Articles : Going Through a Career Transition

By Karen Shane, CPRW

Let's be honest here. It's not that easy to change careers. As the years pass, we may regret that we didn't follow another career path. There are times when certain industries, such as manufacturing, fade away to a certain extent. Take for example the automotive industry, it diminished and now is trying to make a comeback. You may have worked in the automotive industry years back, but the responsibilities you would have performed 10 years ago as a manager for example, have likely changed.

Factors impact or impede in our work environment that we sometimes cannot control. There is competition out there but don't fear it too much to the extent that you're scared. Try to take evening or weekend courses to become equipped in skills you may lack in order to keep up with advancing technology and the business world. Or, do what you do best, if it works for you, then stay in the same career if you are fearful of change or feel there's too much 'riding' on a career move.

On the other hand, what happens when we're stuck in a full time job for 15 years and are bored? Perhaps, it's time to consider changing careers. Advancements in technology, computers, new products and other scientific breakthroughs each play a part in changing our work environment. Here are a few items of interest to consider:

• Fifty years ago "Going Green” wasn't too popular. But now, things have progressed so much that there are actually an abundance of career opportunities. 
• Could you turn a hobby into a lucrative business today if you registered to become officially self-employed? It may be possible. Become unique in a skill and you will become in demand. 
• In making your decision for a career change, you must first think of the outside factors including members of your family who depend upon you for income support. If you're single or married without kids, you may have some extra time and money to spend on yourself. 
• Think about the skills you already have and then consider the advances that may have occurred in the industry you are interested in. Can you meet those demands now that you're 15 years older? Will you have to sacrifice a loss of income this year if you change jobs? Be aware that friends and family members may discourage you from taking the plunge. 
• It will take some deep soul searching to explore new ways to earn a decent living of the same income or more... or, if you're in need of a quick career change due to unanticipated factors, then perhaps a temporary job will suffice for the time being. This will at least give you the time to explore avenues for the long term. It isn't always easy. But then again, it's not impossible.

Ten Suggestions to Help You Make Your Decision...to change or not to change:

1. When we take risks, it's been statistically proven that we succeed 97% of the time.
2. The decision requires a few hours of self-examination and discussion of your thoughts with a professional. Sure you can talk things over with your spouse or a family member or friend. But try to get an impartial professional opinion before taking this life changing step.
3. You may be correct to think that much is riding on your decision and it may take many months for you to reach the conclusion that, yes, it is time for a change.
4. Change is always good if you take each step carefully. You could return to a former job that you thoroughly enjoyed.
5.  Or, you could enrol in an interest course or continuing education course for one or two nights a week and learn a trade. Then for sure you'll have a good chance at a job for life if you are good at what you do. 
6. You may not realize how many transferable skills you already have. A Certified Professional Resume Writer or a Certified Job Coach can help you discover your transferable skills that would be useful for your next employment post. 
7. With confidence you can do anything. It may take some practice to sell yourself in an interview for a new career. But it is possible. Try to role-play with a friend or family member. However, with the proper professional you will learn how to ace the interview. It's a great time to pay a few dollars and get this information under your belt. Looking for a job should be an investment in 'you'.
8. Still hesitant to make a career transition? Sometimes it works out, other times it doesn't. But each time we change careers whether it's by choice or by workplace influential factors, or because there is job sharing, then it becomes a challenge.
9. Get the essential skills, find out about the industry you're interested in and determine if there's a real future in it for many years to come. Think about demographics and the aging population in Canada. Where will the jobs be found in the next 10 years? The most popular jobs for the future are in: healthcare, the financial sector, recreational activities and caring for Seniors, property management, real estate, administration, the food, beverage and entertainment industries and the legal field, to name a few. Ever thought of becoming a skilled tradesperson? Why not? If you're in good physical fitness this could be a new direction for you to work continuously and even become a 'specialist' or expert in a new venture.
10. If you don't take the leap then you may regret it later on in life. You could be stuck for the rest of your life doing what you do now with routine responsibilities and the same intellectual thinking. You may have settled already and think it's not worth it to change if you're 40 something - but you may wish to reconsider your decision. Many have already had about 7 different jobs by the age of 48, for example. So the question once again is: Should you stay in the same job or change, and when should you change? This has to be your decision as no one should tell you what to do. Take the time to figure it out and remember that there are career counsellor professionals available to help and provide the proper guidance.

Karen Shane is a Canadian Career Practitioner and Certified Professional Resume Writer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She works by phone and email and cares about each client. Since 1994 she has been helping clients realize their full potential by crafting resumes and cover letters. She will take an hour to discuss avenues that you could consider for a future career. She will help you identify a niche, if you take the time to book a 45-minute or one-hour appointment. There is a professional fee for each service provided. Visit Karen's website: www.karenshane.ca and you may email her at shaneresumes@gmail.com. The company name is: Business Writing & Resumes in Toronto, Ontario beside the Finch Subway station.