Your Strategy For Finding Career Change Ideas

Published November 6th, 2008

The idea of staying loyal to same employer has become rather out-dated. It is no longer expected that employers stay with the same company for life and when people enter the workforce they can usually expect to change careers every five to ten years. It is acceptable for people to move on if they feel their current position is no longer satisfactory, but what if you hate your job and are short of career change ideas?

Whatever your situation, there are plenty of opportunities that you can look at. While this is a good thing, the amount of choice can seem overwhelming if you are considering starting a new career and are not sure what you want to do.

Before you begin your hunt for a new job or career, you need to have some idea of what you want to do or you could end up in another unsatisfactory situation. Take some time to consider and answer the following questions.

1. What do you enjoy doing? List all the things you love doing. Do not worry for the moment whether these things are appropriate for a career, the point of this exercise is to get to know yourself a bit more so you can have a clearer idea of what’s right for you. You might think that countryside rambling is not a career option, but perhaps your love of the outdoors could give you some ideas for careers where you spend time outside?

Also, think about the things you like about your current career. Are there elements of your job that you would miss? How can you make sure you can still do these things?

2. Next, consider the things that you are good at. With your life and work experience you will have developed various skills and learned things that could be used for a new career. Do people ask you for advice about certain things?

Some people find it difficult to think about what they are good at. If this is the case, ask your friends what they think are your good skills and qualities.

3. What do you NOT want? If you hate your current job, what is it exactly that you do not like doing, or is it the environment you work in, or the type of company? When you are considering a new career, it is important that you make sure you do not end up repeating the same kind of things. Make a list of what you do not like about what you are doing now, and this will help you determine what you do want.

4. What are your goals? What do you want to achieve in your life? What are your values and beliefs? If your job conflicts with any of these you will feel dissatisfied and resentful. Keep your integrity by working for someone you admire and making sure your career will support your personal goals and beliefs.

5. Will you need training? If the job you would like needs higher skills or qualifications than you have, do not allow this to put you off. There may be local or online training opportunities available that will help you develop the skills you need. Also, you could investigate whether the company provides in-house training.

Changing your career at any time of life is always a big decision and it can feel scary to leave the security of your current position, even if you really hate it. However, when you have a clearer idea of what you would like to do, the fear can turn to excitement.

The next step is to research the career options that you are now thinking of and find out what the reality will be of this new career. You will need to be clear about any differences in income or changes of location so that you can plan for this. Creating a new budget or plan can give you greater feelings of confidence as you work your way around any obstacles in your path.

Never allow age to stop you changing career to something satisfying and fulfilling. There are as many opportunities out there as you allow there to be! The worse thing you can do is shut your mind to opportunity in the belief that no-one will employ you. You have a life time of valuable experience and knowledge that would be beneficial to anyone. Keep an open mind and be determined to find the career that suits you.

These career change tips are designed to help you find the career change process much easier. The only thing that will stop you finding a career you love is your own belief. You deserve to be happy and fulfilled in whatever you choose to do on a daily basis, and you are the one person that can make that happen. Understand who you are and what you want, then realise that you deserve it. After that, all you need to do is take action.

Ros is a professional career and home business coach, providing help for people who feel stuck in a career they dislike. She is also a writer.

Ros’s coaching site is at Career and Home Business Coaching

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