Dig deep enough
Do as much research and exploration as you can to determine what you want from this career change.
Perhaps you don’t want a different career at all, but long to bring forward new aspects of yourself, your talents and skills. The question is: What professional identity will make you the happiest?
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Without these, you’ll most likely struggle hard and fail.
Don't run from your career because you've broken down in it. Running away will not solve your problems – they’ll just be repeated in the next career.
Make your situation better by repairing broken relationships, finding your voice, growing out skills, and becoming more competent. Then, when you do leave, you’ll be able to achieve the next level of success.
... that will support your transition.
Do solid research and explore your desired change with your accountant and financial consultant and experts in that career, to understand clearly, without emotion, the financial requirements necessary to support you through what can be years of transition. If there’s no money available, wait until you can access some.
In deciding to make career change, you must first identify the “essence” of what you want. Questions you need to answer are:
- What skills and talents do I want to utilize?
- What business outcomes do I want to support?
- What type of people, environments and cultures do I thrive best with/in?
- What types of challenges do I want to face in my work?
- What financial compensation and benefits are non-negotiable for me?
You have to find the right “form” of work that fits you, your lifestyle and your needs.
Failed career changes often involve throwing in the towel too quickly.
You can’t make life or career change without significant effort, time, commitment, and usually some substantial money.
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Focus on you first as the foundation. Your beliefs, attitude, and energy will determine your success. Spend time building up your confidence.
- Jot down your competencies, character traits, core strengths.
- Craft a narrative about your future ambitions and repeat them daily.
Look for ways to develop new skills in your current job which would pave the way for a change.
If your company offers in-house training, sign up for as many classes as you can.
Carefully evaluate your individual strengths, lifestyle preferences, passions, work style, and financial needs.
Know both who you are as a person and who you desire to become as a professional. Take a careful inventory of your current career values, interests, skills, and personal qualities.