| Whatever the reason that you want to switch | | | | could enroll in a night class or online |
| careers, the fact is that you are going | | | | courses and acquire the education and |
| through a change, and you are not the only | | | | training that you will need in your new |
| one. Studies show that the average person | | | | career. |
| changes his or her career several times | | | | |
| before things settle down. There are certain | | | | 5. Network: The world now functions on the |
| steps that you can take to make switching | | | | basis of networking. Make sure you have a |
| careers just a bit less stressful. | | | | good network of people you can use during |
| | | | your career change. With the right amount of |
| 1. It's all about likes and dislikes: Being | | | | networking you can get job leads, advice and |
| happy with your career is all about your | | | | useful information. |
| personal choices. It is easy to identify what | | | | |
| you dislike but it is that much more | | | | 6. Experience: Since you will be starting a |
| difficult to identify what you like doing. | | | | new career altogether, you may not going to |
| While identifying your likes think of all the | | | | be credited with lots of experience in the |
| things you would like to if money was not an | | | | new company. If this is the case, consider |
| issue. Delve deeper and you will know what it | | | | taking a part-time job or doing some |
| is you really like. Most people's likes | | | | volunteer work that is relevant to your field |
| revolve around teaching, healing and | | | | to gain experience. |
| creating. If you can't identify your likes, | | | | |
| then you should get online and take an online | | | | 7. Mentors: Getting a mentor is the best |
| personality test that will help you figure it | | | | thing you can do for yourself. Your mentor |
| out. | | | | will help you get though those difficult |
| | | | times. You and your mentor together can work |
| 2. Research: After you have identified your | | | | towards building your network that will help |
| likes and dislikes and what you like doing, | | | | your career changing process. |
| what you are passionate about, the next step | | | | |
| is to spend some time researching. It is a | | | | 8. Basics: If you haven't been job-hunting |
| part of the process to feel intimidated and | | | | for a long time, then you need to get all |
| unsure of yourself, but there is no need to | | | | your basics in place. Make sure that you have |
| back out or change your plans because of | | | | your resume updated. Know about interview |
| this. Just do your homework and you will be | | | | skills. Research the companies. These are all |
| fine. | | | | things that will ensure smooth sailing during |
| | | | your job search. |
| 3. Skills: There are some skills that can be | | | | |
| used irrespective of your career choice. | | | | 9. Flexibility: Flexibility is of utmost |
| Skills such as communication, leadership, | | | | importance while switching careers. There |
| planning and motivation are just a few of | | | | needs to be flexibility about everything; |
| them. These can be used in your career | | | | from employment status to salary and |
| switching process. | | | | benefits. |
| | | | |
| 4. Education: If you are changing your | | | | Switching careers mid-life may be stressful - |
| career, you need to make sure that your | | | | but by following the tips above, you can make |
| education and training are adequate. You | | | | sure that it doesn't become overwhelming. |