We all go through that period when we question things a bit. We want to make a change in our life, and especially in work we do. This happens specifically among millennials when they tick most of the boxes that they are supposed to tick as young adults, they start questioning their job, their purpose in life, and want to make a change in their career.

Rest assured that this period is quite normal and often leads to a more significant and better change.

Changing Your Career – Changing Your Life

Whether it is changing career to self-employment, to pursue or create something more meaningful, or to climb the ladder in a better workplace, or for a total shift like athletes do when they retire, there are a few clear steps that you can follow to make the right move with the right tools and mindset.

6 Steps to Change Your Career Successfully 

1. Identify your core skills.

Make a list of your core skills. And by core skills here I mean your business skills, the ones you learned through your career, and also your soft skills and your social skills. Remember that your emotional intelligence is far more important than your IQ and even your hard skills.

2. Identify your values.

Identify your personal and professional values. What are your priorities right now? What’s important to you in a job? These should be criteria for choosing a new career. Consider whether the new job/career is matching and in alignment with your values and needs.

3. Articulate your purpose and set a goal.

What is your purpose for making a career change? It all boils down to your why. Why did you consider making a shift in the first place? Make a list of reasons why you wanted to change your career, then write your goal. Knowing your why (your purpose in life, your mission, and your vision) should guide your steps in making a successful career change.

 4. Get rid of your limiting beliefs.

There are no shortcuts to job satisfaction, and transitioning to a new career may be fraught with risks and challenges, but these should not deter you from making your move. Acknowledge the fact that there may be setbacks, but don’t let limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behavior prevent you from making progress. 

5. Create a strategy to achieve your goals. 

Break down your big goals into smaller goals. Make a plan that includes your timetable, your weekly tasks, and your savings. You may also need to include the education you need to invest in to fill in the skills gap or the people to contact to kickstart your career change. Equip yourself with books, tools, and the right routines to stay focused.

6. Have the motivation to stay on track.

Visualize where you want to be and see the big picture. When you feel your motivation is waning, you can always come back to your main goal. A system of accountability will also help. Share your goal with a mentor or a family member whom you trust and celebrate your achievements.

Summary: 

Changing your career successfully entails knowing your purpose and committing to making the change. 

  •     Assess your skills and know what you need to do to fill the gap.
  •     Match your values with the profession you’ve set your sights on.
  •     Set a goal and create a strategy to achieve it.
  •     Adopt a positive, can-do attitude. Stop sabotaging yourself.
  •     Find ways to stay motivated.