Chances are good that you’re considering a career change at some point in your life. Maybe you’re moving from one career to another or taking a few years off to pursue other plans. Either way, you probably want to make sure your decision is the right move for you. We’ve compiled some helpful tips for establishing a new, successful career path.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering making a change in your career path. In fact, if you’re reading this while at work, then you may need to make that decision sooner than later! But no matter where you are in your career, planning a successful career change can seem daunting and full of uncertainty.
When it comes to career changes, it’s all about the why. Ask yourself: What am I missing in my life? Why is this what I really want to do? Identifying your why will help you take action and make the change that you truly want.
Perhaps one of the reasons you want to make a career change is because you feel like you lack recognition for all the hard work you put into your job. If this is the case, think about seeking out new opportunities where you can be recognized and acknowledged as an expert or leader in your field.
Here are a few tips that can help you to make a successful career change:
1. Make a list of the things missing in your life
If you’re unhappy with your job for one reason or another, and you want to do something that’s more meaningful, then consider this question: What are three words that best describe your dream career? Do you have a list of hobbies that you wish you could do more? Perhaps, engaging in them would give you the necessary balance in your life. There is no need to make a complete career change if it’s something that can be done on the side or even as a hobby.
If you’re feeling burnt out or unfulfilled in your career, it might be time to make a change. To get started on the right path, it might help just to start thinking about the things that would make you happy in a new job. Take a look at our list of activities you can pursue and brainstorm ways they fit into your current life.
2. Imagine that you already have one million dollars in the bank
Most of the time, we don’t even know how much potential we have until we try something new. Think of the environment you want to be in, the people you want to know and how you want to relate to them. Chances are your passions come up when you play-out your “winning the lottery” fantasies. Although we can’t all be millionaires, that shouldn’t stop us from following our desires and placing more value in ourselves.
3. Understand your passion, but also where your strengths lie
You should know what you’re passionate about, but also where your strengths lie. Make a list of the things you are passionate about, and then narrow the list to items that present an opportunity to generate income. Make sure that you understand the requirements for each item on your list.
Ask yourself what your strengths are and where you have current experience or knowledge that can help you establish yourself in the industry of your choice. Review these questions: What do I enjoy doing? What can I do well? How well do I perform under pressure?
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4. Keep your day job
If you want to make a successful career change, it’s not an all or nothing proposition. You don’t need to quit your day job. If you’re going to try to start a business or prepare for a career change, keep your day job until you have the knowledge, capital and traction you need to establish your business or launch your new career.
5. Start right now
How about living and working your passion? If you’re not living your passion, you’re settling for less than what you could be doing with your life. Over the next 30 days, make a commitment to yourself to identify one thing you can do to begin pursuing your passion—and start doing it!
Career Change: The Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Now | Laura Sheehan | TEDxHanoi
Having successfully navigated the challenges of finding employment in seven countries over the span of 15 years, Laura guides you through her journey and provides tips on how to find success…wherever you are.