Career Change Is Not For Wimps! 3 Powerful Steps to Do Work You Love

Tough words... but I truly believe that folks who make career changes should be applauded for their courage. The courage to live closer to their authentic selves. The courage to put aside all the negativity we hear about the economy. The courage to face their own fears.

Most people will change careers 5-10 times in their lifetimes. Not just jobs ? but whole new careers. At the same time, we're not taught how to go about this in the best way ?how to evaluate what careers fit us best ? how to choose work that makes our heart sing!

If you are considering a career change, here are some tips to get you started:

1. Know thyself. Give yourself time to really get in touch with yourself. What do you value most in your work? What skills do you really love doing? What natural talents and gifts do you have that you must use to serve others?

2. Go on an exploration. Be curious. Ask lots of folks about their work. Make a list of everything you've ever considered doing ?even if it seems outlandish. Then make a list of questions you'd like to get answered about those careers. This website can give you some good information about skills needed, education requirements and salary ranges for many careers: http://online.onetcenter.org/ As you get your questions answered, start making commitments about what you WILL have in your next career. Narrow down your choices until you've settled on one to target.

3. Go after it! Put together a job search campaign. Make a list of at least 5 different strategies you'll use to go after your best work. These can include networking, making a list of contacts to call, online job seeking on specialized job boards, online seeking of specific companies' job postings, sending targeted letters to organizations you'd like to work for even if they don't have jobs posted.

Set weekly and daily goals and get a support partner to help keep you accountable to reaching your goals.

Changing careers takes good strategies, courage and support. And it can be the most rewarding thing you've ever done. Congratulations on taking this first step!

©Ann Ronan, Ph.D. 2004

About The Author

Ann Ronan, Ph.D., Certified Career Coach and author, works with professionals in career transition. If you'd like more tips, strategies and support check out the 90 Day Career Change Is Not For Wimps eCourse delivered to you by daily emails with weekly telephone support calls ? www.authenticlifeinstitute.com/CareerChange.htm

ann@authenticlifeinstitute.com

---

Career Success: Don?t Be Caught With Your Pants Down

Do you want to know how to jump-start your professional career? Or, are you already in the trenches trying to be a high performer and wanting to... Read More

Common Resume Myths & Misconceptions

For the person crafting their first résumé the task can seem a little bit daunting, even a bit frightening. Human Resources [HR] specialists, résumé writing professionals, school... Read More

How To Find A Job As A Copy Editor

Jobs for copy editors may seem like they are hard to find, but really you can find them and you can do so with many of the... Read More

From The WorkWise Collection: Job Hunting in the New Economy

To succeed in today's global marketplace, companies must hire the best and the brightest. Having talented employees can make the difference between success and failure.Job hunting in... Read More

Why Should We Hire You?

This is one of those broad questions that can take you down the wrong road unless you have done some thinking about what to say ahead of... Read More

10 Steps to Escape the Job World and Create the Life You Really Want

1. GET THE POINT ? OF LIFE, THAT IS. How many of us will look back in our old age and wish we'd gone to more... Read More

3 Ways To Succeed On Your First Job (Or Any Job)

You've heard the real estate cliché: the three factors that determine a property's value are location, location, location.Well, here's an instant cliché about creating value on the... Read More

Job Interviews -- What Your Pre-Interview Research Should Cover

When you go in for a job interview, you're not just a candidate seeking a job. You're a potential problem solver and contributor. To play that role... Read More

How To Start Your Own House Cleaning Business

If you are thinking about starting your own house cleaning business, begin by evaluating your present circumstances. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions,... Read More

Surviving The Technical Interview

Ah, the technical interview. Nothing like it. Not only does it cause anxiety, but it causes anxiety for several different reasons.How many people will be asking questions?... Read More

How to Work Effectively With Recruiters

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T / find out what it means to me" is a line made famous by Aretha Franklin, and one that recruiters have adopted as their mantra. This... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Taking Care of Yourself

Looking for work is generally a miserable undertaking. No matter how much education and experience you have, you are in a powerless and vulnerable position.You spend days... Read More

How to Write a Resume That Stands Out From The Crowd

Today's job market is competitive. Many companies receive hundreds of resumes a year, making it difficult for yours to stand out from the crowd. However, that should... Read More

The Inevitable Job Interview Question: ?Why Did You Leave (Are Planning To Leave) Your Last Position

This is a question that you can almost count on being asked at your next interview What the interviewer wants to know is, "Why are you available?"The... Read More

Conflicts With Your Boss Are Inevitable, But Can Be Healthy

If you are a pro-active, get-things-done type, sooner or later you will come in conflict with your boss. The same sort of assertiveness and confidence that leads... Read More

The Recruiting Truth...Time Is Not On Your Side

In today's marketplace things are constantly changing and so are the needs of just about each and every organization. Whether your company is growing organically or inorganically,... Read More

Learn Some Useful Feng Shui Career Tips

As it does with every main life aspect, feng shui also provides tips and guidelines to help you improving your career. If your career is not moving... Read More

Building Your Army of Supporters: How to Build Strategic Relationships in the Work Place!

Once you have accomplished your task of getting in the door and getting the job the real job of career advancement begins!You will soon learn (if you... Read More

Learn How to Throw a Boomerang

Actually, "the boomerang effect" is a relatively new trend of inviting back talented former employees into the fold.Surveys indicate 12% of employers cautiously admit they would re-hire... Read More

How to Make Your Career Change Easier

Despite what your grandmother told you, life is not supposed to be a struggle. The same is true for making a career change. This doesn't mean you... Read More

Handling the Dreaded Why Did You Leave? Question

If you left your last job under less-than-ideal circumstances, you probably dread the "Why did you leave?" question that almost always comes up at job interviews. Here's... Read More

Discontentment in the Workplace

While more people are finding employment, more employed workers are discontent and experiencing frustration. In most cases it can be boiled down to four factors: feeling undervalued,... Read More

Getting Started: 5 Things You Need to Decide When You Get Started with a Job Search

There are few things more frustrating for a headhunter than asking a person basic questions that revolve around what you as a job hunter are looking for... Read More

How People Really Explore New Careers: What Does A Real Career Search Look Like?

The traditional model of career choice suggests a linear pattern. Get to know yourself. Learn your kills and talents. Explore careers that seem to best utilize your... Read More

Should I leave My Job?

Most of us have to work for a living. Since we spend so many hours each week at our jobs, it's very important that there is a... Read More

We Rejected Your Résumé Today

Hi, I am Mr. Employer.Even though you think I can see you and how wonderful it would be for you to come to work for our company.... Read More