Career Changing
The Career Changers Guide
Considering a Change: Exploring Your Options
Before you jump right into a new career you need to conduct some research. First you need to see if you want to have the same job, with a different company, a new job with a new company, or if you want to start completely over (Lesson 9 Notes).
According to The Ten Steps To Change Your Career, you should make a list of likes and dislikes about your career or work environment. By doing this it will make it easier to decide if you want to change your career, change companies or start completely over. After that you can then base your likes and dislikes about your past career to make an easier decision on your new career.
Developing a Plan: Mapping Your Moves
After you have thoroughly went through and explored your options, you need to develop a plan on how to change your career. Make a list of careers that interest you. Be careful though, you don’t want to change your career just because your friend is changing their career. Also don’t let money be a deciding factor when choosing your new career (Ten Worst Career Changing Mistakes).
Interviewing people can also help in changing your career. Learning about what other people think about a certain career can be very helpful when making your decision.
Write down some of your key assets. Such as your personality, skills, abilities and work experiences. You also need to be confident in your assets. If you are not sure on them and you are caught up in the moment; then you might end up making a wrong decision.
Making the Change: Burning No Bridges
When people say "Burning the Bridge" they mean once you have left you can't come back. You don't want to make stupid decisions in your last weeks at that company. One way you won't "Burn the Bridges" is by not criticizing the company. If you say bad things about the company then the company could turn back around and say bad things about you.
You also want to give your boss a 2-3 week notice (or longer depending on the company) and tell them that you are leaving. That way they can find someone to fill your position. Make sure you finish any projects you are doing, you don’t want to slack off because you are leaving.
You may also want to write a formal resignation letter. When writing this put positive things and say how much you have liked working for the company. This letter will make you look professional and it is also very ethical. Lastly, thank people who have affected you in the company for all they have done for you. It doesn’t have to be anything big. It just shows that you care, and it is also the respectful thing to do.
Beginning the New Journey: Showcasing Your Experience
You are now beginning the new journey on your new career path. You want to make sure that you stand out to your new employer. By doing that you want to make sure that you are on time for work. Do projects to the best of your abilities and with a good attitude as well. You also want to be accountable for your actions.
Lastly make sure that you are happy with the career you are in now. If you are not happy then you could possibly have to change careers again. Being happy in your career is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.