Career Change: Scary
The recession economy’s blast to numerous industries has prompted many to rethink what they do for a living.
One of the questions I’m asked frequently these days by prospective and active clients is: “How do I go about making a career change?”
“The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.” – George Bernard Shaw
Career Change: Strategy
This past year, I coached my client Nancy around career-change strategies:
1. Explore your reasons for change. If you’re in a field or role that’s being outsourced, becoming obsolete, or not as much in demand as it once was, it’s certainly viable to proactively explore a career change. If you have a lifelong passion, you want to pursue, go for it. If you’re mad at your boss, are bored, or think you’re underpaid, these may not be the right reasons to change. Examine honestly the real motivators.
2. Assess your interests and skills. People who love their jobs are successful. Don’t go into a job just because it’s a growth field or you know others who are doing it. What do YOU want to do? Take advantage of tools to assess your skills, interests and strengths. You can use a career coach or a host of online, print or job-service resources. Dig deep for matching what you do well with what you love to do.
3. Do your homework. Research … a lot. Go online and learn as much as you can about the careers you’re interested in. Read relevant publications, websites and press releases. This is part of it. Another key strategy is to get out there and talk to people who are doing what you want to do. Volunteer or job shadow. Tap your network. Do as many informational interviews as you can with as many contacts in the field as possible. This can give you real-world information to help you decide.
4. Stop here to mine deeper into matching what you’ve learned about you as it fits with what you’ve learned about the field. Some helpful questions:
- What will you earn?
- Will you be able to maintain your current standard of living? If not, do you have a plan?
- What will your likely career path be?
- What incentives will you get?
- Do you have the skills, training and qualifications to do this work? If not, do you have a plan? How long will it take to get there? Are the financial, time and other factors realistic?
- Is there travel involved? If so, how much? Will you have to relocate? Does the new career typically require frequent relocating?
- How demanding will the new career be? Will you be able to maintain work / life balance?
5. Learn how to do it. If you need new skills, training or credentials for this work, approach the change practically. Some changes are easier than others. A nurse transitioning to medical equipment sales will likely progress more quickly than a construction worker switching to accounting. Make a plan. Who’s training for it? How and when will you do it? Will you stay at your current job until you save enough money to get out there? Can you consult, freelance, temp or work part-time to ease in gently?
6. Go get it! Create a resume and marketing communications that showcase your most relevant and transferable skills to your new career. Your challenge is to create a picture of knowledge, action and results. You are saying, “This is what I know, this is how I’ve used it, and this is how well I’ve done it.” Shout your new career presence from the online rooftops! Sell your successes!
7. Enjoy the adventure! Continue to get out there and act the part! Meet people in your new industry through referrals and networking events. Nurture your new career contacts on LinkedIn and other social media. Learn from those you’re now working with. Volunteer to help with special projects, serve on committees or represent at professional/community events. Grow your portfolio.
Nancy has gone through all seven steps over the course of a year. She transitioned joyfully from a laid-off high school teacher into a corporate training role. She is loving the ride!
Photo: Dano
