6 steps to nail your career change!
A career change can be challenging, stressful and totally rewarding.
if you’re working in a job which leaves you demotivated and unhappy, you owe it to yourself to make a career change.
It could be a small side step into an industry which better suits you, or even a jump back into study and discovering something completely new!
But this is not a decision that should be taken lightly, so if you’re thinking about taking the plunge first check out our 6 steps for nailing that career change!
#1 Pinpoint your motivations
Why do you want to make a career change?
You may have an idea in mind but sounding it out with someone you trust can give you a totally different understanding of your motivations.
Whether it’s with a mate over a beer or with a career coach, talking through the situation objectively will allow you to pinpoint exactly you are unhappy with.
Our team here at Frazer Tremble are great to chat with for careers advice, you can contact them here.
#2 Discover your ‘work personality’
So you’ve been slogging it out in an environment that wasn’t the right fit for you.
So what is the right fit then?
It’s time to have a think about what kind of working environment you’d like to work in.
Check out some online quizzes to help guide you to your workplace personality type and “job cluster”.
An analysis of more than 2.7 million job advertisements conducted as part of the Foundation for Young Australians’ New Work Mindset report has revealed that the Australian economy has seven job clusters aligned with the skills required for jobs of the future.
Take this quiz to see which cluster you’re best suited to.
#3 Find out more about your dream job
Time for a deep dive into what your dream job is really like.
Make sure that your expectations of the job match the reality by talking to people who are working in the industry.
Even volunteering with an organisation can be a good chance to get a taste of the realities of the job ahead.
There is no use training to be a nurse only to discover that discover you faint at the sight of blood.
But what if you don’t know anyone working in your chosen industry?
To connect with your potential future industry keep an eye out for career fairs and events. The melbourne career expo is a huge event held annually with hundreds of exhibitors.
Or alternatively take a look on Linkedin for people working in your chosen industry. Have a little look around to get a feel for what life in that industry is like.
#4 Know your financial and lifestyle limits
Assess your current situation. Financial and social.
How long can you afford to go without an income?
What kind commitments do you have currently? A mortgage? Family?
If you need some further study will you be able to fit this in with your current commitments?
Once you have mapped out what you are capable of you can set some attainable goals.
Check out this handy budgeting tool.
#5 Check if you need to upskill
How will your current skills translate into a new role?
It can be helpful to think about what you do in your job today.
What makes your abilities different to someone who wouldn’t be able to do your job properly?
Think about how your skills can translate more broadly. For instance, your positive relationships with clients might mean you have good communication and problem-solving skills.
Check out this article on how to translate your skills in your resume for a career change.
#6 Go for it
Working a job which you don’t enjoy is demotivating and unsatisfying.
If you decide to make a change, just do it.
Undertaking a career change can be full of challenges and stress but once you get through that you’re in a place of much greater options and hope.
Staying in your current career is an easier option but it won’t make you happier in the long run.
As they say, the grass will always be greener on the other side, until you start watering your own.
When it comes to finally making the move from your current job, why not check out our tips for how to resign like a pro.
