It used to be that people were generally expected to stick with one career or plan for their whole life. This attitude still persists for many, but it’s far from universal. Many people are beginning to accept the possibility of changing jobs or careers well into their middle ages. Sometimes it’s because technology forces them into this choice (remember travel agents?), but other times it’s because technology has provided numerous opportunities to easily make the transition. Before making this major leap, what do you need to know? Read on to find out!
Stay Realistic
Having a dream has its perks, but you need to focus on reality. For example, if you do not have a job lined up, it’s better to stay at your current one until a new position opens up. What if the job requires you to travel 180 days per year, and you are a single parent raising three children? Once again, you may need to wait – but that’s not always a bad thing. Sometimes, having a long-term goal in mind (for say 2 or 3 years down the road) can ensure that you have the proper time to make the necessary preparations and gain the requisite skills.
Consider Your Salary
Sometimes, money is not a major concern, especially when you are very young or if you have a spouse with a secure job. Who knows? You might be living with your parents and have practically no bills for which to pay. If one of these situations applies to you, now just might the best time to make the change. This is because even with a wealth of experience, entering a new field will very often result in a pay cut. If you’re lucky enough to be able to withstand the decrease, it might be worth being able to pursue your goals.
Maintain Balance
One of the reasons people caution against switching careers is because they are afraid doing so will become a problematic pattern. Some people wind up changing their jobs every few months or every couple of years. Jumping from job to job does not give you the time to build up any sort of seniority or to really develop your skills. This can be problematic, because if you’re just trying out different fields until something works, then your resume might look awfully risky to the employers that really matter to you once you’ve figured out what it is you ultimately want to do. You need to strike a balance between enjoying life and securing your future.
Train Up
Before you make the final decision to switch careers, you will likely need to acquire some training. This could entail returning to college for a second degree or having an apprenticeship at a local shop. Whatever the case may be, training does more than just prepare you for the actual work of the job. These opportunities also let you know what the work environment is like. So, you have to allow time and money for this step. Perhaps you will find that this is truly the right career path for you, or maybe you’ll discover that the hours are not what you want or the specs are not what you had imagined them to be. This is an inherent risk to changing careers.
Maybe our parents had something important to say about sticking with one path. The idea of being realistic and prepared might have taken on a slightly different meaning, but these concepts are both still applicable in modern times. You don’t want to just dive into a career and see what happens – you want to be sure that it is the right fit for you. Still, don’t allow this caution to dictate the direction of your life. Anything can happen, and if you’ve worked hard and plan to continue doing so, you’ll land on your feet.
Veronica Morrison writes about professional development, business and more. A recently hired accountant, her proudest piece is on the Top 10 Best Online Masters in Accounting Degree Programs.
Image credit: freedigitalphotos.net
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And my personal tips is DON’T be scared, the changes are always only for the better.
Hi Veronica!
Shifting career is really a very difficult step to take. This step changes your entire life. But I am sure that your post will help all those who are planning to shift their career!
I don’t think that someone should be that much concerned about its career, it’s just a job. Do it and go home!
LOL Well the funny thing about your comment is that the way the world works, our system actually relies on people who feel that way – especially fiscally. It’s not a good thing, but it’s (almost) necessary. Imagine a world where everyone really, really cared about their work and didn’t think of it like a job. Imagine a world where nobody just picked up a paycheck, and everyone strove to be the best and be the happiest.
On one hand, you’d have some super successful companies. From the CEO to the front desk receptionist, everyone would be doing what makes them the happiest.
On the other hand, as much as I am optimistic, I know that kind of world isn’t realistic. There are many personalities, many personal goals, personal measures of satisfaction. Some people just do not get satisfaction out of their work. But because it doesn’t absolutely kill them, they do exactly as you say: do it and go home. And they make great husbands, mothers, fathers, wives, etc. because they are able to bring home a paycheck that sustains their family, and yet not even think for a moment about what they just spent 8 hours doing.
Great shot. Life is a series of predictable steps in more or less the same order. School, college, career, marriage, kids. But lately, I’ve been talking with friends and colleagues about the reality of the lives we are living versus the vision we once had.
Thanks for share this post.
I think the “Can You Afford It?” part is what makes most people keep chugging along in a career they don’t like. It hard to do what you love because most times what you love doesn’t pay.
Read more at: http://jobmob.co.il/blog/career-change-tips-questions/#ixzz2GLAaA5eA
Hi Tia, first of all your smile is very cute n your idea for shifting careers is in reality a nice and helpful information. Thanks
Thanks, Leena!
Hi Tia and Veronica,
I don’t know many people these days that realistically plan to stay in their careers for the rest of our lives. It seems as individuals we are changing so much, including our interests, so I believe we actually enjoy being something different for a living.
Take Care.
Hey Justin – I agree with that. I think that ultimately it depends on career goals. It’s one of those things where you have to imagine yourself in your ultimately career destination, and then visualize what it takes to get there.
I can say from experience that changing jobs often will come with its share of unintended consequences. Change careers once to get a higher salary (which is great, and it WORKS), but in the next one, stay at least 5 years to really develop skills and get to management potential.
Then stay at your next one forever.
Okay – kidding, but stay long enough to really own the outcome. Make everything you do significant.