Hate your job? Change your job!

Changing careers is a big step for most people, especially if you have been in a particular role for many years. As with many things people try for the first time, there is always an element of fear. Changing your career could be the best thing you have ever done, because if you pick a career that suits you, you could be one of the few people that actually gets real job satisfaction! Changing your career could give you a better salary or it could develop your skills. This is why it is important to get it right, because if you don't, it could have the complete opposite effect. However with most things in life, if you have a plan things become a lot easier.

  1. Evaluate the reasons why you want to change your career. These may include the following:
    • There is no room for growth in my current industry
    • I fancy a new challenge
    • I am unhappy with the environment that relates to this industry
    • I want to act out my life long dream
    • I am bored and uninspired
    • I want a career that matches my academic qualifications
    • I need more money
    • I want to work for myself
    • I want more out of life
    If any of these sound familiar, then a career change could benefit you.
  2. Decide what you want to do next. Assess your skills, interest, capabilities and qualifications. Perhaps you could write all of this down – it may inspire you if you can see it on paper for yourself!
  3. Make time to research your new career options, as this is not a step that you should take lightly,
  4. Speak to a career advisor. If you are struggling to find a career that suits you, or if you want to find out what you need to do to make it in a certain industry, career advisors may be able to help you.
  5. Don't be scared! Questions like "will I be any good at this"; "am I making a huge mistake"; and "what if I don't like it" are all very common when deciding to change your career, but don't let them get the better of you.

Whatever your reasons are for changing your career, it is always important to follow your heart in situations like this. There will always be a reason why now isn't the best time to change your job, but if you let those reasons rule you, you will never be where you want to be! However, this does not mean that making rash decisions is the best idea. This is a big step, so you don't want to do it for the wrong reasons. If you want to change careers because you hate the company you work for, assess whether you really want to change careers, it may just be that you are more suited to a different organisation.

Evaluate your current relationship or life situation, and make sure that this change is not going to have a detrimental affect on your life. Money is a big factor when changing careers, and if you are starting in an industry from scratch, then you may have to start on a lower salary. For example, if you have twin babies on the way or if you are having your house renovated, now may not be the best time for you. Set yourself some deadlines, but remember that life is always going to throw surprises at you, it is just picking the best moment to suit your lifestyle, and don't worry- there will be a moment!

If you are in a situation where you have already decided to change your career, then you must prepare yourself. Changing careers is an exciting step that has the possibility to change your life for the better, but it may require hard work. Firstly, mentally prepare yourself; make sure you know that this is what you want to do. Remember, in order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. If this is what you really want, then you have to put fear aside and go for it! Look at the industry you want to join, and see if your skills match their requirements. If they don't match, then don't give up just yet! You may just have to do some work experience to help you along the way. Or you may have to take a course or further your education to get there. Whatever the requirements, make sure that you are ready to commit to them 100%.

When it comes to starting a new job, let alone a new career, you should always update your CV. You should view your CV as your own personal advertisement, and it needs to entice employers and intrigue them. They need to see that you have the skills and characteristics to do the job required. Don't worry if you haven't got direct experience in that particular industry, as you will have picked up many transferable skills as you have gone through life. You just need to make sure that these skills are presented in the best possible way- and this can be hard to achieve.

The skills and attributes that may have been necessary for your previous role may change as you switch industries. You need to ensure that your CV highlights qualities that make you perfect for your new venture, and this is vital to your success. At CV-Shop we have a team of MREC/CIPD qualified CV experts that can transform your CV and improve your job prospects. Additionally, we also hire CV experts that specialise in specific industries. For example if you are changing from a career in teaching to a career in business; we will match your requirements to a suitable expert. With competitive prices, and a comprehensive set of guarantees all in place to protect your consumer rights, CV-Shop can make your transition to a new career much easier.