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Are you stuck in a rut? Are you working a job you hate and wondering why or how you got here? The chances are you’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not stuck where you are, no matter how much it may feel like that right now. If you are feeling bored, dreading going into work, looking forward to days off, or going to work is leaving you uninspired and maybe a little resentful, then it may be time to look at a career change.
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An important thing to remember is that it is never too late to start the job of your dreams. Many people fall into their careers by chance or have followed a specific career path from school. The thing is, as we age, we change, our mindset shifts, and we are suddenly heading towards middle age, still not pursuing the career we wanted.
Choosing to change your career at a later age in life will mean that you have the benefit from experience in many different areas of life and you are more sure now, then you possibly were at 18, of what you want from life and where you see yourself in another ten years from now.
So what should you consider when looking at changing careers?
If you are feeling bored, dreading going into work, looking forward to days off, or going to work is leaving you uninspired and maybe a little resentful, then it may be time to look at a career change.
Tweet ThisWhy Do You Want to Change Careers?
This is a really important question to ask yourself. Is it because you are unsatisfied with your current employment? Do you want to earn more money, or do you think a different career will make you feel happier?
Be honest with yourself about what you expect from a new career, and exactly why you feel the way you do about your current job. Many people feel dissatisfied with their careers, however, if you simply don’t like your job or it is making you sad, angry or stressed then this could mean you need to evaluate your circumstances and ask yourself if you did change careers what are the chances of you still feeling this way?
Looking for a better home/work-life balance is something you can achieve when it comes to changing careers, depending on what it is you change to. Following a dream, whether it is a lifelong desire or a new passion is a strong catalyst for helping you to take the first step and make that all-important change.
What Do You Want To Do?
If you know what career you want to take up – well done! This will give you something you can work towards, and nothing is stopping you from making the change or laying the foundation for a new career change.
If you choose to embark on a new career that requires training, you may need to enroll in a course before working in that particular sector. If you want to go into the construction industry, then ABC Heart of America can help you find an apprenticeship program that allows you to learn the trade and gain the correct qualifications to help you take on a new career.
If you don’t know what you want to do but know you need a change, this is still possible. You need to find something that appeals to you.
- What are your hobbies?
- What qualifications do you currently have?
- What do you consider a dream job, and how can you turn this into a career?
- What type of education or training would you be able to commit to?
- How much would you be happy to earn, or do you want to aim to earn when fully trained?
- What work experience do you have, and would you consider anything you have done to make your career suitable for the long term?
Brainstorm ideas with family and friends and see what they have worked as for inspiration.
Volunteer
Can you volunteer in your new chosen career or any other career? This is an excellent way of getting a feel for the type of work involved and what would be expected of you if you take on a career in this sector. Get to know the ropes and gain first-hand experience before you commit. And if it’s not for you, then you haven’t lost anything. In fact, you will have gained more knowledge about what you don’t want to do to help you find your ultimate career!
Are you Stopping yourself From Having Career Satisfaction?
Basically, how much do you want it? No matter how much you want to change careers, if you aren’t willing to put the effort in, dreams of a new job and potentially a new life will forever be just that: dreams!
So, ask yourself how serious about this are you? Changing your life on a whim can be massively detrimental to your long term career goals and happiness. You have to be ready mentally to make the change and for it to be effective.
It may be that you start in the same sector but in a different role to get a feel for your new career before committing. You could take up classes, in person, or online that would be beneficial to your chosen career path, but whatever you do, you actually need to do it. Because if your whole heart isn’t in it, you may as well stay where you are and keep plodding along doing what you are currently doing.
So ask yourself, before you make any changes, how much do you really want it? Then, ask again a few weeks later. If you still want it just as bad, make a plan for turning this desire into a reality. Then keep pushing. Even if you take small steps, and take longer to get there, you need to make it happen. Life doesn’t always hand us what we want on a platter for us to help ourselves. Sometimes you need to pick up the dish and serve yourself. Get working, keep pushing, and one day, you will find yourself living your dream in that new career.
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