I don't like my job and want a career change!

Walt Disney

The co-founder of Walt Disney Productions was once a newspaper editor. Apparently, the world-famous animator and producer Walt Disney himself experienced rejection as he was fired from being a newspaper editor because “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” The man who brought us Mickey Mouse and the gang “lacked imagination”? Can’t picture it (https://www.resumeprofessionalwriters.com/famous-career-changes/ )

What is a career change?

Changing careers is moving to do work in a job that is different from your current position. For example, when I started my first job it was in a law firm as a junior paralegal. Over a 25 year period, I worked with an IT company, Insurance, the Public Sector in areas of administration, communications and research. I always knew I wanted to do work that involved helping people; I had a plan and took action to be where I am today.

HOW TO CHANGE CAREERS

1. Access your current role

The best way to determine if you are unhappy where you are, is to keep a log to help you document your daily reactions in your current job. This will help you to ascertain if you are unhappy with the work itself, the people you work with, the company or even the industry.

2. Review your interests, core values and skills

Start making notes on things you do and the success you have made thus far. When were you most happy? Was it your success from academic performance, your involvement in a community or professional groups, or even a project that you worked on with team members. What values do you live by and what are the skills that makes you who you are. Example, I am great at listening and asking the right questions.

3. Explore careers and industries

Now that you are more aware of who you are and what you love doing, start researching careers that aligns with your values, skills and interests. You may even realise that it requires switching to a new industry. I once had a client who was working in the travel industry, stuck behind a desk answering calls and trying to resolve complaints. She now works in Education as a Student Affairs Officer.

4. Conduct informational interviews

Identify people who you may know or can be referred to in the career path and industry you wish to move to. Call them and request a meeting to gain insight into the world you want to move to.

5. Create a network or community

Become a member with a professional organisation or community group and start volunteering at events and attending meetings. This will allow you to engage with people who can open doors for you and hold you accountable to your actions.

6. Create your Brand

You need to ensure you are on the right social media platform for e.g. LinkedIn; develop your 'elevator pitch', design your resume and start preparing for interviews.

7. Lifelong Learning

Never stop learning and you will never stop growing. Determine if you need to reskill or upskill for your new career path. Some skills you already have are transferable from one career to another like leadership or communication. However, you may need to acquire a new skill or even enhance on your current skills set.

8. Pursue freelance and volunteer opportunities for related jobs

Another way to advance your career change is to obtain direct work experience by freelancing or volunteer opportunities. This will be helpful if you are looking to switch to becoming a writer as a journalist. There is always opportunities for you to become a freelance writer.

I hear you, making a career change is not going to be easy! To achieve success in life you need to imagine it, believe in yourself, set your goals, have your plan and create your community to hold your hand along the way.