You spent years climbing the management ladder at your office, only to realize your ultimate goal in life is to open a gourmet doughnut shop. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. As you’re probably heard a million times before: life is what happens when you’re busy making plans.
So now the question is, how do you change careers? Can you throw away years of hard work to start a new path? Will you be able to support yourself while you’re starting over? My answer to you: yes, you can. Making a career change might be scary, but it doesn’t have to be hard. With some careful planning, you can get a lot of the early legwork done while you wrap up your current career, so the transition will be smooth and the bills will be paid. Here are some tips to help you get started.
5 Steps to Changing Careers
Take Classes
So you have three degrees in computer engineering, but what you really want to do is graphic design? Not a problem. First, figure out exactly how much experience you have in your new field. Do you already know it inside out, or do you need additional training? Decide what you knowledge need – maybe it’s fundamental theories of graphic design or how to use InDesign and Photoshop. Then, sign up for classes at your local community college. You can also look for certifications or Associate’s Degrees in your new field, which can be a fairly quick and cost-effective alternative to getting a Bachelor’s degree.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to get experience in your new field, as well as network for future job opportunities. Plus, volunteering can usually be done at night or on the weekends, which means you can continue your current job until you feel ready to make a move.
Do Freelance Work
Don’t wait for your dream job to come knocking. Log some freelance hours in your new field. Post your services on Craig’s list, offer to design a friend’s wedding invitations, or be the photographer at your Grandpa’s retirement party. Like volunteering, freelance work (whether it’s paid or unpaid) will help build your resume, generate referrals, and give you the business contacts you’ll need down the road.
Plan a (Financial) Exit Strategy
Ok, so your current job makes you want to stick a fork in your own eye just so you don’t have to go into the office. I hear you. But before you throw up your hands and walk out those doors, make sure you have a financial exit plan in place. Instead of quitting tomorrow, figure out how much money you’ll need to get by for a few months, and get that money stashed away in your savings account. Having a cash cushion will help you in the first few months of your new career, and ensure you don’t get sidetracked by financial woes.
Be Flexible
In order to start down a new career path, you might have to take an entry-level position or intern. If that’s the case, have a flexible back-up plan that will allow you to make ends meet while you work your way up the ladder. Ask yourself this: how did you support yourself in the past? Did you wait tables? Work security? Deliver uniforms? You probably already have a skill set in place that could land you a lucrative second job. And if doing so allows you to pursue your passion, serving a few bowls of ice cream or changing flat tires will be well worth it in the long run.
