Do you love your career? Do you wake up knowing that today will be exciting and satisfying? So many people continue with jobs that they don’t really like, simply because changing careers seems scary. First, you have to choose a new career, which sometimes isn’t easy, and then you have to actually find a way of starting that career. What if it doesn’t work out?
However, changing careers can also be exciting. Trying something completely new is never going to be easy, but the rewards could also be really, really big. Here are some tips to help you find a career you love.
1. Ask “What do I love doing right now?”
Before you find a new career, you have to know what you want. So, make a list of all the things you like and don’t like about your current job. Think about daily tasks, deadlines, and challenges. What aspect of your job excites you? What aspects do you really dislike? Putting this on paper will help you make a plan.
2. Ask “What do I dream about doing?”
If you could do anything, what would it be? Try not to think too seriously – just let yourself dream for a minute. For instance, if you love reading fiction, did you ever consider a career as a writer or a journalist? Or maybe an author? What is your dream?
3. Talk to Friends and Family
Get help from friends or family who you can talk to. They might also have some ideas about what they think you would be really good at. You don’t need to do exactly what they say, but it might get you thinking about other options.
4. Get Networking
Get out there and start meeting different people who have similar interests to you. This will help you make new contacts, and possibly new friends. Widening your network will make it easier to discover the thing that you love.
5. Find a Career Coach
Working with a coach or mentor can be a great source of career guidance. The decision to change careers shouldn’t be done too quickly, so the more research and time you put into planning your career path, the better. This research will make sure you will have the info you need to make the right decision.
6. Research Careers
Get online and read as much as you can about the careers you’re interested in, and then try a variety of free courses related to those careers. There’s no better way to find out if something is for you than by trying it, and even better if you can do so for free. For instance, do you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur? What about a career in IT or photography? After you study one course, you might learn that area is not for you. This really helps you make the right decision.
7. Upskill
Once you’ve found the general area you’re interested in, upskilling is the best way to get you to the next level. Alison offers over 1,000 free online courses that are interactive and easy to use at both Certificate and Diploma level. It takes no financial commitment, and you can study in your own time, while still maintaining your current hours at work.
So, you know what to do, now start doing it! Find your perfect career today!