Essential Tips for Making a Career Change
Posted 5 years ago
Making a career change doesn’t have to require a career coach or consultant to be succesful.. or does it? This week on Platinum Rules for Success, career and life coach, Julie Morris delves into the principle to-dos when addressing a possible career change. Even after all the schooling and training, we participate in, there is no guarantee that our chosen profession at age 20-something, will still be gratifying at age 40-something. That said, we are by no means stuck in a job that no longer fulfills us. Read Morris’ valuable insights regarding the changes we can make within our professional lives that can help ensure a career that brings us total professional fulfillment.
Essential Tips for Making a Career Change
by Julie Morris
Are you burned out? Have you been chasing a career that you have realized is not for you? Or maybe you have lost the passion you once had. It is never too late to change your direction and find something you can do with your whole heart on a daily basis. If you think switching careers is your next step, these tips will help to light your path.
Assess your situation.
Before you make any moves, ask yourself why you need to change your career. You know you are unsatisfied, but identifying the reasons will help you avoid starting a new career that later leaves you in the same position. Also, determine where your interests and passions lie, and take an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. What career path would accommodate your current skills and knowledge? What would you need to learn if you went down the path(s) you are considering? Furthermore, how much of a financial hit will you be taking by making the change? Questions like these will help you come up with a plan for how to proceed.
Think about starting your own business.
If you are frustrated or feel trapped by working under an employer, it may be time for you to go out on your own. Starting your own business will allow you to be your own boss — setting your own schedule, choosing the work you do, working at your own pace, and so on. Also, the internet now makes it possible for people to work from home more than ever before. You can run a successful store, consultation service, freelance job, or countless other types of businesses without ever having to leave your home. If you need capital starting out, there are a variety of loans available to help (e.g., SBA loans, term loans, merchant cash advance, etc.). Learn more so you can choose the best funding option for your business.
Consider going back to school.
Maybe you are not looking to start your own business; rather, you just want to do something in a different field. Depending on what path you take, going back to school may be necessary. More people are going back to school later in life than ever before, largely because you can get a degree through online courses. If you are completely switching career fields, a degree may be required, but taking classes can also help you discover new interests (as well as things you do not like).
Update your resume.
If you are planning on working for someone with your career change, you will probably need to revamp your resume. Since you are starting in a new field, a functional resume format may be the best way to go, because it focuses on your skills and experience more so than where you have worked in the past. When you are writing out your skills and experience, choose the ones that are most relevant to your new field, and be prepared to discuss how they can make you an asset to the company. Also, be sure to leave out any unimportant or irrelevant information from your resume; it should simply showcase the qualities that make you a great candidate for that particular position.
Changing careers is not easy, but it can lead to a happier and more satisfied life. Remember to evaluate your situation, as well as your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can come at your career change the right way. If you want to have more freedom to pursue your dreams and be your own boss, look into starting your own business. Also, consider taking advantage of online school and work toward getting a degree if necessary. Finally, if you are planning on working for someone else, be sure to revamp your resume so that it puts you in the best light for the position.
MEET THE AUTHOR: Returning Platinum Rules for Success contributor, Julie Morris is a life and career coach. Julie thrives on helping others live their best lives. It’s easy for her to relate to clients who feel run over by life because she’s been there. After years in a successful (but unfulfilling) career in finance, Julie busted out of the corner office that had become her prison. Today, she is fulfilled by helping busy professionals like her past self get the clarity they need in order to live inspired lives that fill more than just their bank accounts. When Julie isn’t working with clients, she enjoys writing and is currently working on her first book. She also loves spending time outdoors and getting lost in a good book. Visit her site at juliemorris.org
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