Choosing a career doesn’t have to mean you choose it for life. People change and grow, gaining new interests and values and leaving old ones behind. So, it makes perfect sense that a career you once loved no longer excites you. It’s estimated that people change careers 5-7 times in their lives, and with new industries and career types constantly on the horizon, it’s not surprising to hear that number is expected to rise.
If you’ve been searching for new career ideas, we’ve got some solid advice for help choosing a new career direction.
Start with why you don’t like your current career.
Take some time to really figure out why you no longer like it. Whether it’s the hours and schedule, the way your position is viewed, or the fact that you’ve probably learned all you can, really thinking about why you dislike your job has two benefits.
First, it helps you truly confirm that you’re ready for a change and want to try something new. And second, it starts you down a path of self-discovery that’ll lead to some really interesting places, professionally and personally.
Figure out what your new career looks like.
On the search for a new career, don’t forget about cultivating new career skills. Take a personal inventory of your interests, hobbies, values, and skills. This will help you discover what parts of yourself you haven’t pursued, and those can lead you to new career ideas.
At the same time, considering building on your career capital. That is, think about your existing career skills and experiences, and how they can apply to related fields. You may find new career ideas that aren’t so far off from what you’re doing now.
Speak with people in and outside your network.
Don’t pass up the chance to seek help choosing a new career from people whose opinions and input you value. That can certainly be family and friends who know your personality and your interests well. But don’t forget about the network you’ve built up during your existing career.
These are the people who know your skills, talents, and accomplishments very well. And they likely know people who’ve decided to make career transitions, too. They can point you in the direction of new careers and schooling options that would be perfect for you.
Pursue your education at AOLCC.
Changing careers can be a scary notion, especially as an adult. That’s why the Academy of Learning structures its programs to have plenty of real-world education and hands-on training. By choosing to study for your new career at AOLCC, you’ll be able to choose start dates and scheduling that works for you. There’s plenty of versatility and assistance when it comes to fitting education into your life, and you’ll see: developing those new career skills doesn’t have to be difficult.
Finally, don’t stop networking.
Keep in touch with your contacts, even during your studies. Letting them know about the new career skills you’re building (and how much you’re enjoying your new direction) will keep you at the top of their minds. That can pay off when you’re finished your education.
And once you’re in your new career, keep in touch with existing contacts outside your industry. You never know where your next opportunity can come from.
Transition into a new career in less than a year with Academy of Learning Career College.
With over 30 diploma and certificate programs, the Academy of Learning offers the education you’ll need to pursue a career in high-demand fields like business, accounting, information technology, and healthcare. Our flexible and customized learning techniques mean you’ll be ready for the working world faster than you thought possible.
Contact us today and let Albion College help you turn your new career ideas into a new career life.
