Introduction
If you’re feeling stuck in your current career, it’s never too late to make a change.
It is not uncommon for people to feel unsatisfied with their current job or career choice.
In fact, research shows that 25% of the workforce is not happy with their job. This dissatisfaction can even affect one’s health. If you are one of the 25% that wants to make a change, you need solid career change advice.
The process of changing your career goals can be overwhelming, but with the right mindset and approach, you can turn your dreams into a reality.
Making a Confident Career Change: 13 Steps to Success
In this guide, we’ll explore a step-by-step process to help you evaluate, investigate, formulate, and review your career goals.
Use the advice and ideas provided in this guide to help you make a successful career change.
A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Goals
Making a career change is not easy, but it is up to you to take the necessary steps to make it happen.
Remember, determination and a willingness to learn new skills will set the pace for your transition to a new career.
Here are 13 steps to help you make a confident decision:
1.) Taking Stock of Your Current Job
One of the best ways to start the process of changing your career is to take stock of your current job.
Keep a daily journal and record your feelings about your job, the people you work with, and the culture of the company. This will help you identify any recurring issues that are contributing to your dissatisfaction.
2.) Evaluate Your Skills, Values, and Interests
Take time to evaluate your skills, values, and interests.
Review past positions and any volunteer work you’ve done to identify your core skills and values.
This will help you determine the right direction your career should take.
3.) Brainstorming with Friends and Family
Discuss your skills, values, likes, and dislikes with friends and family.
This is a great way to come up with career alternatives and get valuable input from people who know you well.
4.) Evaluate Your Career Goals
Before you can make any changes, it’s important to evaluate why you want to change your career goals in the first place.
This self-reflection will help you understand your motivations and goals.
Start by asking yourself the following questions:
- Why do I want to make this change?
- What do I expect to gain from this change?
- How will my life and career be improved by this change?
Being honest with yourself and identifying your motivations is crucial for developing a solid plan.
5.) Investigate Your Options
Once you’ve evaluated your career goals, it’s time to investigate your options.
Changing your career may require several steps, such as additional education or relocating to a new city.
Take the time to research the industry you’re interested in and find out what it takes to achieve your goals.
Consider the following questions:
- Is additional education needed?
- Are certain achievements in your current job necessary?
- Will you need to access money to start up your own business?
- Will you need to relocate?
- Are you poised for success through networks you’ve already developed?
By answering these questions, you’ll have a better understanding of the obstacles you may face, and the steps needed to overcome them.
6.) Research and Read
Read as much as you can on various fields to discover what you might like.
Research job descriptions, companies, and industry trends to gain a better understanding of what you need to do to make a career change successfully.
7.) Shadowing and Volunteering
Shadow professionals in the fields you are interested in and volunteer in places where you can get relevant experience.
This will give you a better idea of what the job entails and whether it is the right fit for you.
8.) Develop New Skills
Take advantage of any training offered by your current company and develop new skills that will help you in your desired career.
Local colleges and universities often offer evening courses, so consider taking classes to help you build the skills necessary to make a career change.
9.) Consider Other Roles
Think about other roles you could take on within your company or industry.
Analyze your company and industry to identify opportunities that align with your skills and interests.
10.) Formulate a Plan
With a better understanding of your motivations and options, it’s time to formulate a plan. Write out your career goals and follow up with a list of the obstacles you may encounter. Don’t think of obstacles as negative – they’re simply challenges to be overcome.
Once you’ve identified your obstacles, you have the power to find solutions. This will require you to take action steps, some of which may take several years.
The key is to stay focused and committed to your goals.
11.) Review and Re-Evaluate
Your Plan Life is unpredictable, and your career goals may change over time.
That’s why it’s important to review and re-evaluate your plan regularly. As new obstacles appear, you’ll need to find new solutions, and there may be new actions to take.
12.) Rebuild Your Resume
Rebuild your resume to focus on the skills you want to emphasize to make a career change. Highlight any transferable skills and think outside the box to show how your current experience can be valuable in your new career.
Return to step one whenever you feel lost or confused and see how your answers have changed. Knowing yourself and your goals is the answer to a successful career and, more importantly, a happy life.
Take the time to evaluate where you are and where you want to be. No one deserves your time more than you!
Conclusion
Changing your career goals can be a scary and uncertain process, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
By following these steps, you can evaluate your motivations, investigate your options, formulate a plan, and review and re-evaluate your progress. With hard work and determination, you can turn your dreams into a reality and create a fulfilling career path.