Over the past two years I have noticed a growing trend in my work in distance education-more and more people seem to be deciding on a career change. And far from the cliché of mid-life crisis, I have found that people are making this decision for many different reasons and can 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 job or career
They have lost interest in their current role
they feel that they have gone as far as they are able in their current role
I am looking for a better work-life balance that would earn a living out of something you love to do, maybe a hobby.
Today, the career change is becoming the norm rather than the exception, with many studies that show that the average person will change careers (not just jobs) several times during their working life.
If you are considering a career change, you may find the following helpful steps as you navigate your way through the process.
Step 1: take some time to rediscover yourself. If the main reason for considering a change of career dissatisfaction with your present situation, it is important to step back and assess your situation objectively. What is the situation really is causing the problem-the job, the boss, the company, the profession itself? Are there any aspects of your current role you like yet? These can give you a clue about which direction to take. It may be that the external factors are the cause of the problem-it may not have enough time with your family or for your other interests. Sometimes when you have completed this step, you will realize that a drastic career change is not the answer. Transition to flexible or part-time work can give you the freedom you need to create a better work-life balance. Switching to a different area of your profession can invigorate your interest and enthusiasm.
Step 2: explore alternatives. If you decide that a career change is really what you need, the next step is to explore your interests and enthusiasms in more detail. What really makes you firing on all cylinders? Explore possible careers around your interests. You can find useful information on Learndirect careers website- http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk -this is an independent website, funded by the Government that provides a range of resources, including career counselling and over 700 job profiles. It also includes tips on training required for each career.
Step 3: assess your current skills and experience. Even if you plan to move in a very different career area, you may be surprised how many of your current skills and experience are relevant. Make the most of these as they can provide a solid foundation for your career change. Sometimes existing expertise can provide a springboard into a new career area. Louise has worked in a large marketing agency and had decided to completely change, careers based on his keen interest in gardening, scheduled start your own landscaping company. She understood that the redevelopment was essential. The first step was a new job as a marketing officer for a large landscaping company and design. This gave her the opportunity to learn more about the industry while completing his horticultural training on a part-time basis.
Step 4: get further training. Often the career change will require some retraining or the updating of existing 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 that allow you to train and work full time as well. These include courses like part-time College or university courses of distance education. Introductory courses are a good way to test the water and make sure that you've actually made the right choice. Sometimes A subject you love as a hobby, can lose its luster when it becomes a career and you have to earn a living from it.
Step 5: work experience. Another way to find out more about your chosen career is to get a part-time job or volunteering in your area. This is a good way to learn more about the industry and create contacts, as well as helping to confirm that this is indeed the right choice for you.
Step 6: be open-minded. Flexibility is important. Starting a new career often means that starting from the bottom of the ladder again. Almost certainly you will need to take a salary cut as a cut in your workplace. You may also need to reassign. Set clear objectives and prepare for the odd mishap. Think of it this way, if you were having a new kitchen fitted you would expect a little bit of mess and disruption, is an unavoidable part of the process, and the same goes when you make changes in life too. But however well prepared you are, this drastic change can sometimes be difficult. It is important to have the support network in place-if a mentor in your new job or supportive friends or loved ones. Also keep in mind a clear vision of your long-term goals, will help you to stay focused through the difficult spells.
Linda Pollitt, Director of studies, the learning curve
http://www.learningcurve-UK.com
Business courses:
Learndirect:
http://www.Learndirect-advice.co.uk
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