At some stage during your working life, you will feel the need for dramatic change. This can stem from boredom, lack of challenge, no longer feeling the hunger or being able to seek the recognition you once sought, or you've simply had enough of your current profession.

How to make that career changes and changing careers can be scary as you will be coming out of your comfort zone and few will offer you much in the way of career advice on the subject. However, with commitment and self-confidence you can overcome many of those fears. But let's not forget, career changes can be extremely rewarding and set you on the right path for the rest of your life !

If you've ever contemplated a complete career change, then the first thing to realise is that it doesn't happen overnight. The importance of planning ahead is the only way you will achieve that ultimate goal.

Understanding what you want from your new career will help you focus on that end goal and there are many transferable skills which are continuously sought by employers :-

·       energy and enthusiasm
·         problem solving
·         organisational and time management skills
·         adaptability and flexibility
·         good verbal and written communication skills
·         motivation
·         team work and or leadership skills
·        commitment
·         ability to meet deadlines and performance requirements  

However, as useful as these qualities are, there's very few businesses that will appoint an employee purely on their ability to write and communicate clearly. Experience will be the biggest obstacle you will face if looking to make a total career change and it will be up to you to convince an employer that you can transfer your past experience. Your resume also needs to reflect this.

Research your chosen profession thoroughly and identify the key competencies of the role. From there, you can look deeper into your own experience and look at transferable skills that might relate to your new profession. In addition, you will need to research and attend courses as well as being prepared to start from the bottom (which of course may well include sacrificing salary expectations). A handy hint is to try and gain part-time or casual experience where the pay is limited, but the rewards will be "on the job" training and experience.

Remember, what ever profession you choose, changing careers can and will be accomplished if you remain focused and receptive to new ways and concepts. Don't be scared to seek help and talk with others who have been through a similar process and always make sure you are prepared to stick by your commitment, even if it doesn't happen overnight. If your still a little lost, then seek our further career advice from a paid professional.