Changing Careers in Uncertain Times

If you feel your job is unfulfilled and boring, or that your talents are not appreciated, you are not alone. Everyone, now and then feels the need to freshen their talents and gain new experience in the field of their choosing. The choice to make a career choice must be carefully made, but it may not be for you.

It is very important to consider all the options before choosing to change your line of work. This may well be one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life and in these times it is even more important to choose carefully. If you are having doubts about these choices, then here are a few tips to help you make the correct choice.

Prioritise your goals - Your goals should be what determines your decision to stay or go to a new job. Visualise the new working environment, the tasks as hand, the new co-workers, hours, location etc. Is this really the right move now?

Do you want a job which gives utmost financial satisfaction? State everything that you want to achieve, and do not only involve your own life in the process. Also consult family and friends about the decision that you have to make. Remember that these people are the ones who know you best.

Examine your skills - No one knows better than you what your strengths and weaknesses are. Write down all the skills and experience you have accumulated over your working career. Pay special attention to those skills you may take for granted, but highly prized by employers.

What were the things that your previous company has developed in you? Do you think that you will be able to use these skills in your new job once you get one? If not, then there is a need for you to further develop these skills in order for you to be ready for the next job that you are going to embark in.

Where would you like to go - After considering your experience, skills and capabilities, you can start to discover why it is you really want to leave your job in the first place. Were you not given the opportunity to grow in your job or develop your skills?

Is your new job much different to the one that you have already? You may want a big change or you may want a similar job, but different environment. If you want something different in your career, then make sure the job you are considering is different.

Research your dream job - If you want to switch jobs and careers, then you have to have a clear idea of what job you should be in. Always research new jobs and evaluate yourself as to what changes are needed to satisfy your career. Knowing about the jobs and careers that you would like to be in will provide you with a good idea on where you would be in the next few years.

By Eamo Mur