You are toiling away at your day job and are reasonably happy with the pay and your benefits. You even enjoy being around and working with your colleagues. However, deep down, you know you are not passionate about the work you do. In other words, you are playing it safe because you have heard too many stories about the small percentage of new businesses that succeed.
Take heart! This article will offer you some advice on making a career change that will encourage you to take that chance and do it intelligently!
Taking on a career change is naturally going to involve some discomfort. It’s only natural to experience some unease as you step outside your comfort zone. Career changes do involve a degree of risk, disruption, and friction. Yet persons all over the globe have managed successful career changes, even if it took some time and lots of effort.
To that effect, there are no shortcuts involved in a career change. A change of this magnitude can require some years of reflection, uncertainty, exploration, and very possibly additional schooling. It is going to require real effort and a lot of hard work to make that change. Resolve that you will engage in a constant, firm march to surmount the obstacles that will inevitably present themselves when you leave your old career path.
Sometimes you will have to make some small steps without having everything figured out in your plan. That is OK—they can be small steps and even imperfect ones. You might find that you are entering a field where most of the people are younger than you or are coming from a different background. There is nothing wrong with that. Take the chance and make a thought-out leap of faith.
You may also enter a period of exploration where you are investigating different avenues. Let yourself experience that journey without any set expectations for where it will lead. In this period, do away with preconceived ideas and cast a wide net. It is this phase where you may well uncover what you really want to pursue.
Remember that your experience and qualifications are unique. Take a positive look at your career quest and never sell yourself short. A good attitude is paramount in changing careers.
You may be worried about how to refashion your narrative and resume to pursue your career dreams. Here, you will have to put in some real effort to craft your narrative to find those transferrable skills learned to date that can be effective in your new endeavor. Be assured that professional resume writers and career coaches deal with career changers constantly if you choose to go this route. These transitions are far from insurmountable.
Along with this, you may find that your existing network of friends and work colleagues is lacking as you pursue your new career. Although you may feel initially awkward in doing so, make the move to surround yourself with people connected to your new path. Chances are you will find this to be very rewarding.
Also, put some thought into what point you want to leave your present career path. When you hit that point, no matter where it is, be willing to walk away.
Finally, trust your gut feeling! Remain open and give yourself the time necessary to figure it out. If something feels right, it most likely is.
The good thing is that you control the whole process. Making that career change can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences not only of your career but of your life. So many people have said that leaving their old path and following their dreams has been worth it many times over. You can do this!
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