Change of Career Questions

It isn't unusual for a worker to think about a change of career at some point. However, job experts warn that instead of jumping into a new occupation, it's crucial to assess your current situation and map out exactly how you would approach finding a new career - while you still have your current job.

Is a Change of Career Realistic?

• Costs of career change. A realistic decision on a change of career includes a thorough analysis of the impact to your current budget and savings outlook, according to job experts. Are you married with children or would a change of career only affect you? Are you caring for parents or others so that a change in your financial situation would affect that ability to care for others? What about the cost of insurance? In addition, it may also be beneficial to talk with an accountant familiar with your money situation for an assessment of the impact of a career change on your finances. The analysis could also provide you an answer with the minimum salary you need in your new career.
• What's the new career? It's one thing to decide - for a variety of different reasons - that you want a change of career. However, what skills and abilities do you have that might translate into other fields? Or do you have an idea of a new career? If so, is it realistic to expect you can earn a job in a different field? Getting answers to these questions is vital before embarking on a change of career.

Change of Career - How to Pick a New Career?

• Assess your skills, abilities. One of the first steps is to make a brutally honest assessment of your skills and abilities that you would bring to a new job. Perhaps you are an administrative assistant with an outgoing personality who feels comfortable meeting and greeting new people. Could that translate into a retail sales career? Create a list of your skills and abilities as you consider a change of career.
• Do you have a career in mind? Perhaps your interest in a change of career is triggered, in part, by a desire to work in another industry. Maybe you are a gifted typist and like the idea of being a medical transcriptionist or you've always wanted to be a teacher. Match your skills and abilities to the skills required for the occupation you are considering. You may want to consider talking to a headhunter or employment professional.
• Is additional training necessary? Maybe a 1-year paralegal course or a 6-month medical transcriptionist school would not only provide you with the skills you need but with certification that would make getting a job much easier. Of course, the next question is whether you can afford the cost of the additional training - as well as the additional time you would be without a paycheck while preparing for your change of career.
• Weigh pros and cons. While still in your original, unsatisfying field, make the analysis whether the advantages of a change of career outweigh the disadvantages. You may not want to hear that you can't afford to make a change of career, but analyzing the situation may give you an idea of how much you would need in savings to feel more comfortable about a change of career.