Career Change Navigation
Having a lifelong career is one of the things that has changed in the recent past. People used to focus on getting started from the ground level then work their way up until their retirement. But today, this is not the case. A career today will involve changes in the workplace – and even changes in career.
There are many reasons why people decide to change their careers, some of them include; not feeling like you are appreciated in your current job, looking for more money, no passion for the job, looking for something new, and finding new passion and skills. Whatever the reason, there are three things you need to put into consideration before changing your career.
1. Do an Analysis of Your Current Situation
If you have decided you are going to change your career, the first thing you need to do is assess where you are and where you want to be. You should not join a new company then end up in the same position after a couple of months. You should determine the reason why you want to change careers, and when you find an opportunity, take time and see whether it provides you with the change you are interested in.
The process of changing jobs is long, but there are easy steps that you can follow to put things in motion. Once you have figured the things you want in a new career, you can then start the process of getting it. Delete your career objective and come up with a new path.
Different people will have different experiences when changing careers. One unique thing about you and others is the intersection between the thing you are looking for in a career and the qualifications and skills you have for the job unique for you. Some generalizations can be made based on your age and how long you have been out of the job market.
2. Paying Attention to Changing Trends
Once you have analyzed where you are and what you are hoping to get from a career change, the next step is finding it. If you are changing your career and it is a different field, then you will need to familiarize yourself with the different career options. For example, if you want a Trade job for a career change, then try acquiring from vocational schools that provide hands-on training for your skills.
Ensure that the idea of a specific career or field lines up with reality. There have been a lot of advancements in technology and the economy in the past decades, making it important to choose a dream job that exists and will continue in the long term. Many new opportunities come up as a result of the changing trends, take advantage of them.
The hospitality industry has been forced to make changes because of the interest of millennials in experimental travel and meaningful experiences. Hotels have put more focus on the things making them unique instead of creating a predictable experience the way most chain hotels have been doing for many decades.
Analyzing the industry you are interested in. Are there needs that are not being met? Do the new trends align with your skills and experience? Maybe you can take the current experience to a new setting. One of the biggest benefits of changing a career is the change in setting. Look at the areas you are great at, and also your passions, then see if they can connect and provide you with new opportunities.
3. Utilizing Your Resources
When considering changing your career, you might start to feel like you are starting from zero. But you are not starting from the beginning. Your career and life experiences have given you a unique set of skills that can benefit employers. It is a good idea to know and utilize your resources. Some of the resources you might have include; transferable skills you have acquired from your current career, positive references from people you have worked for and with, personal connection in the industry you are interested in, portfolio of past work, online resume that has been updated, and time and money for getting the necessary degrees and certifications.