Changing careers midway

Researching current market trends is essential before taking the plunge

Whether due to ardent desire or due to less than ideal situations in the present economic meltdown, changing careers mid-way is a distraught decision. Some points to mull over before changing careers midway.

Always keep a contingency plan ready:

You can move within the same or related industry or may be to a completely different one. But before the shift, ponder few questions like whether it pays you to help you survive. Without money, life becomes difficult. Often hobbies and passions do not convert to high paying jobs, even entrepreneurship takes time to translate into a well-paid job. It is better to keep something ready to fall back on. Also, moving to a new industry is risky and may not be as exciting.

Decide whether the field is appropriate at that moment:

Researching current market trends is essential before taking the plunge. Some sectors may be in boom whereas some are evergreen and have the potential to hire despite the economic slump. Look before you leap, as there is no point in crying over split milk. Never quit because you do not get along with your boss and you feel claustrophobic at work. Never take decisions based on emotions. Go by your judgment. Never change because of outside pressure or you know someone who was successful in that field. Weigh all options before going for it.

Build your resources:

A career move – especially to a different industry – cannot be achieved overnight. It takes time, meticulous planning and preparation. For a smooth transition, work on gaining more insights. Do your homework well to get adjusted. After identifying the career field you want to switch to, develop your contacts, conducting research on the industry and job openings. Networking is essential for all, but more so for career-changers. Do not move into a field just because you feel it is better paying. Take help of a mentor as a sounding board to guide you in this transition if need be. Take your family on your side, convincing them of your decision.

Get additional certification or accreditation:

Even if you are confident of the work involved, getting certificates or accreditation help you get a foothold instantly in your new surroundings. Also, check whether you fit the new career or not. Do not take a hasty plunge. Find a bridge between your education, experience and skills of the former job and the new one. If necessary, gain additional training and experience before you get into a new career.

Switch over weighing all pros and cons:

Do not jump career fields without conducting thorough research into the possibilities. By researching into careers, you may just find the career of your dreams. Talk to people in your network, read career and job profiles, meet a career management professional. Do a self-assessment of your skills, values, and interests and enlist the work you love doing and the ones you never want to do. This helps give you a better understanding. If it has been a while since you quit your job, take time to polish your job-search skills, techniques and tools. Review your resume writing techniques and add finesse to your interviewing skills.

You have many resources you can utilize for a smooth career transition. Remember, a career should not control you: you should control your career. But even with the best possible preparation, a change of career still involves some risk. Set yourself a timeframe and goals to be achieved. Only then will success be yours.