Contemplating a career change? Here’s what to do next

Are you feeling more and more like the proverbial square peg in a round hole at work? Is it increasingly difficult to feel motivated at your job? Are you convinced that something needs to change, but you’re not sure what the next step should be or when it should happen?  Maybe you’re sure that you need to change careers, but are unsure how to proceed. Read on. We’ll guide you through what to do next.

Changing course in a career is a major undertaking, especially if you’ve been in the same industry or position for a long time. However, now is a great time to make a career change. The pandemic-induced “Great Resignation” has left employers scrambling to find talented workers–like you. As you move from contemplating a career change to preparing for one, you’ll want to do a couple basic things.

Take inventory–of your job and of yourself

The best way to make sure you get where you’re going is to know where you are when you start. That’s true of road trips and life journeys. So, take inventory.

Your job now–and how it affects your career change

Write out a list of what you like about your current job and what irks you about it.  Do you appreciate your co-workers, but find that your daily tasks have become a grind?  Perhaps you love the work but hate the commute or the inflexible work schedule. Do you feel overworked and underpaid?

Write it all down. Then, rank your lists, with the most liked/most disliked at the top. These lists become the framework for what you’re looking for and avoiding as you switch careers.

While you’re busy writing, jot down why you would, or wouldn’t, be willing to change the industry in which you work. That decision will greatly impact your career options.

Your goals, skills and needs

Now consider–and write down–your side of the career-change equation. What’s the driving force that’s pushing you to forge a new career path? Is it imperative that you work from home at least part of the time? Do you need a position that challenges you more and/or pays better? Is this move rooted in the desire to pursue a dream?

As you answer these questions, take stock of the skills you have. Some will transfer to any new position–dependability, ability to get along with others, initiative, and so on. Others will transfer if you move into a similar role, even if you’re in a different industry. Expertise in finance, production, marketing, or any other business segment goes with you when you leave. You may need to hone it a bit to fit the new role, but it’s there. Think about ways to present those skills as assets, and how to brand yourself to stand out from others.

Jump into the search

If you’re hesitating to jump right in on your own, you’ll find resources, and expertise at Recruitment Studio. Our consultants can help you identify precisely what you want and how to approach the search. And, with a surplus of job openings, you can tailor your search to fit the career you’d like to have.

 

Get in touch to find out more about our career coaching services to help you on the right track. Or if you’re ready to make the career change, stop by our website to see the wide range of roles we have available. https://recruitmentstudio.co.nz/job-board/

We can help you polish your CV and showcase the appropriate skills for your new career choice.

Career, Great Resignation, Job Search, Workplace