Career Changing

There was a time in one's life where a person decided by their sophomore year in college what they were wanting to major in. They majored in it and stayed with it-through “thick and thin”.

However, our working world has been transformed: We live longer, work longer. There is little loyalty from companies; and people often don't pass into “adulthood” until the age of 26 instead of 22.

In a 2004 survey by the University of Phoenix, 58%of workers have changed their careers (not just their jobs) and more than half of those have done so more than once. Adults age 25 and older now account for more than 1/3 of those enrolled at degree granting institutions, according to the national center for Education Statistics.

Why do people switch careers? There is not one reason but usually a few: Restlessness, wanting flexibility and autonomy (playing by one's own rules); and to generally be happier. Frequently, for clients over 40 they are switching careers because they are wanting a “sense of meaning in their life”

Most of the time making a career change requires training or more education, depending on the field. When looking for a change – it is important to look at one's natural abilities, skills, interests, personality type, values, and long range goals. I also tell people to spend more time looking inward (What are my values? What kind of people do I want to work with?) vs. outward (How much money will I make? Is there status?).

Here are five popular areas for people making a career change. These were all discussed in an article in the NY Times on Nov. 6, 2005. These areas are:

1. Nursing
2. Not for profit work ( Including foundations and development)
3. Teaching
4. Information Technology
5. Real Estate

Before you make any leap, consider what kind of investment of time and money you want to make:

1. Do I have the energy to go back to a master's program? To write papers, do home work ,do group projects?
2. Would I do better with a certificate? For example, a certificate in grant writing, fund-raising, or massage therapy.
3. Am I going back to school full time or only at night?
4. Who is my support system?
5. What are my real goals? Is it to make more money, have more status, have more fun, or become an expert in a certain field?
6. Whom do I admire that is doing what I'd like to do?

Enhancing Job Security

Change is all around us. There is no guarantee for anything—except death and change. There is no way to assure ourselves that we will be at our same position five years from now. Even if we are not in a hurricane area, work for a company that has a stable history, or have an advanced degree – we have no guarantee.

Here are a few things you can do to help your own security:

• Build relationships and connections! The old saying: “It is not what you know, but who you know that is so important.” Cultivate a network of successful professionals in your field or similar fields that you may want to move into later in your career. Read your current local business journal and cut out articles about prominent people in your field.
• Keep your skills current. Let your organization or company pay for conferences and training. If they won't pay and you really want a certain skill set, pay for it yourself. No one can take away your skills. That is what will move your forward or separate you from a colleague.
• Know what is going on in your current industry or profession. Get involved with your professional association to help follow the trends. The more you know about what could happen, the more prepared you'll be.
• Update your resume so it is ready to go at any time. Make sure your resume is current and looks good. Make sure to keep an annual list of work projects and accomplishments.