Are you struggling to get out of bed each morning because you don’t like your job? If so, maybe now is the time to think about a career change. Reports indicate that on average, individuals change their career five or six times during their working life.

Speak Up 

Due to downsizings, company loyalty has all but vanished. If you really enjoy working for your current employer, but don’t like your job, think about moving into another position within the company. Most companies want to hold on to a good employee and will try to find a better fit for you. Be sure to speak up though, your manager can’t read your mind.  

Try Something New 

You don’t need to stay in the same career field in which you started out. While that was common and expected years ago, it’s not anymore. Some career changers realize they made a bad choice when they first chose a career. Others may now want a job with meaning, one that offers more challenge, or one in which they are passionate. What you enjoyed doing when you were twenty-five years old, may not be appealing at forty. With each job you gain valuable skills that you can transfer from one job to another and one career to another. Let’s say you are currently in retail management, but are now interested in a supervisory position in a customer service department of an insurance company. The type of business is different, but the basic set of skills is the same, i.e., supervising, training, customer service, etc.  

What Are You Good At? 

Keep in mind your interests, skills, and values when choosing a new career. To ensure a good fit, select a career that interests you and one in which you can use the skills you enjoy. Another important consideration is choosing a career that is in alignment with your values. For example, let’s say you value having your evenings and weekends free. Retail management would probably not be a good match for you. 

A great way to learn new skills is through volunteering. Perhaps you would like to gain some skills in the fundraising arena, consider volunteering on an election campaign. Maybe you would like to acquire some experience as a trainer, offer to teach a workshop at a non-profit agency.  

Another very effective way to try out a new career is through an internship, paid or unpaid. One example of a successful internship experience is an individual in restaurant management who transitioned into computer networking. He had completed some basic hardware and software computer classes and then attended a job fair where he submitted his resume. By demonstrating an interest and some basic computer networking skills, he landed a paid internship. 

Showcase Your Accomplishments 

Keep a record of your accomplishments by developing a career portfolio. This tool can be very powerful and effective, especially when switching careers. Instead of just telling an employer what you did, you can offer them proof. Remember that you are the one ultimately responsible for your career success.

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