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by Cristine Sauter
When you feel that there is no more movement or satisfaction in your current career, a change may help you to open up new opportunities and life experiences. Such a change does not happen in an instant, though. You cannot leave your current position and find another with wonderful results throughout. There are things to consider prior to and during the transition. When it comes time to make a change, be ready. This is the only way to ensure that you get to a new career where you are happy and can live to your fullest potential.
Before doing anything, make sure that you are ready to make a change. Some people are unhappy for a moment and equate that to a lifetime of unhappiness. Do not get caught up in one of these moments and make a decision that you might later regret. Take a step back to examine the path that you have led thus far. Look at how the career has challenged you, how you have felt during tasks, how you have risen through the ranks, how you have changed the organization or even the industry, how those in and out of the organization have treated you, and what you have taken away from this time. Take an objective look at your entire experience in your current career.
There are times when the need for a change is obvious. Underappreciated, bored, and unmotivated, your job may not fulfill you the same way it did before. You might think that none of your work really matters or that the money is not worth what you put into the job. Maybe you do not feel like you belong there, or you are too exhausted to feel like you belong. When this happens, you have to figure out what type of move suits you. You can move through the same organization or find an employer in the same industry, or you can find a new career. Figure out the type of change that works best for you.
When taking the first step to changing jobs or careers, do research. Find something that you like. If you want to stay within the same organization, look into openings or potential openings. Talk to other people in the organization. When switching jobs in the same industry, look into and compare organizations. Find a place that offers what your current job cannot. If you want a new career, look into what will ignite your passion and give you the happiness you cannot have now.
Start building up your skills, training, and education. Update everything so that you can remain an attractive potential employee. For a change in your current industry, try to focus on the applicable skills and knowledge for your new job. In a new industry, begin learning and building up your resume to show that you have developed a foundation for growth and future success.
As you look into building up your resume, network. Start getting to know people in the industry or profession that you want. Find people who can help you with the transition, finding a new job, and improving your abilities in the new job. Head over to conventions and any area where you know these professionals are likely to go.
Begin trying your hand at volunteer or low-level work. This may not be the big, promising position that you want, but it does give you some insight into the new job. You will have relevant experience that will help you as you take on the new career. When doing this work, try to find someone who will help you to understand more about the career. A mentor will give you knowledge and understanding that you would not have otherwise.
Start finding your dream career. If this is something that you want, go for it. With an updated resume and your newfound knowledge and skills, you can take on this task. It might take a little while to get everything sorted, and you will have to be flexible and patient since you are starting from the bottom again, but it is worth it once you are happy in your chosen career.
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