CareerClarity.com.au/blog

Jenni Proctor is a career consultant based in Brisbane Queensland Australia. Through her Career Counselling business http://CareerClarity.com.au she specializes in mature aged career change. Many clients recognised online business as being a portable business model that could develop into an income stream to enhance their retirement savings. In response, Jenni now offers internet business coaching as part of her services to her clients.

Avoid the Wrong Career With These 10 Tips

Before discussing how to avoid the wrong career objective, lets mention the #1 mistake we make when choosing a career. We don't do our homework! Americans take less then 3 hours when choosing a career objective, less time than most of us take when choosing a new car! A career will affect your entire life, and everybody in it, so take adequate time to research your new career. You should also research all the amazing opportunities available to you and across different industries. And what about creating your own position, one that you would love and know it could help employers? Employers are so stretched, they often do not have the time to develop new job descriptions and career objectives for their own staff, even if it would pay to do so.

If you are not happy with your current career objective or job, I will be the first person to encourage you to change. Many of us are taught by parents and others that it's not wise to change careers just because we're unhappy. Many of us are taught that if we bring in a paycheck, that is enough. NOT SO. Unhappiness in your career can lead to relationship problems, increased stress and health problems, increased conflict with coworkers (due to unhappiness), financial stress from overspending, searching for that quick fix.....etc. But the real key is, when you are not being authentic and doing work you dislike, you are blocking your energy, your creativity. The 'Law of Attraction' has been around for centuries and when it comes to energetics you can't defy physics. Thoughts and feelings have energy, just read Dr. Matura Emoto's book - The Hidden Messages in Water. A physicist that has documented the power behind our thoughts and words. So if you want to prosper in your career, you'd better find something that resonates with your body, mind, spirit and emotions.

Changing career objectives, or choosing your first one, is a decision you should take your time with. If family and friends pressure you to hurry your decision, run.

Here are a few considerations before you jump ahead.

1. Even if you know what your next profession will be, have you reviewed your 'likes' and favorite hobbies to see how they could be transformed into a new career objective?

2. Have you spent 20-30 hours investigating your new career objective, including interviewing employees and employers within your next position or profession?

3. Have you researched demand projections for that position/profession for the next 5-10 years?

4. Is it possible to volunteer or shadow someone for a short time before changing to your new career? Write up a paper on the experience and send it to the person with favorable highlights about your mentor and experience. People love this.

5. Have you thought about creating podcasts of prospective employer interviews in your new career that you can use along with your resume? This not only helps you discover more about the position but demonstrates your creativity.

6. Have you reviewed what the new career objective will do for your mind, body, spirit, emotion connection?

7. Enroll in membership to an association or club within your new profession. See what it will take to get a position of responsibility. This will help your job search and put you in front of key people.

8. Identify your ideal lifestyle, personality, your skills, and likes/dislikes thoroughly before selecting a career. I often have to remind clients that if they are night owls waking up at 5:00 am to get to work by 7:30 am goes against their ideal and they might become resentful toward the job.

9. If you've noticed, I haven't mentioned anything about the $ behind the position/profession. This should NOT be a reason to choose a career. The reason to choose the career should be your passion and interest for that type of work. If you love what you do, the money will come. You might need to go beyond employment to start a little business but if you love your field, you will think of a bunch of ideas how to make money with it.

10. Have fun with this process of looking for your next career. It should not be stressful but fun. Take lots of notes on your experience and who knows maybe it'll bring you some humor someday or you might publish a book on your life and will need them.

Thank you for reading this article. I hope it has helped clarify how to begin looking for a new (or your first) career. On a personal note, I am on my fifth career after choosing the first 3 for their financial rewards......MISTAKE. The last 2 have come from my heart and have changed my life. I became a Horticulturist at 48 yr. old and love it so its never too late. I am now teaching, coaching and counseling people (my fifth career) and loving it, so don't stop. There are no limits to how many careers you can have, except you.

Jeanne M. Prichard is the Founder and CEO of Truefocus, an online Career and Business Development Center that offers coaching, counseling and business education for entrepreneurs.She has created programs using Self Mastery, a new age approach to success using our innate strengths and energetics. This article gives you tips to avoid choosing the wrong career. Subscribe to her EzineArticles today to help you in your new career search. Follow her at http://www.facebook.com/truefocus and http://www.jeanneprichard.blogspot.com

Career Change After 50 - 7 Mistakes You Should Avoid!

Career Change after 50 - here are 7 mistakes to avoid in planning a career change.

A career change after 50, can sometimes feel like a jump into the unknown. But you are not alone, many people just like you, during their working lifetime change careers not once but many times.

To reinvent yourself, and change careers after 50, you must be aware of a number of things to avoid and not make these mistakes in your career transition.

1. Failure to Plan the Move: Career planning after 50 is a must. It allows you to build your skills and qualifications. If you need relevant experience you plan activities that will give you the requisite credentials.

Planning your career gives you a significant advantage over the person who stumbles from job to job and career to career.

Career planning should have positive actions done on a regular basis. Your career planning should have an active financial component. The career plan will have built in flexibility to give you the required road map to the planned career change.

2. Deciding to change careers for the wrong reasons: Take a good look in the mirror. Are you really burned out? Is your boss really a tyrant or is it the demands of the business? Is there something else in your life that you are dissatisfied with and not really your career? Have you done everything you can to resolve the problems at work?

Moving to another career and bringing your personal baggage with you will not resolve your problems.

3. Not assessing your interests, skills and passion: You move to another career because of suggestions of friends or relatives or because the job is available will not get it done.

Self-assessment is the key to finding the right career, where you'll be challenged and have a passion to going into work everyday.

4. Not doing a due diligence study of the new career: Career research requires developing a great deal of information, talking to a lot of people and getting advice from a variety of sources.

You'll get to a number of dead ends; this is good as it allows you to reject a career. With a careful analysis of your interests, likes and dislikes there are plenty of career avenues to explore.

5. Not looking carefully at transferable skills: Rejecting the perfect fit for a career change because you do not carefully consider how long built up skills are transferable to satisfy qualifications in the planned new career is a critical mistake.

Skills like project management, leadership, and communication with a bit of work will match up with the requirements of many new careers.

6. Not developing all viable options on the career change: To often a promising career is quickly rejected because a mandatory qualification would take to long to acquire or the first option reveals that it is impossible to fit the learning into your schedule.

For example, if some technical knowledge is required it can be learned through self-study, taking an evening course at a local college, internet learning or taught by a mentor. Other education and learning can be acquired other than through formal class work. Seminars, workshops, and trade shows are other alternatives to pick up the required learning.

Other required experience can be acquired through volunteer work with a non-profit, part-time work, working on committees with a career related organization and even working on project related teams at your current employer.

7. Expecting Instant Results: Unfortunately we live in a society where everything is desired now, not tomorrow or next week, but now.

Effective career planning, on the other hand, is like building a large house. A carefully built foundation will determine the final results. Failure to consider early on, for example, the heating and cooling requirements could result in a home cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Careful planning is the key.

Career planning after 50 is clearly not an exact science. It is however, a method, if done consistently and diligently over time, with time taken occasionally to adjust the career direction, should result in a career change moving you into your dream career.

Learn more in developing your career plan after 50, go to http://careersafter50.com. Read how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by career planning after 50.