There are as many new career options as there is new career advice, but if one follows a few basic ground rules, he or she can make that switch to a new career without too much of difficulty. To begin with, one must figure out if what one needs is a change of job or a change of career. While a job change can be accomplished without much ado, a career change creates quite an upheaval in one’s life and hence must be handled with care. A well-formulated plan is extremely important for the successful execution of a career change.
Preparedness
Rushing into a new career without weighing all the factors that have led you to take such a decision may prove to be a risky proposition. Take the time to examine your existing career – some of the negating factors you are considering may be transitory. So think well before you throw in the towel. Focus on the advantages and disadvantages in your current system and weigh them against the things you like and dislike in your new career. One might have to put in a great deal of time and effort while changing over to a new career. You could be assailed by feelings of insecurity during the transition as things tend to progress very slowly. Nonetheless, one has to take it in a stride as these are normal during the course of a career change.
Take Advantage Of Transferable Skills
You could leverage some of the skills and experiences from your current career to your new career. That is not to say that one must restrict oneself to similar careers when taking up a new career. Ideally, a new career which would partially employ skills from your previous career would give you an edge in tackling your new job rather than having to start on something totally alien to you.
Additional Training And Education
While skills from previous career may help, you may have to get extra training or education to give you a competitive edge in your new career. That said, avoid jumping headlong into an educational program-weigh the various options available and start slowly. If there is any possibility of gaining first-hand experience in your new field before actually starting on your new career, grab the opportunity. You could either do it as voluntary work or as part-time job. This would greatly enhance your confidence, experience and also help you establish contacts in your new career.
Other Marketing Tools To Help In Your New Career
A good resume is as important a marketing tool in your employment search as is your strong interviewing skills. Timely follow-up is also important in ensuring success in your quest for a new career. This involves calling potential employers and requesting for an interview as part of the follow-up process. Today, many employers resort to telephonic or on-line interviews. Returning telephone calls or e-mails and writing acceptance letters are also equally important in the follow-through process.
Starting Your Own Business
Many career change seekers dream of starting a venture, but lack the courage to make a beginning. Fear is what holds you back from chasing your dreams. But unless you overcome your fear of venturing into the unknown, you will never make that profound difference to your life. So, the first step to starting out on your own would be to make a thorough study of what you are venturing into. Attend classes, read publications and do whatever it takes to get a solid grip. This way your risks would seem less risky.
Flexibility
As far as new career advice goes, being flexible is paramount when you are starting on a new career, which means you may have to make compromises on job titles, remuneration, relocation, etc.