If you may be wondering how you are going to make a career change in today’s frantic job market, then there’s no reason to worry. While changing careers may seem like a scary ordeal, it is also one that can be thrilling.
This only stands if you are making a career change into a field that you truly desire and are interested in developing a passion for.
Wanting to make a career change can happen for many reasons. It could be your current job is not providing you with the financial security that you desire, or maybe you are just exhausted from the daily monotonous routine of working your 9 to 5 day job.
In the end, working and being in a career that one truly is passionate about is vital to keeping you motivated to wake up every morning and fulfill your job duties.
Reasons Why You Are Longing for a Career Change
A career shift can be defined as working in a totally different field. It could be a career field that is varied from what you opted to specialize in university or college.
For example, your first career could have been as an administrative secretary. Then you may opt to make a career change to work as a nurse since you have a passion for helping people, and you would like to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
People consider changing careers for some of the following reasons.
- Poor working relationships with supervisors and colleagues.
- A desire to improve their work-life.
- The company may look to downsize or restructure.
- Company closing down.
- Job relocation is another reason why people may choose to have a career change.
- Lack of recognition for one’s contributions by the company.
- Poor and ineffective work leadership
Signs you May Need to Explore a Career Change
- Suppose you are constantly feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally drained by your current job. Then perhaps it is time you consider exploring other career options.
- You don’t see yourself doing your current work for the rest of your life. This is irrespective of how well one can perform the job and attain all preset KPIs. If it is not something that you feel passionate about, then you will soon realize that you need to have a career shift.
- Money is no longer a motivating factor in your present career. A lot of people are known to stay in a job often because they receive great compensation. When you reach a point where you aren’t receiving a sense of fulfillment regardless of the money you are being compensated. Then, perhaps the time has come for you to select a different career.
- A constant feeling that your qualities, skills, abilities, and talents can be used to make an impact in a different career.
As you may note, age has not been highlighted in the list above as a need to make a career change. However, it is never too late to make a career shift to a field that you feel strongly passionate about.
Tips You can Follow to Make a Career Shift into a Field of Your Liking.
- Have your family involved in the decision-making process. Your choice to make a shift and fulfill your duties in a new job is bound to affect the members of your family in one way or the other. It is important to consult your loved ones to avoid creating future tension down the road.
- Be realistic. Moving into a new career may require you to upgrade your current abilities and skills. For instance, if you are currently working as a customer support agent, and are looking to transition into nursing. Then, you may need to search for 1 year accelerated BSN programs to get the mandatory education and training to make you a skilled licensed nurse.
- Conduct research. This may entail you finding out what job options are available in your career path of choice. This will help you have an idea of what training you may need to pursue to qualify for jobs.
- Take time, do not be in a rash. It would help if you got the notion that you may be running out of time away from your head. Actively seek out professionals in your chosen career path, network with them, and gain more insight regarding the dynamics of your new career path choice.
- Have an open mind when it comes to salary expectations. Since you will be beginning a new career, you should expect to receive an entry-level salary.
A Guide to Finding Suitable Career Shift Jobs for Those Considering a Career Change in Their 40s and 50s.
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Real Estate
This is a phenomenal and popular industry to change to. One has the option to either be an underwriter, realtor, broker, or loan processor. You can either choose to work on a part-time basis, or you may consider fully transitioning into a full-time day job.
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Dental Assistant
For you to become a dental assistant, you need to have an associate diploma or degree. If qualified to work, your main duties will be prepping up patients for dental procedures, helping dentists when they conducting dental procedures, and front-office administration.
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Massage Therapist
For you to qualify as a professional massage therapist, you need to either have an accredited certificate or a Diploma. Massage therapists are responsible for helping patients recuperate from agonizing injuries. They can also assist patients in their quest to overcoming stress.
To work as a patient care technician, you require a Diploma. As a patient care technician, you are responsible for providing nursing duties like checking out a patient’s temperature and collecting their blood samples.
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Business Management and Administration
This career path is suitable for those who have a passion for business. Exploring this career path enables you to capitalize on entry-level management on-the-job training opportunities. In this career, you have the option of exploring various fields such as operations management and human resources. One can also explore the possibility of owning and operating your own business venture.
Making an active decision to change careers takes a lot of time, focus, and commitment. Nonetheless, take all the necessary steps to ensure that you can meet all your short-term and long-term career aspirations.
This may entail enrolling yourself into an accredited educational institution of job shadowing someone specialized in your career field to get all the necessary skills.
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