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Take This Career And Shove It – In The
Right Direction!
Are you listening to that little voice in your head telling you how much
you dislike your job? If not, you may become angry with those around you,
when in fact, you'll be angry at yourself for failing to taking the
necessary steps to change your career -- or job within the same industry.
Career change is not always easy. For some, the simple task of deciding
what to do is often the hardest part. For others who know what they want
to do, they often feel it will take too long to achieve their career goals
when there are bills to pay.
It is even more difficult when those around us do not understand our
"crazy ideas" because they are too practical to make sacrifices for the
sake of happiness. So what should you do to steer your career in the right
direction without upsetting the family and draining your bank account?
Here are a few suggestions to get you on the right career track to job
fulfillment.
Work for yourself
Don't quit your day job just yet. Launching a business is a challenge in
itself. Regardless of size, any worthwhile business takes a lot of
planning, development, and maintenance to compete and stay in business.
The key to successful business ownership begins with a passion to do
something you enjoy, followed by a financial investment that depends on
the business. Sometimes it is minimal, requiring a small space and general
office equipment. For larger ventures, a business loan from a bank or the
SBA might be necessary. Still, it takes time to turn a profit right away.
So, if you can, start small while working full time and gradually build
your business until you feel secure enough financially to leave that
steady paycheck to take your business to the next level. You can always
hire part-time employees, student interns, friends, and family members to
help you in the beginning and in the long run.
Attend college or vocational training school
You don't always need to attend college full time. If you took a few
classes each semester, you'd be amazed how happy you'd be just knowing you
are working towards your goal. And, it doesn't always need to be a
four-year college. Maybe there is a vocational school that offers the type
of academic training you need to make a career change in a shorter period
of time for a fraction of the cost. Other options include distance
learning programs where you can study in the comfort of your own home at
your own pace.
Change jobs internally
Sometimes happiness is only a department away! If you work for a proactive
company that posts job openings internally, this might be the perfect
opportunity for you to change careers while growing with the same company.
Your career change can be very drastic if you have a supportive company
that is willing to train you. Best of all, they might even pay for you to
attend college to prepare you for that career change. If they don't post
internally, keep your ears open to learn about new business developments
within the company. Speak with your human resources representative to
inquire about career growth opportunities and what you need to do to make
a career change internally.
Create a position at your current company
Sometimes you know better than anyone in the company what is needed. If
you can put a business plan together to present to management illustrating
how this new idea would benefit the company financially and logistically,
you might succeed at creating a new position--or even a new department!
This is a great way to do what you do best in a new capacity because you
will be the person who will determine what the job description will be.
Pretty cool!
Transition to a new career by answering a classified ad
Again, don't quit your job just yet. You are always more marketable when
you have a job. If you are ready to take drastic measures to find
overnight career happiness, you should have your resume and cover letter
professionally prepared to answer those classified ads in the newspaper or
online. Even if you are just exploring the possibility of changing
careers, this is a good exercise to see how marketable you are (how much
money you can make), develop your interviewing skills, and to learn about
what's out there beyond the walls of your office cubicle!
Go back to what you used to do--and love
Sounds crazy right? How many times have you heard someone say, "I used to
work doing such and such. It didn't pay that well, but I loved it." It is
not uncommon to leave what we love because it doesn't pay the bills. Money
seems like everything these days. But, when we're unhappy, we know it's
really not. We need to find a compromise--something we enjoy doing that
will make us want to get up every morning so we can live that old adage
that claims you'll never work a day in your life if you work at doing what
you love.
By Ann Baehr
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Writers
Profile
Ann Baehr is a CPRW and President of
Best Resumes of New York. Notable credentials include her former role as
Second Vice President of NRWA and contribution to 25+ resume and cover
letter sample books. To learn more visit
http://www.e-bestresumes.com
or see view resume samples, visit
http://www.e-bestresumes.com/resume_samples.htm
resumesbest@earthlink.net
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