It’s the New Year and often it comes with a time of reflection. Several calls came from individuals who hold senior positions in their organizations enquiring how they could transition from one career to the next especially at their level. A few wanted to maintain the same salary level due to financial obligations. Others had children who already finished college and was therefore more flexible and willing to take a pay cut and sacrifice to make the change.
Neither is wrong. Life involves change, and change comes with things we have to give up or shift to achieve our desired goals. So here are 5 points to get you going into that transition if you too are experiencing a desire for change.
Steps To Progress
1. Carefully Consider the Reasons You want to Change Career
Making a serious decision based on a temporary situation is never good. For example… is it that you are working for a team that you are unhappy with? Is it because you are tired of what you’re doing? Or is it because you are faced with a personal situation that is affecting your job? Think seriously. Look before you leap.
2. Consider your Transferable Skills
What skills do you have that can be transferred into another occupation? Have you been in business long? Are you in an area that involves people skills such as banking, healthcare, other? Perhaps you have been in technology? Sales? Journalism? Such skills can be applied to other evolving jobs.
Are your skills outdated? You may need to upgrade. Consider getting a certification in your area of your interest.
3. Research Changes in The Wider Market
If you have been too busy with your head engrossed in your job, chances are there are tons of changes in the market. Explore. One nurse shared that she never had to search for a job before. Now it seems she has to be begging recruiters to see her. She feels useless and unworthy because no one wanted to hire her after a sickness that took her out of the industry for a while. Things happen. Chin up and keep going.
4. Update Your Profile
When was the last time you looked at your Resume? LinkedIn? Do a personal name search and see what comes up? Do you like it or do you need to make changes? Search job boards to see what new opportunites exist on for example Indeed.com, LinkedIn and more.
5. Network
Last but not least, network. You May be changing industries. If so, it might be wise to start networking with others in your intended industry. Join an associations. Groups. Attend meetings. Get to know others who eventually will be able to recommend you because they are aligned with your network.
So there you have it. Here’s hoping these five points will make a difference as you or a friend contemplate a life or career change. Need further help? Learn more in Success Strategies Book
Cheers!
