Career change is a major buzz word these days. You have probably heard colleagues whisper about going in new directions or following their hearts to what they were really meant to accomplish. Perhaps you have thought about going in a new direction with your career as well. If you have been held back by uncertainty, you may feel stuck in your current position. While it is possible that you are in a golden spot for the career you would like to build, it is equally possible that you are simply treading water.
Sometimes, moving forward in your career requires a brave jump in a new direction. Other times, moving forward requires perseverance and hard work in the job you already possess. How do you know which situation applies to you at this point in your life? This is a decision you have to make personally, and it starts by clarifying the career path that you want to follow.
Ask and Answer the Question
You will probably remember a teacher, guidance counselor or parent asking you this question when you were in high school. You may have recently asked this same question to your own children. It is asked so often that many people miss the power behind this question, but you should embrace its power to change your career. The question is this: what do you want to be when you grow up?
Your age may technically qualify you as an adult, but you still have a lot of growth to enjoy in your career. Take a moment to appreciate how far you have already come, and then start dreaming about where you would like find yourself in two years, five years, and 10 years. What is your ultimate career goal?
Break Down the Big Goal
Once you know where you are headed, it is easier to assess where you are right now and determine what it will take to get to that final destination. You may feel perfectly content in your current position, but it is important to assess its ability to take you toward those long-term career goals. Think about where you are right now and ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I learning any new skills in this position that will help me qualify for better positions?
- What expertise or skills do I use in this job on a daily basis? Will demonstrated mastery of those skills and areas of expertise help me secure a higher position?
- Are there any other positions within my current company that interest me? How likely am I to secure one of those positions in the future?
- Is there anything more to gain from this position, or have I achieved all I can achieve at this point?
If you find that you have achieved everything you possibly can in your current position or with your current employer, a career change is probably worth considering. If you have your eye on higher positions that will take you toward those long-term career goals, then you may decide that perseverance in your current position is more important than a career change at this point.
Assessing Your Qualifications
Do some research to determine what qualifications are often demanded for the positions you want to land in the future. If you need a higher college degree or could benefit from completing a certificate program, it is best to do that while you are secure in your current position. If you foresee a change into a completely different career field in the future, then you may want to find an entry-level position in that new field while you further your education.
If you already have the qualifications to secure a higher position in your field or a position in a new desired field, then assess the job market for those positions. Are there a lot of positions open right now? How stiff is the competition? What can you do to make your resume and interview skills stand out from other applicants?
Don’t wait for complete confidence and comfort before you step out toward the positions you really want to secure. Career change is uncomfortable and takes a bit of courage. If you meet the qualifications for a job that excites you on a deep level, step out and see where it leads.
Don’t Dismiss Your Feelings
How do you really feel about your current job? Is it just a job or a legitimate step forward in your career? Businessmen and women easily dismiss their emotions because it doesn’t fit in the boardroom, but you can’t do that with your career. Sometimes, the loudest signals that you are ready to make a change come from the unhappiness and discontent felt every time you walk into the office.
How to Get Started
If you decide that you are ready for a career change now or in the near future, networking is the easiest way to tiptoe in that direction. Something as simple as plugging into LinkedIn with an engaging profile can give you more confidence to go for the open positions you set your eyes on. The more you engage with others in your desired career field or positions, the easier it will seem to make that career change. Talking with others who have made substantial career changes can help you as well.
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