For a lot of people, finding a new career is a daunting task. The pursuit of a healthy work/life balance seems like an impossible goal. Approximately one-third of your life is likely to be spent at work. That is why it is important that you do something that you truly love.
If you’re scoffing right now, I hear you. Finding a fulfilling career is not without its challenges, but it is also far from impossible. There are people changing their careers on a regular basis. I went from casino events to nonprofit fundraising. It is never too late to start looking for your dream job. Then work doesn’t really have to feel like work.
It’s one thing to dream about switching jobs but another to start acting on it. From one career switching guru to the next, here are some actional steps you can take to finding your dream career.
Map out who you are and what you want
Many of us work unfulfilling careers not because we are incapable of doing anything else, but because we don’t really know ourselves or what will make us happy. So, the first step to finding a fulfilling career at any age is introspection.
Think about the kind of person you are, the kind of things you love doing, and what makes you happiest, then think about the kinds of jobs that would allow you to do and feel those things more often. I suggest you do a brain dump. Take 10 minutes and write down everything you know about yourself. From there see if you can map qualities or interests related to a career choice to start looking into.
Research the role
Researching the role you’re after will help you find the qualifications that you need. For example, looking to see if there are certain educational qualifications you need to have under your belt is a good place to start. If you look up getting into occupational therapy, you may visit this college website and see what education you need for the role. Spend some time looking up current job openings and their job descriptions. This will tell you what tasks are expected and any qualifications you might have to work towards. The more you know, the easier it will be to get what you want in the end.
Get Certified
When trying to find a new career, know what you need. Not all careers require certifications. However, if your chosen one is looking for skills in specific areas, it doesn’t hurt to brush up your knowledge. Google offers a ton of online certifications. These programs are designed for anyone looking to get started in a new career field. Google Skillshop helps you develop skills you can apply right away, with e-learning courses designed by Google product experts. Learn at your own pace and get Google product certified. LinkedIn learning also offers certification prep and continuing education. Sometimes, for example, if you’re switching from accounting to nursing, you will need to go back to school and do a whole new degree. Other times you can leverage the skills you already have to get into the career you want.
Make more time
If you want to run after a more fulfilling career, you need to work on doing so, whether that means researching the role, getting more qualifications, or attending more industry-specific events, which means something has to give. Chances are you can’t just give up your day job right now, but maybe you could ditch that weekly happy hour or be more productive during your child’s soccer practice. Sacrifice is sometimes vital in the short term if you want to lead a more fulfilling life in the long term. Be sure to dedicate the appropriate amount of time.
Start networking
Networking is a really important part of finding a new career to dive into. Attending conferences, trade events, talks and whatever else is available, will help you to meet people who are we already knowledgeable in, and working in those roles. If you get to know them well and they like you, you can mention that you’re looking to get into X career at some point. They may be able to put a word in for you with their employers or alert you to upcoming vacancies before they are made public knowledge so you can swoop in and be better prepared to apply for the role. Often, in the world of work, it is who you know, not what you know that matters the most, so whatever else you do, get out there and network.
Believe in yourself
If you believe you can meet your goals, you’re more likely to stick with your efforts, do your best, and eventually get to where you want.
Finding a more fulfilling career is possible at any age, but it won’t always be easy and you will have to really want if you are to succeed. I hope you do really want it and that you go out there and make it happen. I wish you luck!
