There was a time when a job was a lifetime prospect. Today, people who stay with the same employer their entire career are the exception, not the rule. There are lots of reasons why people change jobs, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American changes jobs nearly 11 times by the time they reach the age of 40. If you’re thinking about making a change, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re taking a step forward in your current field or you’re moving into an entirely new career, change isn’t easy. It is a time-consuming process that takes countless hours of research, preparation, training and interviewing, and it can lead to significant upheaval in your life and the lives of your family members. If you are thinking of taking a leap, use these strategies to make a career change without disrupting your life.
“Utilizing a staffing company to change careers is definitely an option you should consider! We commonly see our clients going the extra mile; one client is actually covering the costs of any regulatory licensing that may be required for a career change! We also see clients looking at the talent pool differently – there is less emphasis on experience and more priority surrounding high emotional intelligence, advanced computer skills, and excellent communication.” Says Alyssa Cenekofsky, Branch Manager at Contemporary Staffing Solutions.
Set Realistic Expectations
Before setting out to change your career, it is important to understand what that change will entail. You need to know exactly how competitive the market is, what skills or qualifications you need to acquire before you make the change, whether you’ll have to take a salary cut, and what the long-term progression of that path will look like. This understanding will help you map out a plan to make the move, and it will help you set realistic goals and expectations for the transition.
Get Buy-In From Those Who Will Be Impacted
If you live alone and you have no familial obligations, you don’t have to worry about how a career change will impact anyone but yourself. If you have a spouse or family, however, you will want to sit down and talk to them and get their buy-in before you continue.
For example, if you want to leave a career working nine to five for a position that requires weekend and holiday hours, your family deserves to be part of that conversation so they can understand and prepare for the change. Communication is the key to building familial support. That support will be critical not only for your own motivation, but also to keep the stress of the change from negatively impact those who depend on you.
Take Advantage Of Flexible Training
Career changes often require you to seek out some type of formal training. You may need another degree, a certification, a certificate or new skills. Once you know what skills and qualifications are required for your target career, develop a plan for receiving that training.
You’ll likely have to continue working while you train, so make sure to seek out flexible and cost-effective strategies. Online courses provide lots of flexibility for training and local community colleges often have options for night and weekend classes.
Start Networking
If you’re switching industries, you’ll want to start networking in your target field to help build connections within the community. Talking to people who actively work in the field you want to be in is a great way to learn more about what will be expected of you and you may be able to find a mentor who can provide you with active guidance as you make the transition.
If you are ready to find and land your dream job, connect with the professional recruiters at Contemporary Staffing Solutions today. CSS places nationally, professional positions focused in accounting finance, call center office, human resources, mortgage, technical, and sales roles!
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