GET READY TO

CHANGE CAREERS

Get Ready to Change Careers

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, the average worker changes careers

three to five times during their lifetime.

In this tight economy, this move may be a choice or it may become a necessity. Here

are four simple steps for getting off on the right foot with this big decision.

Make a Financial Plan

1. Build a nest egg. Choosing to save gives you more control over your career path.

With the right motivation and methods, you can save a remarkable amount of

money, even on a modest income.

2. Diversify your income. Keep some freelance work going on the side even if you

work full-time. Your extra income may turn into a full time job or provide a

buffer in times of unemployment or transition.

3. Put money in perspective. People often have difficulty giving up a well-paying

job even if their enthusiasm for it has run out. While high unemployment creates

challenges, it may also provide opportunities to move on to something you'll love

more.

Conduct a Self Assessment

1. Browse for free tests online. There are many free online tests that are effective

in giving you a general idea of your talents and abilities. Some are based on the

popular Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Try taking several tests to see if the

findings are consistent.

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2. Hire a career counselor. For more precise guidance and support, you may want to

hire a career coach. To help evaluate possible coaches, look for relevant

experience, like work in human resources, and ask for references from people in

situations comparable to your own.

3. Review your career history. Wherever you work, you bring yourself along. Be

honest about recurring patterns like conflicts with authority so you can resolve

them and move ahead.

4. Invite feedback. Ask friends, family and colleagues for their views on what they

think you'd be good at. They may confirm your own observations or offer you

new ideas to consider.

Research Your Chosen Field

1. Evaluate future job prospects. Browse online or visit your local library. The

Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook and industry

publications can help you identify fields with high growth.

2. Learn more about specific positions. Narrow down the kind of position you

want. Job advertisements can give you a sense of the type of positions available

and the qualifications employers are seeking. Pay attention to common keywords

that suggest skills that would make you a strong candidate.

3. Network. Now is the time to go out on informational interviews. See if you can

join the local chapter of the business association you're interested in, or at least

visit some functions as an observer.

Strengthen Your Qualifications

1. Go back to school. Your employment prospects may improve if you get some

additional education and training. Many graduate schools have evening

programs to accommodate working adults. Leading universities now offer

online programs you can take anywhere.

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2. Become a volunteer. Take a trial look at your new line of work by doing

volunteer work. Even if you want to work in a corporate setting, you can start

your portfolio of experience in the new field by volunteering.

3. Edit your resume and cover letters. Focus on transferable skills that are

applicable to any work setting, such as being organized or working as part of a

team. Briefly explain why you are making a career change and how you can

contribute. Use stories to make your documents and interview materials more

interesting.

Changing careers will have a big impact on your future, so approach the decision

carefully. Strive for financial independence, get to know yourself better, and seek out

the kind of work that will make you excited to show up on Monday morning.

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