Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

– Teddy Roosevelt

If you are planning a career change and wondering if this is the right time – the answer is – the time is right about when you thought about it, and of course the relevance and practicality of the thought. But no matter how you plan – how you act makes all the difference. Don’t let doubt and fear be your allies in this journey, make effective planning and execution your armor and sword to slash through the jungle of doubt and find the path that beckons you to happiness and content. If you are planning on a career change, this is a must-read article for you.

You’ve been dissatisfied at work for long now. The present career may have been your preferred choice 5-10 years before but not anymore. The business trends do not support the future of your career path – perhaps it is time to look for a career change.

You’ve been out of work for long now, everyone says the economy is on the upward trend and companies are on a hiring spree. Sadly not in your field, you have not heard from back from any recruiter or company since long. It’s not the time to give up on job search but perhaps time to plan a career change.

If any of the above resonates with your thoughts then join in and persevere toward finding the right path on your career change journey.

Career Change when Employed

The good news is that you are not hard-pressed to change jobs immediately; you can take some time to evaluate, take courses and consult an expert. However the downside is that you are short on the time at hand. With a full time job and family often a career change comes hard on the mind and body. But with determination, inspiration for a better future and a positive attitude any hurdle or any mountain can be scaled.

Career Change when Unemployed

The good news is that you have the time at hand to research on career discovery or reinvention, to take courses or the training required in the new field but the downside may be that you cannot let it drag on for long. With limited retargets, a family to feed and bills to handle you have to ensure that the career change does not drain you monetarily.

Here’s what you all should do:

    1. Plan and Act
      When you have to do it you just know it. Don’t delay to live and regret – if you really want something to change in your life the first step must come from you. And always keep in mind that planning alone gets you nowhere – correct action does.
      For the unemployed – this is the right time to evaluate and assess the industry requirements and the course of the future workforce, if your current field is what might not be in demand in future or you’re just better of changing for your own interests this is the time. There’s not a better time when you know it is. Don’t wait – don’t regret – do more.

 

    1. Undivided Attention is required
      If your project and accrued vacations permit, it is a good idea to take a couple of week’s break and invest this time completely in a career discovery or reinvention process. When you give complete time and attention to finding the right path it is easily achievable and more so does not affect your current work schedule. During this time it is a good idea to consult a career expert/coach who can help accelerate your career discovery process.
      For the unemployed – a career change is a full time job, give maple time for the career discovery process it is not a part time job, give your 110%.

 

    1. Discovering the Path to Change
      Once decided on where you want to go, it is time to find out how to get there. Again expert assistance can cut short your own research time, but always god to spend some time researching on market trends and your aspirations. You might need training or additional certifications so spend your time well in finding about the right courses and interviewing those who have been there done that.

 

    1. Time for Retraining and Reinvention
      It is very essential to know that career change is not easy, well no change ever is. Plan effectively on how much time you can afford for the retraining efforts, part time or on weekends so that it does not affect your present work. It is an effort but when you know how to get there and the path is mapped out, the journey becomes easier. Skills reinvention and some credibility will go a long way when you are finally ready to take on the final leap.

 

  1. Build your Network as you go along
    During the training, certification or courses ensure that you form a strong network with the professional in those fields.  Add them to your LinkedIn network or just conduct informal informational interviews all along. You are making sure that once you are done with the required skills gathering you’re not saying “Now What?” A strong network will assist you in arriving at your destination.

 

One important tip for the unemployed:

  • If you are unemployed and are receiving unemployment benefits through the Employment Development Department (EDD) you may be eligible retraining benefits. Find out if you are eligible for training programs offered and approved through the EDD – this particularly ensures that you continue to receive the benefits and up to some extent also covers the cost of your retraining in a competitive industry.
    For example: The California Training Benefit (CTB) program allows eligible California Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants, who lack competitive job skills to compete for jobs in the California labor market, to receive their UI benefits, which might otherwise not be allowed while attending a training or retraining program. (Source: http://www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de8714u.pdf)

 

Now get on with it – May the force be with you!

Have you been through a career change recently? What are your tips?