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Do you feel like your career is a rut and want to make a successful change? If so, there are many steps that you can take to ensure the best possible outcome. Here is how to identify the best alternative careers for you, research what it takes to get there and do something every day towards achieving your goal.
Evaluate Your Current Job Satisfaction
The first step in making a successful career change is to assess your current satisfaction with the job you currently have. The more dissatisfaction you feel with your current job, the greater your chance of making a career change.
If possible, talk to friends and family about how satisfied they think you are at work. If it’s hard for them to give an objective opinion because there is tension between you, consider hiring someone who isn’t personally involved in your life, such as a coach or counselor. That person can help assess what steps should be taken next based on their observations and knowledge of your personality traits and interests.
Network and Search for Mentors
Networking is one of the best ways to find out about job openings, potential employers, and mentors. If you’re not comfortable networking with strangers, start by reaching out to your current or previous co-workers, friends, or family members for advice on how they successfully made a career change.
A mentor can also help ease the transition into your new field by providing support during training periods and introducing you to people in their network who may provide valuable information. Offer guidance based on their own experiences making career changes, and even alert you when open positions are available at their company that might suit you.
You can find mentors online, for example, Reading PHP Agency reviews or in-person by taking part in seminars, lectures, or conferences.
Assess Your Interests, Values, and Skills
When considering what type of career change is best for you, it may help to begin with self-assessment exercises such as writing out lists describing yourself. What you’re good at and what you care about most in life. This information will help narrow down your choices and give you a better idea of the types of careers that would be a good fit for you.
Volunteer or Moonlight
If you’re still unsure about whether your chosen career path is for you, consider volunteering in that field as a way of testing it out first-hand. This will give you valuable insight on what type of training might be required before leaping volunteer or side jobs into permanent employment.
You can also try working part time at an entry level position within that same industry so that if and when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll have enough experience under your belt to make a successful transition into full-time work.
Conclusion
Having a successful career change is possible if you carefully plan and execute your strategy. By evaluating your job satisfaction, networking with others in your desired field, assessing your interests and skills, and taking action each day, you can make a successful career change that leads to a more fulfilling life.