How To Make a Career Change

There are many reasons why people decide to make a career change: dissatisfaction with their current job, being laid off, finding something more exciting and/or worthy of their effort, etc. Whatever your particular reason is, career change may be a challenging endeavor to undertake. The following steps will help you known how to make that experience less painful and more fulfilling.

Know yourself. When you consider a career change, you need to understand what lies beneath that desire. What makes you unsatisfied with your current or previous job? What can you do for hours without noticing time going by? If you get an answer to those questions, you will have a better idea where to look for your new career.

Know your options. With understanding of your likes and dislikes, do some investigation and research career possibilities in the desired field. Feeling out of your comfort zone is normal for a career change move, especially if you are trying to make a huge leap (for example, from an engineer to a massage therapist).

Know your skills. A lot of your current skills may be usable in your new career as well. Communication skills, sales, advertising, time management, and people skills can be easily transferred to almost any new career field.

Know the requirements. Find out if you need any training, formal or otherwise. If possible, try to obtain as much of it while still working at your old job. Be sure to check if the school is fully accredited in the chosen field and if they offer any placement support.

Know people. As the old adage goes, "It is not what you know, it is who you know". Networking is a very important part of making a career change. You need to make a lot of people aware of your plans - your family and friends, your ex-colleagues, the cashier at the grocery store, your barber, your doctor, your manicurist. You never know who has the connection you need. Try to find a mentor in a career field you want to enter. This person may be instrumental in teaching you the ropes of your new career.

Know the sacrifices. Consider working part-time or even volunteer in order to gain experience and at the same time evaluate if you made a right career choice.

When trying to make a career change, keep in mind that the transition may take a substantial amount of time. Have a plan on how you are going to support yourself during this time, and be flexible with your options.