So, you’re unhappy at work. Maybe you’re not making as much money as you expected to make at this point in your career. Maybe you’re tired of the constant stress or desire more of a work-life balance. Or perhaps you’re simply bored and ready for a new challenge.
The good news is, you can change course. If you’re willing to put in the time and energy, you can pursue a new career that brings passion and fulfillment to your life. Get off to a strong start with these practical tips from AZN.
Assess your circumstances.
First of all, it’s important to take an honest assessment of your situation. Why are you unfulfilled at your current job? Is it the work itself? Are your bosses spoon-feeding your tasks, or is your workload overwhelming? Do you have issues with the company culture or your coworkers?
Getting to the root of your discontent is essential as you prepare to make decisions to improve your life from this point on.
Evaluate yourself.
Along with assessing your circumstances, take a close look at yourself. Revisit any roles, projects, and jobs in which you have seen success. Write down all the interests, knowledge, and skills you’ve acquired on your journey. Then, you’ll have a firm foundation to work from as you brainstorm new career ideas. Whether you want to start a new business, invest in real estate, or learn web design, consider your skills and what you can bring to the table.
Pursue an education.
Once you know which industry or field you want to pursue a career in, consider how you can gain more expertise. For example, you could go back to school to earn an advanced degree in business.
Whether you choose to start your own business or simply want to advance as a professional, getting a master’s degree is an excellent way to boost your acumen and learn a wide range of skills—from leadership to management. And if you opt for online courses, you can work a job or start your business while simultaneously earning your degree.
Connect with your network.
If you’ve been a part of the workforce for at least a few years, chances are you have a network of people in your profession and beyond. This is the time to lean on your contacts. See if there are any personal contacts who work or know people who work in your desired field, and try to land an informational interview. Another option is to get in touch with your alumni (or current university) career network.
Look for shadowing opportunities.
Shadowing other professionals is one of the best ways to learn more about your field of interest. Essentially, it gives you the opportunity to witness what the daily grind is like firsthand. Whether it’s for a few hours or a few weeks, try to shadow one or more professionals, even if it’s not at a company you’d be interested in working for.
While you’re at it, find a business mentor who can help you navigate current and future challenges.
Don’t rule out your current industry.
Finally, choosing a completely different industry is not the only way to change your career path. If you love your current industry, explore ideas of different roles you could fill within that industry.
For instance, if you’re an IT specialist and are looking for something new, maybe you could sell software or pursue a career in project management.
You don’t have to keep working a job that makes you unhappy. As long as you’re willing to work hard and take the necessary steps, you can change course and build a career that benefits both your work and personal life. Along with keeping the tips above in mind, keep researching other strategies you can employ to set the stage for your new, more fulfilling chapter!
Author: Cherie Mclaughlin,
Couchbasedbiz.com