Career Advice By Randy

How To Change Careers

Just a few short years ago, changing careers mid-stream was considered foolish and unintelligent. With the unemployment rate soaring, more and more people are choosing to change gears and find a new career. This can be a scary and exciting proposition. Spending some time researching your career change and carefully mapping out your plan can make changing careers less scary and more fun.

Before deciding to change careers, it is crucial to spend some time choosing just how you will be changing your path. Research different options available to you and carefully consider the following questions:

1. How much additional income can you expect from your new position?
2. How marketable is the new position – in other words, how difficult will it be to obtain meaningful employment in your new field?
3. How much additional training or coursework will be necessary in order to become a qualified candidate in your chosen field?
4. How will you finance your additional training?

Choosing your new career field is perhaps the most difficult part of this process. Unless you have a passionate desire for a particular field, you are most likely basing your decision on money alone. While money can and should play an important role in your decision making process, it is also important to consider what you will be doing and if you can continue with your chosen field long term.

Because almost any career change will involve at least some reeducation, anyone considering a career change must careful consider how he or she will fit this into his or her current work and life schedule. Finding the time and money to retrain yourself might prove to be too much of a strain – especially if your new field requires extensive education.

It is an excellent idea to network prior to fully committing to your career change. Find professional organizations or groups dedicated to your chosen field. This can be the best way to determine how lucrative your new position may be as well as your likelihood of obtaining gainful employment.

It is interesting to consider the ‘trends’ prevalent in the job market. Every few years there is a new ‘hot’ job. Currently, those positions tend to revolve around technology. If possible, try to consider the next ‘big thing.’ In some ways, this can be a bit of a gamble, but can be lucrative as well. Energy, health care and environmental reform are all big-ticket fields right now – for those willing to take a risk.

Finally, remember that it is easier to find a job when you already have one, so be sure to have a position in your new field lined up before you quit your current job. This will ensure no loss of income.

Whether you considering changing your career or have to because of the job market, changing your career can literally change your life. By taking the time to consider your options and properly plan your change, a career change can be seamless.