Are you
listening to that little voice in your head telling you how much you
dislike your job? If not, you may become angry with those around you,
when in fact, you'll be angry at yourself for failing to taking the
necessary steps to change your career -- or job within the same
industry. Career change is not always easy. For some, the simple task
of deciding what to do is often the hardest part. For others who know
what they want to do, they often feel it will take too long to achieve
their career goals when there are bills to pay.
It is even more difficult when those
around us do not understand our "crazy ideas" because they are too
practical to make sacrifices for the sake of happiness. So what should
you do to steer your career in the right direction without upsetting
the family and draining your bank account? Here are a few suggestions
to get you on the right career track to job fulfillment.
Work for yourself Don't quit your day
job just yet. Launching a business is a challenge in itself. Regardless
of size, any worthwhile business takes a lot of planning, development,
and maintenance to compete and stay in business. The key to successful
business ownership begins with a passion to do something you enjoy,
followed by a financial investment that depends on the business.
Sometimes it is minimal, requiring a small space and general office
equipment. For larger ventures, a business loan from a bank or the SBA
might be necessary. Still, it takes time to turn a profit right away.
So, if you can, start small while working full time and gradually build
your business until you feel secure enough financially to leave that
steady paycheck to take your business to the next level. You can always
hire part-time employees, student interns, friends, and family members
to help you in the beginning and in the long run.
Attend college or vocational training
school You don't always need to attend college full time. If you took a
few classes each semester, you'd be amazed how happy you'd be just
knowing you are working towards your goal. And, it doesn't always need
to be a four-year college. Maybe there is a vocational school that
offers the type of academic training you need to make a career change
in a shorter period of time for a fraction of the cost. Other options
include distance learning programs where you can study in the comfort
of your own home at your own pace.
Change jobs internally Sometimes
happiness is only a department away! If you work for a proactive
company that posts job openings internally, this might be the perfect
opportunity for you to change careers while growing with the same
company. Your career change can be very drastic if you have a
supportive company that is willing to train you. Best of all, they
might even pay for you to attend college to prepare you for that career
change. If they don't post internally, keep your ears open to learn
about new business developments within the company. Speak with your
human resources representative to inquire about career growth
opportunities and what you need to do to make a career change
internally.
Create a position at your current
company Sometimes you know better than anyone in the company what is
needed. If you can put a business plan together to present to
management illustrating how this new idea would benefit the company
financially and logistically, you might succeed at creating a new
position--or even a new department! This is a great way to do what you
do best in a new capacity because you will be the person who will
determine what the job description will be. Pretty cool!
Transition to a new career by
answering a classified ad Again, don't quit your job just yet. You are
always more marketable when you have a job. If you are ready to take
drastic measures to find overnight career happiness, you should have
your resume and cover letter professionally prepared to answer those
classified ads in the newspaper or online. Even if you are just
exploring the possibility of changing careers, this is a good exercise
to see how marketable you are (how much money you can make), develop
your interviewing skills, and to learn about what's out there beyond
the walls of your office cubicle!
Go back to what you used to do--and
love Sounds crazy right? How many times have you heard someone say, "I
used to work doing such and such. It didn't pay that well, but I loved
it." It is not uncommon to leave what we love because it doesn't pay
the bills. Money seems like everything these days. But, when we're
unhappy, we know it's really not. We need to find a
compromise--something we enjoy doing that will make us want to get up
every morning so we can live that old adage that claims you'll never
work a day in your life if you work at doing what you love.
