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Contemplating a Change in Jobs?
29 January 2010
A change in careers is never an easy process with new skills to be learnt and a new industry to familiarize yourself with. However, the average Australian will change their careers up to five times in their working life, and while there may never be an ideal time to change your career, there are steps a person can take to ensure that the process is a smooth and easy as possible.
A persons working life can account for over 40 hours of the time per week, meaning that finding a job that satisfies and stimulates you is crucial for your own benefit, and your employers.
If you have decided on a career change it is important to first clarify what it is you are looking for in your new career. Is it more flexible hours or a change in work conditions such as changing from a typical nine to five job to shift work or perhaps its working less hours altogether.
Also, as trite as it may sound, it is imperative to look into jobs and industries that suit you. While the jobs market in Australia is not at it healthiest state, it is in your own best interest to follow careers and jobs that suit your style and personality otherwise you will find that you will quickly be changing careers again.
The key to successfully changing your career in the shortest amount of time is to put a plan into place to distinguish exactly what it is your are looking for and your suitability.
Of course, if you are already employed and are making solid wages than decide what kinds of jobs make you happy. If these are similar to jobs you currently have than ensure that you have the right motivation for the career change. Is it the career or the company that you work for that you wish to change? Consulting a careers counselor may prove beneficial to clarify what it is that you are in need of.
If it is the latter than that is a far simpler mater of moving into similar job, meaning no extra skills building or training would be necessary, a simple company switch is all that is required.
However, if it is the actual work itself that you are performing than you are indeed in need of a career change.
When deciding which industry to pursue it may help to compose a list of simple likes and dislikes. As simple as it sounds, you'd be surprised at how well this activity can clarify your potential jobs search.
For example, how do you deal with children? If you enjoy working with children than a move into child care or education jobs may be ideal. However, if outdoors is more your style than there are many careers such as horticulture, landscaping or the emerging green jobs will that suit.
Firstly, you need to clarify your talents, skills and what opportunities or jobs are available in the industry you are interested in. You will need to understand which jobs you are qualified for and if additional training is required. Additional training is something to consider when consider potential jobs, especially if it will take a significant portion of time to complete such as a university course, but first you need to know exactly what is required from the jobs you want.
This means research.
Talk to people established within the industry and even try to organize some on-site observation, whether through an internship or temporary administration position to see the daily workings of the industry up close.
If you are still unsure of how to progress in changing your career, talk to a careers counselor. A careers counselor will be able to help you work out what jobs you should pursue and what steps you should take to get your ideal job.
