Have you got a bad case of Mondayitis that tends to linger on through Tuesday, Wednesday or, worse case scenario, throughout your whole week? Yes? Then you may want to consider a change of career. On average, most people spend around 8 hours a day at work, so if it’s getting to the point where you hate going into work or the office each day, a change of career may be a good option. Because you’re spending so much time at work, it’s important to be in a role that you enjoy and feel like you can grow in. Before you change careers, there are a few things to consider to ensure that your transition is a smooth process with as few hiccups as possible.
Even though many people are tired of their jobs, the mere thought of a career change is enough to deter people from taking action. The fact of the matter is that you need to be happy in your career and if you aren’t, a change of career is only going to be a huge positive factor in your life. The key thing to remember when changing careers is that you’re aiming for a happier work life. If money is your concern, you might soon find that because you love your new role, you may progress through the ranks a lot quicker and easier thanks to your new-found passion for work. Never be afraid to change careers if your current one is not making you happy.
Do you have a passion for helping and caring for children, yet find yourself in a desk job with no family values? When you consider a career change, it’s always ideal to think about your passions. Whether it’s working with children, doing something creative like photography or making a difference to the lives of others, considering what you love doing can help you to determine which career choice will be best for you. Consider what will wake you up in the morning – what makes you feel happy and energised? These key elements will help to shine a light on which career you may be best suited for.
Different companies will have different perks, depending on their culture and values. One company might offer great benefits like included health insurance, whereas others may allow you the flexibility to work from home. Depending on what is important to you, you may find that along with a career change, a change in company is also beneficial to both you and your family. For example, working from home is a great option for those with young children who may find it convenient to be able to still hold a full time job, but have the option to run the kids to school each morning. Find what kinds of staff benefits are available from the types of companies you’re looking at switching to and decide which perks are important to you.
Some people think that after a certain age, a change of career is out of reach. The truth is, no matter what age you are, a change of career is always possible. Whether you change to a whole new field or look at starting up your own business from home, you could be a teenager or in your 70’s and still be more than capable of changing your career path. Even though a change of career can be nerve-wracking and exciting all at once, it’s never too late for you to make the change.
If you’re considering a career change, you may be thinking about what kind of income is possible in an entry-level position. Financial security is a huge thing to think about when changing careers. Whether you’re recently married, hoping to buy your first home or wanting to have children, depending on what you want to achieve in life, a career change is something that should be considered in line with your personal goals. Your financial commitments are an important factor when deciding which career to change to and when is the best time to do so. If you decide that right now isn’t the best time because you’re saving for a deposit for your home, there’s always an opportunity later on when things are settled to get into the best career for you.
Have friends or ex-colleagues in the field you’re interested in? Get in contact with them. Networking is important in any field and you should never forget the people you’ve met along the way. Even if you don’t know someone directly in your desired field, explore your current network to see who they know. A good place to start is Linkedin, where you can connect with friends and colleagues and also see who they may be connected to. This may be just the avenue you need to get your foot in the door.
If you’re seriously considering a change of career, have a think about what drives you each day, what you’re passionate about and where you really want to see yourself in the future. In no time, you should have a clearer picture of what kind of role to pursue and when might be the best time to do so. Although a career change may sound like a daunting experience, with the right planning and thought, you can successfully change careers without a hitch. For any questions or further advice, Contact the International Career Institute today to discuss your options.
Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.
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