Illustration by Bob Dob
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10 Steps to Effective Career Change
By Samuel Greengard, November & December 2006
Get off on the right foot
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Moving to a new job can leave even the most accomplished and confident
individuals feeling overwhelmed. Jeri Sedlar, coauthor of
Don't Retire, Rewire!, suggests these ten steps to make the
transition smoother, less stressful, and more successful.
1. Determine why you want to change careers. Is it to work in a new
field? To earn necessary or supplemental income? For intellectual or physical
stimulation? Or do you just want to stay connected with people?
2. Acknowledge how you would like to work, as well as the likely
reality. Full-time, part-time, seasonal, cyclical? Many career changes require
a high level of commitment, and you may land on a lower rung of the career
ladder—at least to start.
3. Identify the skills you have and want to use. Just because you
have a skill doesn't mean you must use it or will succeed in a particular
career that involves it.
4. Consider using an interest, a hobby, or a passion as a platform
for a new career.
5. Conduct the necessary research. Spend time learning about a career
and, if possible, visit a work environment where you can see the job performed
firsthand.
6. Understand that you may need to invest time, money, and energy to
obtain a needed degree or certification. This can affect other aspects of your
life, including your relationships with a spouse, family, and friends.
7. Develop a resource list of people, places, and things to help you
investigate new work choices.
8. Network with people of all ages and across professional
boundaries.
9. Manage your expectations. A career change is a process, and
results don't happen overnight. Think about your definition of success, and
make sure it's realistic and achievable.
10. Follow your head and your heart. Don't listen to what others
think you should do. It's your happiness at stake.
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