When is it Right to Change Your Career Part 1

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the average American changes careers three times during the course of his/her professional life. Some people change careers because they want to rediscover their purpose in life. Others simply want to earn more money. But, in light of the economic recession, a growing number of people want to transfer to a more stable industry to protect their employment.

Whatever the reason, changing your career is a decision that cannot be rushed. If you do change your career, it must be well planned and calculated.

So how do you know when it’s right? Consider the following:

1) Identify your “career change objective” – It’s important that you identify what you want to do in the industry you are shifting to. Do you have transferrable skills that you can carry over from your existing job? Do you have to take further studies in order to learn new skills required by the new job?

If you are employed and you don’t have skills to bring with you as you change careers, it’s recommended that you do not quit just to go to school. Instead, it’s wiser to take accredited online degree programs which allow you to study at your own pace, schedule and venue. In doing so, you get to learn the skills you need to possibly change your career while maintaining your income.

2) Listen to sound career change advice – If you think you need some career counseling, invest on a good adviser. Career counselors help identify strengths and weaknesses that you could have overlooked. Who knows, you may be fit for a job you never thought of pursuing.

3) Work your network – If you want to change your career, make sure that there is an opening to transfer to. The best place to find a job is in the hidden market that you can access through your network. And don’t just rely on your closest affiliates, friends or relatives; get in touch with casual acquaintances as well. According to a study by Stanford professor Mark Granovetter, casual contacts often provide more varied and better paying opportunities.

Read up on more career change advice here: When is it Right to Change Your Career Part 2

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