10 Keys to Successfully Changing Your Career

Have you been fantasizing about changing careers? Whether you're in what seems like a great job that makes you miserable or stuck in a job where there's nowhere to progress or advance, I want you to know it’s never too late (or too selfish, foolish, or impractical) to go after your dreams and chart a new path to a career you love.

Dreaming about a career change is one thing, but actively engaging in the change is another. There's a lot to consider, from financials to your mindset. After all, it can be challenging to see yourself as a novice again after rising to the top of your career ladder.

The "golden handcuffs" in your current position (title, money, prestige, and a healthy 401K) are also not easy to walk away from. Depending on your career of choice, changing careers can be a significant challenge.

However, if you’re committed, there’s no reason you can’t find a new line of work that fulfills you and pays the bills. It just takes a committed effort and time.

But if you really want it, I'm personal proof that there's a way to have a career you love. 

10 Keys to a Career Change

Following are 10 strategies you'll need to work through to successfully make a career change and do the work you were meant to do in the world.

1. Make a list of what you don’t like about your current position. If you’re considering a change, there must be something that’s rubbing you the wrong way. It might be your company, the people, or your position. Maybe you just weren’t cut out to be an accountant, lawyer, or researcher. Consider the things you don’t want to give a name to what you do want.
   
2. Make a list of what you do like about your current position. It can’t all be bad! What are things about your current company and position that you enjoy? What would you like to see in your next position?
   
3. Consider your values. Perhaps your most important value is social justice, but you spend your days as a computer engineer creating the iPhone's new iteration. A position that makes a difference in your community might be more to your liking. List your values and consider careers that dovetail with them.
   
4. Brainstorm a list of career possibilities that take into account your likes, dislikes, and values. Now that you’ve given some thought to what you like don’t like, and your values, think of careers that can satisfy all of those requirements.
   
5. What else do you need? If you’re planning a significant change, you’ll probably need to learn a few new skills. You might even need to go back to school. Consider what you need to add to your resume and make a plan to make it happen.
   
6. Set a goal. Know what you want and put your vision to paper. Read your goal each day. Develop a reasonable plan to reach your goal soon. Create a goal that inspires you.
   
7. Network. Applying for an existing opening that is known to the public is like trying to win the lottery. Your best bet is to leverage the people you know. Try to get the inside scoop on your dream job. Let everyone know you’re looking to make a change. Be careful not to burn any bridges at your current job until you’re ready to move on.
   
8. Contact headhunters. A reputable headhunter only gets paid when they find you a job, and the employer pays them. You’re also likely to get a lot of good advice. After all, they know what companies are looking for right now.
   
9. Be willing to take a step back. You might have to take a demotion or a pay cut to change careers. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a small step back to take a greater step forward. However, I only recommend this when you're in a position to afford it. If you can't, there may be ways you can volunteer to gain the skills or experience you need.
   
10. Be patient. Finding a new position is usually challenging. Finding a new position in a new field is considerably more difficult. You must be patient and persistent. Expect that it will take some time, but keep working hard toward realizing your dream.

Summary

Over 80% of the population do NOT like their jobs. Also, the average person will shift their careers up to 15 times over their lifetime. So, if you're looking to make this change, I want you to know you're not alone.

Few things will change your life more than a change of career. It’s so worth the effort to find a career you love. The hours you spend working should be spent doing something you love?

Take the time to make a wise decision and then put a plan in place. It will be the beginning of an amazing new adventure.

Need help or support working through these steps? Let's connect, and I'll be happy to share how I can support you on your new adventure!

xo,

Carol