Courageously Create Career Change

"In a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks."—Warren Buffett

Be brave. Creating career change can be very productive. Create a culture round your goals that allows for you to be brave in making a career shift. Making a career change can be a daunting task, but it can also be an opportunity to explore new passions and interests. If you are considering making a career change, there are several innovative ways you can approach it. Here are some suggestions:

1. Be A Sponge and Create Curriculum. Don't just take random courses even thought taking courses and classes will stimulate the brain for career change. Intentionally take time to investigate and create your own exploratory curriculum. Take online courses and certifications that make sense and they ignite your thought process. They can be one offs or more but start by engaging your brain immediately. There are several online platforms that offer courses in a variety of fields, from technology to healthcare, finance, and more. By taking these courses, you can gain new skills and knowledge that will help you transition to a new career.
2. Volunteer or Intern (at Any Age or Career Stage). I have clients who don't want to call themself an intern post 40, 50 or 60. That's okay but it is not okay to use age as an excuse. Career change can be hard but use the exploratory methods of an intern or volunteer to check out options, learn and apply what you have learned. Again, you create these and don't wait for others to do it. Volunteering or interning in your desired field can be an excellent way to gain hands-on experience and network with professionals in your industry of interest. Many organizations and businesses offer volunteer and internship opportunities but don't wait for them. Create your own path.
3. Side Hustle or Freelance Your Way Forward. Starting a side hustle or freelance work in your desired field can help you build experience and develop new skills while still maintaining your current job. This can also help you build a portfolio and network in your desired industry. Create things of value. Get paid or get testimonials. Earn kudos and get mentorship this way. Find ways to provide solutions to problems and you just may create your own job in the field you want.
4. Surgically Attend Networking Events and Conferences. I cannot believe how many people skip this step or go to one or two generalized networking events and tell me how networked they are but they are not. Be surgical. By this I mean you discern with your career coach or a mentor exactly what events may have the most value. Pay for them or show up to the social side of the events or conferences for free or low pay. But go. Meet people. Pre and post network. You will meet professionals in your desired field and learn about new opportunities. These events can provide valuable insight into the industry and help you make connections with people who can offer advice and support.
5. Smartly Use Social Media and Online Platforms to Connect. Social media and online platforms such as LinkedIn can be powerful tools for making career connections and learning about new opportunities. You can use these platforms to network with professionals in your desired field and learn about job openings and other opportunities. Reach out, jump on events and ask to speak to key players and people who can help you gain insight.
6. Find Mentors and Create Your Own Board. As a career coach I am on a lot of people's board of advisors for their career search and for my corporate clients on their talent issues. I am paid for this but finding a mentor can involve people who are paid or not. Finding a mentor in your desired field can be a great way to gain insight into the industry and receive guidance and support as you make your career change. A mentor can offer advice and provide feedback on your skills and experiences, helping you to navigate the transition successfully.

Making a career change can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By taking advantage of these innovative strategies, you can gain the skills, experience, and connections you need to make a successful transition to a new career. Remember to stay persistent and committed, and you will be well on your way to not just repairing the leaky career ship but you will be soon on a whole new vessel, equipped and fully battle ready.