Although we all know the importance of working in a job that’s rewarding, fulfilling, interesting, and just the right level of challenging, millions of people across the globe end up spending their working hours in a role they just don’t like. It is common for people to stay in dead-end positions far longer than they should, to keep doing a job for peanuts, and to put up with less-than-inspirational (or even kind) bosses.
If your career has been stuck in a rut for a while, and you dream of quitting your job and making a change that gives you more time with your family, pays you well, and makes you want to get up in the morning, know that it’s possible. You just need to get over some of the things that might be holding you back. Read on for some of the most common reasons why workers put off making a career change, and how you can be different today.
Money Worries:
For many people, the major factor that impacts their decision about whether or not to pursue a different career is their thoughts on money. People regularly stay in jobs because they worry they can’t afford to make a change. This is understandable, given that most workers usually have to retrain and then work their way up from a low starting position in a new industry.
If you’d like to switch careers but are worried about finances and how the change could affect you and your family’s lifestyle, it is important to spend some time on research so that you have all the facts you need.
The reason for this is that you may find you can actually receive funding or assistance to pay for your new training from your current employer and that you could then switch roles within the firm when your studies are complete. Alternatively, when you look into things more closely you might find that you can actually earn more in the new career than you had originally thought.
Similarly, you might discover that you can keep working part-time in your current role while you start work in a different industry, and hence build up your new career gradually over time without too much of a drop in income.
It is also important to keep in mind that, if you want to change your career, you could put a plan in place to save up the funds you need to cover the transition, rather than completely dismissing the idea altogether. By putting a strict budget in place and following it for a year or two, you could save up enough cash to keep you and your family’s lifestyle intact while you retrain and start afresh.
Not Having the Confidence:
Another common reason that lots of people put off making a career switch is that they don’t have enough confidence to back themselves. It is typical for people to stay in their current roles because they don’t believe they have the knowledge, skills, experience, qualifications, intellect, contacts, looks, or other factors to succeed in a new area of work.
If you find yourself in this position, don’t just give up. There are numerous things you can do to build your self-confidence enough to go after and land your dream job. For example, while you might not have the qualifications or training in a particular area now, it’s easier than ever to complete studies to get the piece of paper you need. With the growth in online learning, you can enroll in a course and fit in studies around your current job.
You might choose, for instance, to check out some online MBA programs if you want to become an entrepreneur, manage a business, or lead a team; or sign up for some fitness courses if you need to get healthier before enrolling in training to become a member of the police force.
Alternatively, perhaps your lack of confidence stems from submitting lots of job applications but never progressing far in the past. If so, it might be time to contact a specialist resume-writing firm. You can hire people to create a fantastic new resume and cover letter for you, as well as to spend time conducting interview coaching with you so that your interview skills are top notch.
If you don’t feel confident about changing your career because you don’t know many people in the new industry, it’s time to start networking. Utilize social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to find out more about the area you want to work in, and to develop relationships with people who are already in it. You can also attend industry events, conferences, and the like to develop new contacts.
If you feel it’s your presentation that is holding you back, consider joining an organization like Toastmasters where you can work on your public speaking skills and body language. You could also see a counselor or other specialist to work on your self-confidence; hire a stylist to help you update your wardrobe and your look, get a new haircut or color, or join a gym. It’s just a matter of thinking about where you feel you lack confidence and then being proactive to make a change.
This is a guest post. Email pitches to elana.gross@gmail.com if you’d like to contribute.
