Are you ready to take that leap into a new career ? How do you prepare yourself for a mid-career transition? Maybe you’ve thought of selling you’re business, moving on to your second career. Maybe you are considering going into business for yourself for the first time.
Life changes, we change, careers change, customers change, so you need to be able to keep up with the changing times. If you are lacking in different & new career skills it can lead to a stagnate career.
“The Only Permanent Thing In Life Is Change.”–Heraclitus
Whatever the reason for the change, GET UP AND MAKE A MOVE TODAY! DON’T HOLD BACK, NEVER PUT OFF TILL TOMORROW WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY! Here are some suggestions to consider before making a change:
1. PLAN
It is one thing to say that you want to change, but it is another thing to create a timeline and follow through. First, you must decide that you will take action to make a move and do it! Also, in your steps to take action, make a list of your strengths and weaknesses in business, education, life etc…..
Determine if you have the personality or skills that fit your aspirations/ goals. Consider if you know how to sell, do you have good computer skills or need training on the latest technology, do you have organizational skills or accounting skills etc…… Make a timeline for your goals and aspirations, stick to it! Whatever your strengths, consider a career that emphasizes them.
2. GO BACK TO SCHOOL OR TAKE A CRASH COURSE
Going back to school or taking a quick one day or two week class to retrain youself, sharpen your skills & knowledge, can help you to switch careers. Going back to school gives you a chance to learn a new profession and how to break into it. You may even be able to network with contacts in your new industry to learn some extra skills free of charge.
3. PACKAGE YOUR SKILLS FOR MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS
When you’re contemplating a career change, you need to sell yourself. If you’re self-employed, you may not need a resume but if you’re seeking work as an employee or a single, independent contractor to other businesses, you might. Determine the appropriate sales tool for your business resume, portfolio, Web site, personal recommendations etc… Make sure yours is top-notch.
4.REACH OUT, NETWORK, TALK TO EMPLOYERS, MENTORS & FRIENDS ETC…
Sometimes others can help you to discover what you want to do and some individuals may have contacts. If you haven’t networked before, start networking. It is important to meet as many people as possible to get some insight into the careers you are considering.
5. ENVISION YOURSELF IN DIFFERENT POSITIONS
Can you visualize yourself in a different profession? Can you see yourself as an accountant? Owning a sports club? owning a car dealership?, working as a chef ? Do you like what you see? Will it hold your interest? Is this a career you can see yourself doing for the next 5, 10 or 30 years?
6. WHAT ARE THE COSTS FOR THIS CAREER CHANGE?
When you own your own business or just changing career paths, there are many details in preparing & pursuing your new career venture, there are many details associated with owning a business, selling the business or closing its doors. If you are just changing career paths or moving from one business to another, can your finances handle this type of change? If you are currently working for someone else, are you ready for several months of financial instability while you switch career paths or get your new business off the ground?
As you can see, that there is a lot to consider when you are making a career change, whether you want to own your own business or work for another company. There are so many more things that you will discover when you get started on your list today.
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