In a Rut? Ready for a Career Change?

Are you unhappy at work? Tired and lacking energy and drive? Don't worry, you are not alone! Studies in the US show that up to 70 percent of the workforce is unhappy with their job at any given time. We all feel dissatisfied and frustrated with our jobs at times. So, how do you know when the feeling of dissatisfaction and frustration means it is time for a career change? There are a few key signs which point towards a need for change:

* feeling overwhelmed by your workload

* unable to balance your work and life responsibilities

* confused about roles and duties in your job

* easily irritated and ready to explode at the slightest provocation

We choose our career path for many different reasons: because of our parents' encouragement; because it is a successful occupation; or for the financial reward (to name just a few). However, you may be in a career that doesn't support your core values. This could be the root of your discomfort.

Take a personal and professional inventory. Ask yourself some important questions.

1. Look at your current job. How did you get there?

2. What are your personal attributes (artistic, adaptable, creative, leader, etc.)?

3. What are your core values (autonomy, growth, helping others, financial security etc.)?

4. What are your greatest strengths?

5. Identify your accomplishments.

6. Identify your career satisfiers and dissatisfiers: For each position you have had throughout your career what activities or responsibilities did you enjoy (and not enjoy) doing?

7. What is important to you, personally and professionally?

8. What you would like to do or accomplish during your lifetime (personally or professionally) so that you will consider your life to have been well-lived?

9. What are you most excited about now?

Take a look at your answers. Is your present career in line with who you are, what you value, and what you are good at? If not, then it is time to make a change.

Once you have established that you are ready for a career change, start thinking about and noticing what you want. If you could do anything, what would you do? By assessing your accomplishments, skills, strengths and weakness you will be able to see a link between what it is that you value, what you are good at, and where the "juice" is for you - all things that you can turn into a new career. Decide what you want and create your opportunities. MAKE A PLAN. Then, use this plan to switch from resentment in your current job to looking at the positives you can take to your new career. What are your transferable skills? What are you learning in your present position that you can take with you? Once you have a plan, stay focused on your intention, and pay attention to opportunities that present themselves. Despite your present frustration and your excitement at the possibilities ahead of you, it is natural to feel afraid about starting a new career. Feel the fear and do it anyway! Remember, the power to do so is within you.

Copyright 2004-2005, Cecile Peterkin

Cecile Peterkin is a Certified Career Coach, Retirement Coach and Speaker. With over 17 years of managerial, leadership, empowerment counseling and personal development experience, Cecile specializes in helping Middle Managers overcome the "Middle Syndrome" of being stuck in a middle position in mid-life. To learn more about Cecile, visit her website at http://www.cosmiccoachingcentre.com or call 416-782-5001, Toll-free:1-866-486-4112.

---

Make A Lasting Impression With Interview Etiquette

(Des Moines, Iowa - February 2, 2005) Behaving appropriately during every course of an interview is just one way to increase your success with finding a job.... Read More

How to Reach Your Next Job Faster with Fewer Potholes, Roadblocks

Complacency damages your career more than lack of qualifications. The most obvious roadblock you'll encounter on the race to find your next job is usually regrets about... Read More

Look in the Mirror

Take a moment to step outside yourself. Now, be honest with me here? If you could be your own boss, how would you rate your own performance... Read More

So, What Do You Do For Work?

I remember being asked this question a lot when I was dissatisfied with my career. My usual strategy would be to give a pat answer and immediately... Read More

The Myths of Career Change

Chances are you already have many ideas about what it takes to successfully transition into a new career, even if you have never done it before. Some... Read More

How to Think Like a Headhunter to Find Your Dream Job!

In this ever changing world, we need to think out of the box to get ahead. This true for anything you do in life. If you want... Read More

My Career is in the Doldrums - Do I Need a Coach or a Therapist?

Is Monday the worst day of your week? Can you hardly remember when you enjoyed going to work? Do friends ask why you seem so down? Maybe... Read More

10 Major Signs of Job Dissatisfaction

The New Year is a great time to analyze your job and the satisfaction you get from doing it. Running the rat race is just that, scurrying... Read More

Networking is the Key to Star Performance in Everything You Do.

Many people's idea of networking relates to the 'size of their Christmas Card List, rather than the quality of their relationship with each person on that list.... Read More

How to Access Employers through Proposal Marketing

Use Proposal Marketing and you'll be your own hot spot, opening gateways previously inaccessible. Hook up with those who have the power to hire you. Present a... Read More

Career Change: A Glittering Invitation To The Emotional Stalkers

As much as you are yearning for career-change, and as much as the trends actually favor it, just contemplating a shift is a glittering invitation to four... Read More

So You Want To Be a Nurse When You Grow Up?

You're interested in becoming a nurse. How do you get into the field? First of all, you need to assess your basic interest. Why do you want... Read More

Job Interviews & the Magic of Music

Can music help you with your next job interview? It just might! Here's how. First, it can help you during your research, preparation and practice.... Read More

Personal Grooming: 8 Top Reasons Why You Can?t Take It For Granted In Your Career

Most people when they landed "the dream job" after an interview or even got "the deal" of the lifetime in their businesses, sadly to say tend to... Read More

Are You Suited for Self-employment?

A recent poll conducted by Yahoo! Small Business showed that nearly 3 out of 4 Americans have considered starting their own business. In fact, of more than... Read More

Mastering the Job Interview - 5 Tips to Make Yourself Irresistible to the Interviewer

So you've figured out, more or less what you want to do and where the opportunities are. Now; you have been called for an interview. Here are... Read More

How To Write A Resume Cover Letter That Will Get Your Resume Read

A Resume Cover Letter has only one purpose - to stimulate the recipient of your resume to review your resume. This free resume cover letter tutorial assumes... Read More

Blogging for Candidates 101: Nuts and Bolts

A "blog" is simply an internet (web) log. Blogs are created for personal or professional use. They may promote a product or service, or merely serve as... Read More

Tell Me About Yourself

The need to tell people about yourself may present itself during an informal conversation with a colleague, on the Little League field with a neighbor, on the... Read More

Travel Writer Jobs, What Are They And How To Find Them

Travel writing jobs are few and far between. Getting into this field is hard to do and requires a lot of training and experience. But, there are... Read More

An RX For Your Résumé

Whether you are an accountant, virtual assistant, or a corporate executive, your job skills are constantly refined. A new sales presentation you've organized or the new spreadsheet... Read More

What Do Employees Wish for Most (And How To Get It)

What do many employees wish for at work? A bonus or raise. At least that's so according to results from a recent survey developed by OfficeTeam, a... Read More

Are You Tired of Hiring Other Peoples Rejects? - 12 Mistakes Recruiters Make and How To Avoid Them

When John applied for a job at Oakland Company, his resume looked fabulous, showing tremendous talent and advancement. His qualifications were beyond question and he built immediate... Read More

How To Receive Payment as a Freelance Translator?

A problem most freelance translators are facing with is how to receive payment. In particular: How to receive payment for small jobs. Many translation agencies are reluctant... Read More

How To Find Quick, Free, Job Search Resurces

There are many free job search resources available in any community, large or small. These resources are available to the aspiring CEO as well as to the... Read More

How To Type A Resume For Employers

Learning how to type a resume may feel like a daunting task. Even the most affluent writers have asked themselves, how to type a mind-blowing resume. Follow... Read More