August 19,
2005
Embarking On A New Path
Changing Careers
What we do for a living can be intimately intertwined with who
we are. Often, people expect to grow and thrive in one career over a period of
decades. For others, however, that expectation is unrealistic. As they
themselves change, they become dissatisfied with the profession that once
brought them joy. This is not unusual in modern times, where more and more
people are changing careers not just once, but many times over the course of
their lives. Because your career is a part of who you are, switching to another
can be a long and involved process that requires courage and determination. The
challenges, which can include stepping into unfamiliar territory, going back to
school, or learning to live on less income, are very real, but the rewards can
trump them. Changing careers, if done thoughtfully, can be one of the most
richly satisfying and exciting experiences of your life.
If for years your soul has been telling you that you would make a skilled
lawyer, a talented sculptor, or a brilliant electrical engineer, it's worth
investigating the possibilities. Or, you may be desirous of a more soulful and
fulfilling career but haven't figured out what it is yet. In either case,
explore. If you have identified a passion, research it. Talk to people in that
field and find out how they got there. Ask about the ups and the downs. If
you're unsure of a career path you might like to pursue, look toward your
passions, abilities, hobbies, and values. Determine what your ideal work hours,
income, commute time, and working situation would be. If you love the idea of
flexible hours or working from home, decide whether you would be willing to earn
less as a trade off. Look for careers that offer the type of work environment
and benefits you are looking for. Creating a new future takes time and effort,
and a willingness to delve deep into the positives and nega! tives of a variety
of careers.
Focus on your strengths, rather than skills you may be lacking. Seeking skill
training or the help of a career counselor can be helpful. It's normal to be
nervous when seeking out a new career, particularly if you are established in
your current profession. But the payoff can be true satisfaction in finding work
that you can love, and, it's never too late for change.
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