How to Change Careers

Changing careers is not easy! Start at the beginning and take the time to do it right! Either you plan change or you face change because you lose your job! What should you do? There is a lot of advice out there! After all everyone has an opinion and they will share it with you. They are well meaning, but it is your choice. It is your life and do not become a victim!

Start at the beginning

What do you want to do? Movie star, astronaut, chef or find the cure for cancer? You must start somewhere! Start with what interests you. After all, you are the one who will be doing it! You probably have been thinking about it for a while. Am I right? Probably a long time, but you never took it any further because you are used to your salary or earnings level. It is easier to just keep on doing the same thing than to make a change. Change is hard!

Skills Inventory

What is next? You need to inventory your talent and skills in support of your interests. What skills or talent do you need? Can you learn them? Did you research what is needed to succeed in that career? Do you need training or education in your new career? One of the best websites to start your research is the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) and click on the tab Career Information for Kids. It will tell you what the job is like, requirements, job description, future and earnings.

Reality

How do you match up? Do you have the skills and talent? Is there demand for your career? When will you be ready and what do you need to do? If this website does not answer all your questions or your career is not listed, there is plenty of other information on the internet. So what is stopping you? Are you willing to take classes, take a pay cut or make the necessary changes? If not, you only wasted a little time, but don’t give up. Keep looking for your passion.

Job Shadow

Have you thought about talking to someone who performs the career you are interested in? I know I am! My first question will be, how did you become a astronaut? I would follow up with what is a typical day like? I want to know everything, the good, bad and ugly! The more you know the better your decision. Spend some time with the person and check out the career. It is your opportunity to know if it is a good choice or a bad choice before you invest time, money and effort.

Finances

Sooner or later, it is about the money! Change may mean a reduction in pay for some time or school full time or making an investment. In all of the cases, it is about the money. You need to plan for these things or how can you make a change? It may even take years to save enough to make the change. This is another good reason to have a plan. It took me seven (7) years to reach financial freedom as I chronicled in my journey to success. Don’t let your fear prevent you from doing what you love to do.

Wrap Up

I changed careers six (6) times, am I an expert? Perhaps my experience will help you make that leap because I did it successfully or my tips are really helpful. My approach to problem solving works! I have a reputation of getting things done and making complicated issues understandable. If you go through these steps, I think you will learn about what steps you need to make a change. Is it risk free? Absolutely not! These steps help or guide you through what is necessary to make a change. What are you going to do?

I started my seventh (7^th) career at fifty-five (55) years old and working on my eighth (8^th) career at sixty-four (64) years old. Age is not a barrier or is it? It is up to you! My mother worked in various careers until her early nineties! What are you going to do? There are many goals and pursuits I want to accomplish because it keeps me interested and engaged. After all, isn’t that what it is all about? Changing careers is not easy!

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