Changing Jobs or changing careers can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be!
Different jobs have overlapping competencies and transferable skills like communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, accountability for follow-up, or having difficult conversations. These are skills that are valuable in most industries.
Signs it is time for a career change:
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You don’t feel like you are making an impact
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You are not connected to the work or the company any longer
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You dread going to work and your job is impacting your personal life
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You daydream of something new, exciting...
Does this sound like what you have been dealing with lately? Maybe it is time to think about a career change.
Questions to think about for a career change:
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What brings me joy? What am I passionate about?
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What are the things I am good at, my strengths?
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Do I like working with customers, with facts and figures, with others, or by myself?
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What are my transferable skills? What am I good at that can be used in a different career?
Changing careers can be an exciting and rewarding journey, but it requires time, patience, and a bit of research. If you're considering a new direction, start by exploring the possibilities. Ask yourself, "What fields interest me, and what are the requirements to break into them?"
Some careers may require additional education or certification, so investigate whether you need a degree or specific credentials. Locally, schools like Technical College of the Lowcountry and University of South Carolina Beaufort offer a range of programs that can help you make the transition (check out their websites for more info). Connecting with an admissions counselor at these schools is a great way to get detailed advice about the paths available.
In addition to formal education, take steps to learn more about your potential new field. Reach out to people in your network who already work in that role. You might consider asking for an informational interview or even shadowing them on the job to get a clearer sense of the day-to-day responsibilities. This can provide valuable insights that you won’t find in job descriptions.
Speaking of job listings, spend time reviewing them to understand the qualifications and skills employers are looking for. As you look, consider how your transferable skills—abilities you’ve gained from previous roles—can be applied to the tasks in your new field. You might be surprised at how much of your experience is relevant.
While the process takes time, investing in this exploration and preparation can ultimately lead to a fulfilling new chapter in your career.
Resource:
https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/how-to-change-careers/
by Jennifer Johnson and Laura Weinreb