7 STEPS TO START A NEW CAREER
In this blog, I want to dive deeper into starting a new career and provide additional insights and strategies to help you find your path and pursue your passions.
Feeling lost in your current job is a common experience, and it can be a sign that it's time to make a change. But how do you start a new career when you're not even sure what you want to do? The key is to approach the process with an open mind and a willingness to explore your interests and passions. Here are some steps you can take to start building your new career:
Step 1: Reflect on Your Current Situation
The first step in starting a new career is to reflect on your current situation. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to leave my current job?" Is it because you don't feel fulfilled? Is it because the job doesn't align with your values? Or is it simply because you're bored and need a change? It's important to identify the underlying reasons behind your desire for change.
It's also important to consider your current skills and experience. What have you learned in your current job? What skills have you developed? Are there any transferable skills that could be applied to a new career? I want you to know that understanding your current strengths and weaknesses will help you identify areas where you may need to gain additional experience or education.
Step 2: Explore Your Interests and Passions
Once you clearly understand why you want to start a new career, it's time to do some soul-searching. What are your passions and interests? What are you good at? What are your values? These are all important questions to ask yourself when trying to figure out what kind of career you want to pursue.
You can start by making a list of things that interest you or activities that you enjoy. Do you enjoy working with people? Do you like solving problems? Do you have a passion for a particular subject or topic? Identifying your interests and passions will help you narrow down your career options and find a path that resonates with you.
Step 3: Research Your Options
Once you better understand the different career paths you're interested in, it's time to do your research. Could you look into the different career paths you've identified and gather as much information as possible? What are the job requirements? What skills do you need to have? What is the salary range? What is the job outlook for this career? Talk to people who are already working in the field and get their perspective on what it takes to succeed.
You can also use online resources like job boards, industry publications, and professional organizations to gather information about different career paths. Look for job postings and descriptions that match your interests and skills, and use them as a guide to help you identify the skills and experience you need to succeed in your new career.
Step 4: Narrow Down Your Options
Now that you better understand the different career paths you're interested in, it's time to narrow down your options. Ask yourself, "Which of these careers aligns best with my passions, interests, and values?" Choosing a career you're truly passionate about is important, as this will help you stay motivated and engaged in your work.
It's also important to consider your current skills and experience. Are there any transferable skills that could be applied to a new career? Do you need to gain additional experience or education to pursue your new career? I want you to know that understanding your current strengths and weaknesses will help you identify areas where you may need to focus your efforts.
Step 5: Build Your Skills and Experience
Once you've identified the career path you want to pursue, it's time to start building your skills and experience. This may involve going back to school, taking courses, or pursuing certifications in your new field. It may also involve volunteering, interning, or taking on freelance projects to gain experience and build your portfolio.
Taking a strategic approach to building your skills and experience is important. Focus on developing the most important skills for your new career, and look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field. Seek out mentors or coaches who can provide guidance and support as you make the transition to your new career.
Step 6: Network and Build Relationships
Networking is a crucial part of starting a new career. Building relationships with people in your industry can help you learn about job openings, gain insights into different companies and organizations, and get advice and support from people who have been in your shoes.
Start by attending industry events, conferences, and networking groups in your area. Connect with people on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, and reach out to people you admire or respect in your field. Be open to learning from others and building genuine connections with people who share your interests and passions.
Step 7: Be Patient and Persistent
Starting a new career can be a long and challenging process, but staying patient and persistent is important. It may take time to find the right job or to build the skills and experience you need to succeed in your new field. Stay focused on your goals, stay motivated, and stay open to new opportunities and experiences.
Remember, your new career may not look exactly like you imagined it, and that's okay. The most important thing is to stay true to your passions and values, and to keep learning and growing as you pursue your new path.
Conclusion
Starting a new career can be daunting, but it's also an exciting opportunity to pursue your passions and find fulfillment in your work. By taking a strategic and intentional approach, you can identify your interests and skills, research your options, build your skills and experience, and connect with people in your industry to build a successful career.
Remember, there is always time to make a change and pursue your dreams. With the right mindset and approach, you can build a successful and fulfilling career that aligns with your passions and values. Good luck!
I went through this journey and found my personal path. If you want to go find out what career success means for you personally and, more importantly how you can turn this into reality reach out to me for a discovery call. Here is a link to book a discovery session with me to find out if I am the right coach for you. I am offering a 16-week program, CREATE IT! that will guide you in 1:1 coaching to re-imagine your amazing career and: turn it into reality.
Pin this graphic if you liked the post.