CHANGING CAREERS /CAREER TRANSITION

Career change may not be easy, but the rewards can last a lifetime.
  • Feeling a little underwhelmed and disinterested in your current role?
  • Thinking more about the weekend than the job at hand?
  • Suffering from “Job Envy” when you hear about others’ careers?
Is it time to bite the bullet, explore new pastures, and consider potential exciting career options? Career change doesn’t happen overnight, can be daunting, and challenging (to say the least!). But if you are committed, the results can be life changing. And you can do it!

BUILDING A PLAN AND STRATEGY

Planning ahead and setting goals are imperative to achieve your goals. Any successful career transformation needs a strategy. At this stage you may want to seek advice/assistance from friends, family, associates and/or career coaches. You’ll need independent support to help determine what your career goal is, to determine if your career goals are realistic, and to help you stay on track (moral support).

WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY, FOR TOMORROW:

Research is your best friend. Research the skills and qualifications required for your successful career transition. Consider undertaking study or courses that will help you achieve your career goal (remember, think long term). Research the industry sector and look at future trends. Consider looking at ways to Network with those in the industry/position you’re aspiring to work in.

GOAL SETTING AND STICKING TO THOSE GOALS

The benefits of goal setting are substantial. Rather than putting off until tomorrow, setting clearly defined goals ensures you are making progress towards your career transition dream. Have a clear vision of where you want to be in your career, your ideal job, what you want to achieve and when. Picture yourself already working in your ideal career. Goal setting helps you:

  • Have a clear idea on what you want to achieve
  • Prioritise and work towards achieving your goals in a logical sequence
  • Manage your time effectively
  • Track your progress, even if it’s only baby steps
  • Unclutter your mind by having your goals ‘on paper’
  • Check off your actions and confirm they are helping you reach your goal
  • Communicate more easily with others on your goals and how you are moving closer towards achieving them

A FEW TIPS TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK

  • Entering dates with specific timeframes in a calendar
  • Setting aside a particular amount of time each day that brings you one step closer towards your career goal
  • Reviewing your career goals regularly to ensure you’re staying on track (it’s also ok to make adjustments)
  • Writing a brief but precise career vision and how you can achieve it
  • Having your career vision statement visible, where you will read it every day (such as at your computer), and in more than one place if possible
  • Breaking your goals down into achievable tasks
  • Prioritising your goals step by step to avoid feeling overwhelmed
  • Surround yourself with positive influences, never underestimate the power of positive thinking!

By tracking your daily progress towards your goal, you can clearly see you are taking positive steps towards that end reality. Visualise working in the career/position you aspire to. Write down your position and daily responsibilities in the present tense as if you’re already doing it. Keep reminding yourself regularly (and have others remind you) that your career goals are possible. Don’t limit yourself. Switch off any negative thinking and don’t be afraid to think BIG! Review your goals regularly but remember it’s ok to adjust them along the way.

REBUILD YOUR CV/RESUME

It’s a good time to be critical of your CV/Resume (the one you used for your old career). You’ll need a well-written and balanced resume will help convince a future employer that the skills you have are transferable. Research your chosen profession thoroughly and identify the key competencies of the role. Look deep into your own experience and pinpoint any key transferable skills. Starting out in a new career is likely to mean starting from the bottom and having a drop in income but remember to keep the ‘big picture’ in mind. Be 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. Try gaining part-time, casual or even volunteering experience in your chosen field/position to gain that all-important “on the job” training and experience. Finally, Be confident about your future and that with hard work and professional advice, know that you can reach your career transition goals!

Other Useful Reading:

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