14 Nov 2019
When you’re stuck in a job you don’t like, it’s easy to dream about a career change, but planning to make that change and putting it into action can be difficult, especially if you don’t actually know where to start, or which path will get you there the easiest.
On the surface, your current job could seem ideal, but if it leaves you deeply unfulfilled, you won’t ever fully enjoy it.
So how do you change careers?
The thing about taking a different direction in life is we’re often left a little clueless. We become our own obstacle as we sometimes fear the unknown rather than face it head on. If you’re looking for a career change, here are some key questions to help you choose the right career path for you.
1. What do I like to learn about?
Once you’ve figured out what captures and holds your interest, your job may feel less of a burden. If you enjoy reading, it could be that working in publishing may be for you. If you enjoy helping others, it may be that nursing is a good career path.
2. How can I achieve it?
Financially speaking, it can be difficult to jump into a different career if your current job pays well. In addition, you may have bills to pay which can make it almost impossible to take the leap. Your new career may also require you to gain new qualifications, so an action plan will be needed in order to know how long it will take to achieve it and what hurdles you may face.
3. Could it begin as a hobby?
If you found many obstacles when answering question two, the next thing to think about is, 'can it start as a hobby and develop into a career?' You may be able to learn what you need to learn in your spare time. Your hobby could end up being a niche in the market, but you would need to understand your potential audience in order to apply your skills and turn it into a money-making venture.
4. What benefits do you wish to gain from your new job?
If you find yourself saying more time or flexibility, it may mean that freelancing or remote working jobs would be more suited to you than a big corporate office. That way you can be your own boss and choose when, where and how you work.
Once you’ve answered these questions, it may be a lot easier to understand how to turn 'achieving your dream career’ into a realistic action plan. Getting there may not be easy and it’s highly unlikely you will achieve it overnight, therefore creating strategies and plans will help.
Alternatively, if you have an idea about your next career that isn’t overly complicated or unique to you, it might be possible for you to train on the job by starting as a trainee or an apprentice. Search jobs with Our Bob and see if your dream career is already waiting for you.
You could also head on over to Jooble to see what they have to offer!
