Career Change Is Not For Wimps!
by Ann Ronan

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 they 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 brand 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.
   
   
3. Honor the ambiguity. When you change careers you're giving up an old identity and moving into a new one -one that you haven't defined yet! For awhile you'll have little direction and needs lots of faith. Talk to people who are doing work that looks interesting to you. Know that your next career move will likely seem to come "out of the blue" or from a chance encounter. You can test out your new identities slowly. Volunteering, working part-time or job shadowing someone else are some ways to put your toe in the water.
   
   
4. Go after it! Once you've identified an area that excites you, put together a job search campaign (or a business plan if you decide on self-employment). 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!

About the Author: Ann Ronan