12 Steps to Changing Your Career

Here is a guest post from Barbara Poole, founder of employaid.com.

12 Steps to Changing Your Career in a Slow Economy

Ok, the economy has officially tanked and you already know job security is about as real as Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny.  You feel it's time to do something else with your life, but you're not sure if this is the best time to change careers.  Well, guess what: there's no perfect time to make that perfect move, so don't wait for some promising sign to spur you into action.   If you want a new career, go for it.  And here are twelve steps to help make your career change a little easier.

1. Do you really want to change careers?  Or are you just ticked off today?  A career change is serious business.  Only undergo one after careful consideration. We all have terrible stretches at work that make us want to resign, but they pass…and come back…and pass…well, you get the picture.  But this is different from being totally fed up with your career choice.  Take some time off your current job and recharge.  If you return to work feeling the same dread, apathy, or frustration as before, maybe a career change is right for you.  But only you can decide that.

2. Take control.  You've decided it's time for a new career path but you're kind of scared.  That's understandable: Changing careers takes guts.  And most people only get the necessary chutzpah when they're out of a job.  But why let dire circumstances dictate your career moves?  You're in charge.  Be proactive.  Don't wait for things to happen to you.  Make them happen for you.

3. Be practical.  You want to herd sheep, make designer kites, or create energy drinks that cure the common cold?  Hey, good luck.  But make sure you can make a decent living, that's all.

4. Be committed.   Don't be one of those people who set out to change careers, and then give up when things get a little tough.  You have to be determined to make this work.  So promise yourself: You'll accept nothing short of success—no matter what setbacks come your way.  Remember, you can overcome any obstacle.  Just have faith.

5. Figure out what you want to do.  Research, research, research.  Get on the Internet and start learning as much as you can about the careers you're interested in. Read relevant trade papers and magazines.  Immerse yourself.  Find out the necessary skills and qualifications related to your possible career choices.  Of course, there's only so much you can learn online.  The next step…

6. Hear it straight from the horse's mouth.  Get out there and find people who are doing what you want to do.  Talk to them about the negative and positive aspects of that career. Find out the truth: the good, the bad, the ugly. Tell them not to pull any punches or sugarcoat anything.  Also, ask if you can spend some time observing what they do during a typical day.  Now's the time to find out if this new career is right for you.  In addition, the contacts you make during this time may help you down the road.

7. Figure out how you're going to do it.  So you've decided on a career choice.  But don't expect to start herding those sheep right away.  You have to do a little planning first.   How you will support yourself during your career change?  Will you remain at your current job until you save enough money to keep you going for several months, then quit and embark on your new adventure?  Or will you try out your new career first by freelancing or consulting on the side before making that full-time leap of faith?  It's up to you.

8. Learn how to do it.   If you've already mastered the job skills related to your new career, you're ready to go live. Otherwise, find out the educational or training requirements of your career choice and prepare to get up to speed.  For example, if you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, you'll need an advanced degree from a college or university.  If you want to write, you may have to take classes or attend workshops.  If you want to fix elevators or air conditioners, you'll probably have to go to trade school.  No matter what you want to do, just be prepared to learn what you must to be successful.

9. Oh, yeah, do it.   Look for opportunities to gain work experience within your new career. Try internships, apprenticeships, volunteering, or temping.  These are great ways to get your feet wet and get a taste of what the new career is like.

10. Be a little selfish.   Can you get some free job training at your current position that'll help you with your new career?  Hey, if it'll make you a better employee at your present job, there's no wrongdoing on your part.  Also, try to gain some on-the-job experience relevant to your future career change.  For example, if you want to be a writer, seek out opportunities to write at your current position.  In other words: be a little selfish and look after your own interests.

11. Act the part. You're now officially a career changer!  Learn the jargon.  Meet people in your new industry through networking events.  Also, seek out industry contacts (you know, the ones you made in step 6) to help you with your job search efforts.  Hey, you're a player now!

12. Stay positive.  You may have little support from family and friends.  Some may think you're nuts for trying to do something totally different.  Or believe you're a fool for walking away from ""job security.""  But so what?  It's your life.  You're responsible for your own happiness.  And hopefully, they'll come around.

So there you have it: twelve steps to help you make one of the most critical transitions in your life.  Hey, but don't let the magnitude of changing careers stress you out.  This is truly an exciting time for you.  Enjoy the ride!

Comments

[Hayli @ Rise Smart]

Great post! Career transitions should definitely be gradual instead of cold turkey, if at all possible. Also revamp your resume (obviously) and change the wording to relate as much as possible to your new career. Even if it's little things like organization and meeting deadlines - who doesn't love that? In other words, try to identify transferable skills/achievements. Writing out a list might help.

[Lisa Haneberg]

I agree Hayli - and be mindful of basic things like your goal statement on your resume. I have seen, many times, resumes for job A with a goal statement that says they want job B. For example - applying for an operations job with a goals statement that says you want to use your online marketing experience to help and organization grow.

[William]

I want to take a moment to note a few words about Glenn Llopis, the business strategy consultant who assisted me with my new business venture. As a successful executive in Corporate America for over 20 years, I wanted to venture out and start my own business. However, I felt I needed some guidance and that is why I approached Glenn Llopis who was referred to me. He gave me the advice that could only come from someone with extensive experience with new ventures. Glenn saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars in trial and error and provided me with the tools to accomplish my dreams. His management philosophies are timeless and highly impactful.

[Dan Erwin]

Effective career change is gradual and evolutionary. I can't emphasize this any better than Lisa and Hayli. The conventional wisdom of "follow your passion" has been superbly debunked--with research--by Herminia Ibarra, in Working Identity. A great book that challenges much of the conventional wisdom re career change.

[Serendipity]

Great post. I love the 12# point staying positive. I think it is better to seek assistance of career mentors and leadership training institutes like:
http://www.earningserendipity.com http://www.centerforhispanicleadership.com