Long gone are the days when people were encouraged to stay in one career for most of their life. We now live in times when career and job changes are frequent, especially as younger generations acquire new skills and move on to improve their prospects. A popular mid career move nowadays is moving into teaching careers like teaching English as a foreign language. While a career change can be a daunting thing to do, there are ways to make this transition easier. Below are a few ways to get you started.
Benefits of a Career Change
Career changes are never easy, especially if you’ve been in the same role for quite some time. However, making that all-important career move can be beneficial in many ways. Not only are you demonstrating a willingness to take risks, but you’re also giving yourself the gift of something better. Some of the most common benefits of changing a career include:
• Better job satisfaction
• Increased confidence
• Improved levels of happiness
• Less stress
• More fulfillment
• Higher salary
Step 1: Decide What You Want
Before you take that big step and steer the ship towards another career, it’s important to really decide what you want. Hopping from one job to another just because it offers a desirable pay packet won’t do you any favors, especially if you also want to boost your sense of fulfillment.
To ensure that you’re doing your due diligence on yourself, take the time to evaluate what you want. This includes everything from the type of company, location, role, how you want to expand your personal development, or even if you want to go solo and become an entrepreneur. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s aligned with your passions, motivations, and skills.
Step 2: Assess Your Current Skills
To figure out your next steps, it’s also worth assessing your current skillset. Review your past roles and any volunteering experiences you’ve had. Then evaluate how your skills and abilities fit into the role you’re in now.
If your current job is falling short in terms of meeting your skills and vice versa, it can help you decide what type of career you want to jump into next. It may be in the same industry, or it could be a complete sea change altogether. The point is that you choose something that suits your personality and experience.
Step 3: Figure Out What You Have to Offer
Knowing what your assets are is another vital step in this process. Having a solid understanding of the skills you possess and how you can be of service will go a long way towards convincing would-be employers or clients. Figure out what your assets are and how you can communicate your value to others.
Step 4: Grow Your Network
Having a solid network is important in nearly any industry you end up in, whether it’s business, education, healthcare, or commerce. The good news is you can build your network while you’re still in your current job.
Or, if you’re already in your new career and you’re keen to expand your contacts, find ways to get your name out there. Attend events, talk to colleagues, friends, and acquaintances. The more you make yourself visible, the better chance you stand of becoming known.
Step 5: Get a Mentor or Coach
Mentors can be invaluable guides, especially if you’re entering the world of business. Even in other public services industries, coaches or mentors are incredibly useful for providing resources, tips, and encouragement. These individuals can help you plan your next steps and build your skillset.
Step 6: Scope Out Job Options
This is perhaps a more obvious step, but you should also take time to do an initial search for jobs in your industry. There are a variety of sources out there, ranging from job boards to a simple Google search. By seeing what’s out there, you can do some in-depth research and figure out your next steps.
Step 7: Boost Your Credentials
If your career change consists of moving to a new industry or advancing in an existing one, you may need to boost your education or credentials. This could involve training courses, weekend seminars, or a master computer engineering online degree. Not only will this process improve your skillset, but it can also put you in good standing for your career of choice.
Step 8: Choose What Makes You Happy
Finally, when it all comes down to it, make sure that your next career move will make you happy. Too often we choose roles simply because it’s available or because it provides a good salary. But what matters at the end of the day is your sense of happiness and fulfillment. If your job is your passion, then you will have made a successful move.
