For some, the idea of changing careers brings on fear and anxiety. For others, however, the prospect of starting a second career is exciting and invigorating. The level of difficulty you will have in completing your career change will depend on your skills, education, and goals for the future. However, numerous people make the leap every year, and success is more likely for the well prepared.
While you could begin your quest to change careers by simply browsing your newspaper help-wanted ads, it is a better idea to explore your passions. Most career experts agree that career changes are most successful when people pursue their passions. Take a long, hard look at your interests and decide which tasks you’d enjoy doing even if you were working for free. Look for careers that incorporate your interests. For example, if you love working outdoors and have a green thumb, landscaping could be right up your alley.
Get educated to make it easier to change careers. For some career paths, this might mean going back to college or attending for the first time. For others, however, a simple refresher course or an evening class at a community college may fit the bill. You might even be able to take advantage of online training courses. For instance, if you’ve decided to begin a second career as a floral artist, you may find a variety of Internet classes at your disposal.
When you think about networking, you may think about entrepreneurship. However, networking can also be critical as you strive to change careers. Let family, friends, colleagues, and even your dentist know that you are planning to change careers. Your next job could come as the result of a good word from someone you know. Also, be open to taking any advice offered to you and joining any professional organizations available for your new career field.
Create a dynamic resume or have a professional do it for you. If your prospective employer is pouring over hundreds of resumes, you won’t get the job with a boring, run-of-the-mill resume. Think of ways to add pizazz to your resume while maintaining professionalism. Keep it short and to the point as well, as you don’t want to lose your prospect with too much information. Follow up after sending in your resume or after an interview; you may remind a prospective employer of your attributes with a well timed, but unobtrusive, letter or phone call.
Think outside the box; when you set out to change careers, you may feel under qualified for your chosen field. However, you may have skills that can be transferred to your new position. Don’t forget to be flexible. When you change careers, you may have to relocate or accept a salary change, particularly if you are starting in an entry-level position. Last, but not least, consider starting your own business, as you don’t necessarily have to work for someone else to start along a new career path.
