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