Career Change Tips

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Career Change Tips

Here are some common problems you may have to deal with in your quest to better yourself. Being aware of the potential challenges ahead can enable you to make plans and develop strategies to avoid the pitfalls this undertaking can uncover.

It is a much more pleasant process to go through when you know about the potential problems, and you have been prepared to handle them. It is difficult enough to start a new project such as this. To have someone help by showing you the way can be an invaluable aid. Look over these tips and determine if and how they may fit into your improvement plans.

• Fear of Change
  It is perfectly normal to feel uneasy about such a major adjustment to your lifestyle. Fear can be a stumbling block that keeps you from reaching your goals. You will have to weigh the pros and cons of what a career change will bring, but don't let fear stop you if this is what you want to do.
  
  Discover the reasons for wanting this transition. Is it due to boredom or burnout? Is your field becoming obsolete and no longer in demand? Do you want to upgrade to a better position with all the accompanying benefits? If so read on …
  
  If you have the means, saving to build an emergency fund, which is always a good idea, may give you some security knowing that if something didn't work out you would have the funds to live on for a few months. Also, being properly prepared can provide security by removing many of the unknowns a career change can produce. Knowing the ins and outs will let you gain a sense of empowerment, which in turn can let you more smoothly advance to the next stage in your professional life.
• Be Proactive
  Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, look for them, and find them yourself. Seek success, go into this process with the notion that you are going to succeed, be positive, then make it happen. Yes, it's easier said than done, but you can't make a major transition like this without the proper mindset.
• What Kind of Work Do You Like?
  Think about your hobbies and the activities you like to spend time doing that might transition into a new job. If you can transfer job skills from your current position to this new vocation, then all the better, it will be a smoother transition for you.
  
  If it seems like there aren't that many skills you can transfer over, then go out and get the ones you will need. You can also dig deep and write down the skills that you have acquired from any previous jobs and volunteering. From there, you will need to figure out how you can revise those skills and apply them to a new job.
• Ramp Up Your Skills
  When you decide what career you would like to take on compare your current one with the new one. Determine what skills from your current job can transition to your new one. If you find yourself in a place where you have holes in your skill set, then seek the education needed to fill those voids. This can include additional schooling, internships, volunteering, or find a mentor to fill in the gaps to at least tell you what skills you are missing.
• Jobs in Demand
  Do research to determine which fields are in demand and seem like they are going to have some long-term staying power. For all the work this process is going to create it would be wise to try to pick a field that is going to be around for a while.
• Networking
  Use the sources in your personal network and social network to gather information, find a new position, and identify potential mentors to help you along the way.

These career change tips are intended to help you to smooth the transition between your old job and a new job. Use the tips here that apply to your situation and professional needs. We are pleased to be of service and wish you good luck with your job search. For more occupational assistance please view our help section and videos.