Making the Decision to Change Your Career

Many people dream of changing their careers, but never take the steps to make it happen.  But why put your ambition on hold for another year?  Follow the steps below to follow your dream to a new, more satisfying, better paying career.

Step 1 in Changing Your Career: Explore Who You Are and What You Want to Be

You may already have the perfect position in mind: pediatric nurse, high school principal, marketing executive.  But you need to carefully consider your personality and aptitude for certain types of work before making the career change decision.  After all, you probably shouldn’t be a pediatric nurse if seeing blood makes you faint.  Be willing to investigate other careers.

There are many tools available to determine your personality type and aptitude for careers.  Try at least two or three of the tests so you get a complete list of possible careers.

3Smartcubes. This site contains a variety of aptitude, career, personality and "fun" tests.

Career Interests Game. This is a game designed to help you match your interests and skills with similar careers. It can help you begin thinking about how your personality will fit in with specific work environments and careers.

Jobehaviors. Once you've narrowed your search to a specific industry, this site provides job-specific assessments.

Step 2 in Changing Your Career: Make the Decision

Now that you have a list of potential careers in mind, it’s time to explore a few in more depth.  Narrow down the list to 3-4 careers and start researching.  What types of jobs are available in the field?  What is the pay level for these jobs?  How much travel would be required?  Are the jobs in growing or declining industries?  Can you afford to take a temporary pay cut as you gain experience?

You should also talk with people who work in these fields.  Often there is a local association in town which can match you with professionals for a chat.  If you are in school, the career services department can also make suggestions and perhaps introduce you to an alumnus in your field.

It’s also a good idea to get an internship or part time job in your chosen area to make sure your “on the ground” experience matches your expectations.  While you’re on the job, talk to other employees and find out what career paths and promotion opportunities are available.  If actual jobs aren’t available, there may be volunteer openings, particularly in health and education.

Step 3 in Changing Your Career: Get Educated

One of the most important things to consider when making the decision to change your career is what education will be necessary to achieve your goals.  First understand what the minimum requirements are in order to get started in the career.  For example, becoming a teacher often just requires a bachelor degree.  However, it helps to have a bachelor’s in the subject which you want to teach. 

Plan ahead for future degrees you may need in order to advance.  If you’d like to move from being a teacher to a reading specialist, you will probably need a master’s degree in that specialty.  If you want to become a principal, a master’s and perhaps a PhD will be necessary.

Following these three steps will put you on the path to a new, more satisfying career.  Make sure you take the time to carefully consider the new direction you want to take.  It will require sacrifice and dedication to make the change, but your future is well worth it.