In our last post, we discussed what you can do if you are in a dead-end job and need an escape. We covered the different obstacles you may face while you are working to redirect your professional life, as well as what you can do differently so that you can find yourself on the right track. Now that you know where to start, you likely know the first steps you need to take to get the ball rolling. On the other hand, you may be wondering how you can avoid making a mess of your professional and personal life amidst these big changes. In this post, we are going to address the most common mistakes people make when they are changing careers so that you can avoid them. Continue reading below to learn more.
Don’t Confuse A Job Change With A Career Change
You need to be able to be completely honest with yourself when it comes to whether it is your job or your career that is making you unhappy. Far too often, people mix these two up, leading to them leaving a field they are both passionate about and good at. Plain and simple, the place you work could be causing you to hate what you do, as could your current position, your coworkers or a number of other factors that truly have nothing to do with your career. Keeping this in mind, really ask yourself what it is about your current job that is causing you unhappiness.
Don’t Idealize The Planned Career
Do you remember when you were a child and you would imagine the fabulous job and life you would have when you finally became an adult? Dreaming about a career change is very similar to this. It’s very easy for you to get caught in the fantasy of it all. However, doing this will likely lead to a lot of disappointment down the line. Plain and simple, when you catch yourself picturing your life like a scene from a movie, take a step back and realize which part of the vision is truly possible and which part is a clear fantasy.
Make Sure Your Plan Financially
While it might be tempting to say “to heck with it” and quit your current job before you have any sense of what you are going to do next, we wouldn’t recommend it. We should also give you a dose of reality in telling you that career changes almost always result in a pay-cut. After all, you are having to start at the bottom once again. You have no experience or connections in your new field. Saving money before you actually make your switch will help to alleviate stress later on.
Be Realistic About The Process of the Change
Sure, you may have a dream job picked out that you will hopefully be able to obtain while on your new career path. On the other hand, the likelihood of you getting that job right off the bat is slim to none. Make sure that you set realistic expectations for yourself throughout your journey and be patient along the way.
Need Help Changing Careers?
If you are feeling a bit lost where your career change is concerned, it’s time for you to get the help that you deserve. At the Professional Development Center at Glendale Community College in Montrose, we can help you to uncover your next step, as well as train you in any skills you may be lacking to make your new career the right one for you! Our classes range many subjects and topics. So what are you waiting for? Enroll today!