|
Switching careers after losing a job
I recently facilitated 60 people through career transition after their employer announced it was closing. When a plant closes, particularly in a rural area in a part of the country typically considered economically depressed, it would be natural to assume that those losing their jobs would be bitter and angry. After meeting these people, I am amazed and inspired by their resilience, outlook, and their generally positive attitude.
Industry information indicates the average person will change careers at least 3 times (note careers here, not jobs). For me, that looks something like communication/PR, to education, to HR/Training and Development. What’s encouraging here is that those thoughts you’re having about changing your career, your professional focus, or even your employer, are just fine.
If you’re thinking about changing careers, start with understanding what is driving this thinking. List what’s important to you in a job. Include things such as compensation and benefits, style of working, manager styles, company culture, job expectations, and everything else you determine is important to your values and lifestyle. Also consider what you like about what you’ve been doing, as well as what you yearn to do that you’re not doing. All of this will start to create a picture of what you should be looking at for your next career.
Work with a coach or a trusted friend to help you plan your strategy on defining your next career, as well as your career strategy. You may also have to work with a financial advisor and a career counselor to identify additional educational requirements. It may not be easy to make the shift, but it will be worth it.
Sharon DeLay is a certified career coach with the goal of helping people find jobs they love and love the jobs they have. Visit www.permanent-ink.com or e-mail Sharon@permanent-ink.com for more information or to subscribe to her twice weekly blog or twice monthly ezine. (c) 2008 Permanent Ink Professional Development Services
|