Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Making a move
How women can handle re-entering the workforce
Individuals change jobs for many reasons, including greater professional satisfaction, money or a change of location. The financial experts at The Balance state that workers change jobs more frequently than many people may think, noting that today’s average worker changes jobs 12 times during his or her career.
It is not uncommon for workers to change careers several times in a lifetime. The notion that the job a person starts out in directly after graduation is the one that he or she will have for the rest of his or her life is no longer the norm. Many younger workers migrate between jobs for greater compensation and fulfillment. Older workers, too, are faced with career stagnation. A survey from the University of Phoenix School of Business found that 59 percent of working adults have said they’re interested in taking the leap of a midlife career change.
Once the idea for a career change has been planted in a person’s mind, he or she may be anxious to jump right in. However, career coaches and other experts have said it is better to take the transition slowly and confirm that changing careers is truly the path to take. Finding the right time for the transition is equally important. The following steps can help professionals as they decide if the time is right to change careers.
Research the job market
Look into the industries for the field you are considering. Is it the right time for success in this field? Industries tend to ebb and flow. Do not leave a job only to find that the next career has few, if any, openings. Job-growth projections are available through resources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Assess your likes and dislikes
Another area of consideration is what you like to do. Leaving a job may be based around finding a career that caters to your interests. Make a list of the types of careers you find appealing. To get help, take a career-assessment quiz online.
Use your network
The notion that “it’s not what you know, but who you know” has some truth to it. Successful job-seekers continually expand their professional contacts. This is achieved by going to informational interviews, attending trade-association meetings and reviewing trade publications. Target people who work at the companies where you see yourself so you can get the inside track about job openings.
Get new skills.
Learn which skills you have that are transferable to a new career and which ones you may need to acquire. Take a course or two, or sign up for training seminars. Don’t immediately assume you need to return to school before investigating other, less costly avenues. Changing jobs and careers takes effort, but the results can be worth it in the long run.