A change in career can be tough. Not only is it a financially strained time, but you also need to train yourself for a whole new position. Here are a few tips for transitioning from one career to another in 2018.
MyDeal Pro Tip:
Prepare yourself physically; literally get your office ready for a change in career. Whether you need to clear out your old files, change your desk or get yourself a new office chair from MyDeal, make sure your home office is changing along with you. New career, new mindset!
Leah Lambart | Relaunch Me
“Life is too short to be unhappy at work but many people are scared of making a significant change. Career change doesn’t have to be one big leap - new job, new industry and new company. Sometimes you can just tweak things a bit to get a new perspective, such as moving to a different organisation that is a better fit (larger/smaller, more structured/less structured), changing to a new industry, transferring internally to a new department or team, or even just developing new skills by getting involved with a new project. Sometimes just a small tweak is enough at least in the short term to give you a fresh start and bring more enjoyment
to your work.” Find out more about Relaunch Me by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Simeon Boseley | BExceptional
“There’s a big difference between dreaming and doing. That cherished ambition or aspiration to have a career that ticks all the boxes in terms of self-fulfilment and financial security is one thing, but turning that into a reality can be daunting and even downright scary.
But why is it so difficult to make any big change? Well in simple terms, it’s because our ‘primitive brain’ (limbic system) prefers the easiest option, has a tendency to procrastinate and sees change as a threat, so routinely pushes us to avoid or ignore making change.
The good news is that our ‘thinking brain’ (prefrontal cortex), on the other hand, is goal driven has a long-term perspective and can, under the right circumstances, be primed to see change as a positive thing.
So here are five tips to engage your ‘thinking brain’ and help you stop dreaming and start doing:
1. Define your goals – the what, why, how, who and when of a goal, not only engages your ‘thinking brain’ but also primes your ‘primitive brain’ with the right script to use whilst you are on autopilot.
2. Understand your purpose and values – when aligned to your goals, they become a powerful intrinsic motivator to either get you started or move you forward.
3. Leverage your strengths – knowing, growing and using your strengths effectively is a great way to provide the energy you need to achieve your goals.
4. Identify growth opportunities – we all have transferable skills, so explore what they are and then identify what training or development opportunities would help you grow into your future career.
5. One small step – when we project too far into the future, it can be highly demotivating, so find the next incremental step towards your dream career, focus on it, celebrate achieving it and then rinse and repeat.”
Find out more about BExceptional by following them on Facebook.
MyDeal Pro Tip:
Consider what transferable skills you have. Despite not having the exact skills needed for the new career you’re chasing, consider the skills that you currently have and cross-examine how you can apply them to the next chapter. List your strongest traits, which may be something like public speaking or problem-solving. If you’re struggling to find some that you consider transferrable, consider what hobbies you have, and what skills you have gained from them. Are you an avid gardener? Gardeners often have the skills of learned patience, respect and responsibility. So, get out the rake and shovel from your large garden shed, and look at things from a different perspective. Those who love art often have creative skills, those who love Sudoku have problem-solving skills. Your transferable skills are around you, you just have to look for them.
Elise Stevens | Age Defying Careers
Change can often be unsettling. There’s something very comfortable about staying in the same circumstances, even when those circumstances may not be ideal. But, a new career can also be an exciting time that sparks renewed enthusiasm and growth. Identify all of your strengths and achievements – every single one and write them down. Asking your friends and social networks is another good way to build this list – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the comments you receive. You can use this list to not only boost your confidence, but it can also be helpful for creating your own Unique Selling Proposition (USP), which will help you in writing a persuasive resume and cover letter. You are never too old to make a career change and a little preparation goes a long way. Are you thinking about changing jobs? What steps are you taking?” Find out more about Age Defying Careers by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Jane Simpson | HiBrow Eyebrows
“As hard as you think the transition will be double that, it is extremely hard. Make sure that you have savings to set up the new business and to live on for at least six months. You cannot do enough research on all aspects of your new career Do NOT count on family and friends to start throwing money at your new business, it won't happen. Life just keeps getting better.” Find out more about Hi Brow Eyebrow by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
