How To Find A New Career

How To Find A New Career

There are many reasons why you might find yourself wanting a career change.
Perhaps you hate your job or you feel you’ve gone as far as you can in the
industry you're currently in; perhaps you just got laid off and you’re having
trouble finding work. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to change career
paths entirely. However, switching careers can be a long and arduous process,
so it’s important that you keep your present occupation for as long as possible,
or that you have enough wealth accumulated through your savings and severance
package to survive the job search. Follow these six tips to find a new career that
is tailored to your needs and ambitions.



Determine your needs

The first thing you must do when trying to find a new career is establish exactly
what you require from an occupation. You should consider your professional
interests, of course, but it’s also important that you take your personal
obligations into account too, especially if you have dependents. After all,
a career isn’t built in a vacuum and you wouldn’t want to get your dream job at
the cost of your family. Weigh the pros and cons of your current profession, and
try to figure out what needs to change and what needs to stay the same.



Identify your known skills

No experience is ever truly lost in the professional world, even when you’re
trying to find a new career. Over the years, you’ve likely acquired specialized
knowledge applicable to a number of industries. This includes leadership
strategies, time management techniques and proficiency with computer software. To
determine your transferable skills, it’s important that you look beyond your
official job description. Go through all your past occupations, including
volunteer positions, and pinpoint every task that isn’t specific to your current
field. Make sure to write this information down; you’ll need it for your resume.



Identify your hidden aptitudes

Just as no single sport can take full advantage of every muscle in your body, no
occupation can make use of all your natural abilities. Regardless of how long
you’ve been in the workforce, chances are you have undiscovered professional
potential. Taking an aptitude test can help you uncover your hidden talents and
find a new career that you never would’ve considered otherwise. However, it’s
crucial that you answer every question honestly. Your objective isn’t to flatter
your own ego, but to pinpoint a profession that will sustain you for years to
come.