Hi Guys. We haven’t done a ‘Your Turn to Teach’ for a while, so today is the day. If you’re not sure how it works, it’s the day when I choose a topic, ask a few questions and then get out of the way while you subscribers and readers share some wisdom, insight and life-lessons with each other. It’s your turn to walk up the front of the class and download a little of your philosophy to the rest of the gang.
It’s also the day when I give away some free stuff (shirts, CDs, DVDs, books) to some of you commentors (anywhere in the world). Feel free to answer some, none or all of the following questions. Or, simply add your own thoughts and ideas.
1. How do I know when it’s time to consider a career change (what are the indicators)?
2. What if I hate what I do but I don’t have the financial freedom to explore other options?
3. What’s the most intelligent way to transition from one career to another?
4. How do I discover what I’m ‘meant’ to be doing (if that’s even possible)?
5. How do I know when my ‘relationship’ with my current job is unhealthy (even if I love it)?
6. How old is too old to study or change careers?
7. Where and how do I start this change process (step one)?
I look forward to hearing from you - even you “I don’t comment, I just read” folk!
P.S. You may have a question of your own (relating to your situation). Feel free to ask it. Someone will have an answer for you. If not, I’ll give it a crack. 
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Q3. One secret to making a successful career change is to identify the steps required to make it work for you. You can achieve this by making a list of what you want to achieve and then setting realistic goals to ensure they’re specific, measurable and attainable.
My suggestion would be to find a mentor who can help you when things get rough. Your mentor may also be able to help you by taking advantage of his or her network.
What a timely and relevant topic for me. I’ve been doing the same thing for 20 years and would love to do something different for the next 20. But what? I really envy those people who find their passion, I reckon once you have that the rest is easy. How do you find that passion?
I’m really looking forward to the answers to these questions.
When it comes to older people looking for jobs, remember that managers today are looking for results, not years. Instead of talking about your years of experience, highlight the benefits to your potential employer in monetary terms.
Re Q4: Listen to & value your instincts.
Dear Craig.
My favourite topic. As a career counsellor I always recommend that you don’t make career changes based solely on salary. Some careers may seem attractive because of the increase in salary. Keep telling yourself that money won’t buy you happiness. You may end up making more money and hating your new career, leaving you back where you started.
Valerie
Q1. My indicator was that I was no longer coming back from leave feeling recharged, and little things that normally don’t get under my skin did.
Q2. I made a choice to stay in full time work rather than do a uni degree, so searched and found shorter term courses that I could plan my financial, social and working life around that will still give me that step in the right direction to where I want to go.
Q5. I knew it was unhealthy as the work was emotionally draining instead of enjoyable and I knew I was only staying because I loved the people I worked with and was holding on to that secure and safe feeling of both the work group and knowing that I ‘knew my stuff’.
Q6. It’s not about your age, it’s about your own decision to choose that you are or are not old enough
Q7. For me the first step was accepting that my heart was telling me it was time for a new challenge and having the courage to admit it out loud.
It was hard, scary and (yes Craig dare I say it) even uncomfortable. But I am now booked to go off studying in October for something to take me in the direction of my new career and I am in my second week of a new job that is not my dream career but is yet another step in the right direction that is offering me knew challenges and a whole lot of time NOT in my comfort zone
Hi Craig,
Hmmm. Tough questions. I suppose the impetus for a career change can be either positive or negative. When we leave our current career it is usually to either pursue another occupation that we love or to escape something we hate. Sadly, I think the second one is the most common.
Sometimes I think we confuse a career with a job. We may hate being a nurse at our particular hospital but grow to love nursing again if we transferred somewhere else. It’s probably wise to explore all our options before we make a drastic move.
I don’t think that there is only one thing that we are ‘meant’ to do. Nowadays it’s normal to have at least two or three career changes in a lifetime. Also, just because you are good at something doesn’t necessarily mean that you should make a career of it. Alternatively, if you can choose something that brings you joy, it won’t seem like ‘work’ at all.
One of the most desirable scenarios for making the transition is to perhaps practise your new career as a hobby first – studying or even working for free while you develop your skills and build up a portfolio. If you love your ‘hobby’ then even if it never pays off financially, you have enjoyed the process and learnt something new.
At the end of the day, however, a career is just one part of life. As they say: ‘Work to live, don’t live to work’.
Christina xxx
Hi Craig.
Another great post Craig! It’s never to late to change careers. Would you rather spend the next 30 years being in a job that you hate? I have always tried to gain experience in any new career on a part-time, freelance or charity basis before I jump in head first.
Cheers Jodi
[…] Your Turn to Teach: A New Career […]
I really enjoy the “Your Turn to Teach” blogs.
Take the time to examine the activities that you like and dislike. Focus more on your likes. Then focus on new careers that centre around your likes.
Alison T
I am 48 and in a career shift. The indicator was I was bored at my current job. The motivator to leave was listening to the Universe and wise people, such as Craig, Echkart Tolle and the entire Oprah Soul Series cast. The best way to transition for me – I keep telling everyone – it becomes an affirmation. Then, I keep my job while working nights at my new career idea, so I am getting my yoga teaching cert this summer. All the while, I have paused for moments of reflection. I am treating this like it’s a path – only one step at a time – not a leap of faith kinda girl am I – so my advice is when you become still enough to listen to your heart you will know exactly what to do, and where to go to seek help with your goal
I just made the decision to change my career and becoming a business coach, something that is on my mind for years and now it’s the time. Strange, that you just come up with this topic today, when I signed in for the training. I take it as a good sign!
When it’s not fun anymore and you dont enjoy the day to day of what you do. Take a long weekend and go on a vision quest. Do a SWOT analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats. Focus on your strengths and where you can use them next. Make a list of what careers interest you most and go meet with those type of people who do what you are interested in.
1. How do I know when it’s time to consider a career change (what are the indicators)? Not fun anymore, industry is being phased out.
2. What if I hate what I do but I don’t have the financial freedom to explore other options? Short term-remind yourself it is a pay check to allow you to do what you want in you off time.
3. What’s the most intelligent way to transition from one career to another? Build relationships with people where you want to go.
4. How do I discover what I’m ‘meant’ to be doing (if that’s even possible)? vision quest, list out all the types of jobs you are interested in and do a SWOT analysis-see above.
5. How do I know when my ‘relationship’ with my current job is unhealthy (even if I love it)? Are you still growing and advancing.
6. How old is too old to study or change careers? Never to old to change, stay up to date with techonolgy so you are ready.
7. Where and how do I start this change process (step one)? Know you want to change and committ to studying the process.
Q4 does anyone have any advice on question four, I’ve had a lot of trouble trying to figure out what I should do career wise, I injured my back at work and can’t go back to that, due the permanent back damage ;(
Hi Evereybody,
I am usually one of those “I don’t commment, I just read folks” but today that all changes. About a month ago I got really sick and tired of thinking that my fate was to work as an office assistant the rest of my life. I have tried going to college twice at this point and had three majors in the process but because I never picked anything I was passionate about I just never fully committed myself. What I did was talk to people about it and I mean everybody. Just slip it into conversations with people..friends, family, even your hairdresser (they always know a diverse group of people). Well it turned out my friend’s mom happened to be going through the same thing at 40 (I’m 20 btw) and she had just started taking a class at the local community college called New Choices. It’s a state funded program (FREE!) that helps people changing careers or transitioning back to the workplace. I signed up for the night class and ended up being the only person to show up. I now have a personal career coach (thanks PA Dept. of Labor and Industry) to help guide me through the process of finding my career path! I work a full-time day job and have a part-time job at night and still manage to make the classes (twice a week for just over a month). So no excuses this is your life, make the effort! Put the word out there and check out programs funded by the government if you don’t have the funds!
1. I’ve heard if you don’t leap out of bed excited to go to work that it’s time to change jobs….
)
2. You might be surprised at what scholarships that may be available especially as a non-traditional student (over 22, I think). Also, job centers could point you in the right direction for more specific job-oriented training
4. Lemme know if you find out this one. I’ve read that if you journal for about 20 minutes or so, constantly trying to find what it is you should be doing (very much paraphrased from whatever web site I read this from), that you will inevitably hit upon something that makes you cry or invokes some sort of strong emotion. (For me, that’s always rock vocalist, but my singing is crap….
5. Too much overtime, not enough me time or family time, etc.
6. I would say you’re never too old. One lady (I believe she was 93) recently graduated with her Masters degree! (Kudos btw!) However, each person and their circumstances will determine that.
7. I agree with the finding a mentor comment above. Now… where do you look for that? Job center, university career center, friends and family who may be involved in the job you’d like to change to or employment in general, library…. the people there may have some good ideas too!
Q1. When you are starting to feel smothered and unhappy, not enjoying what you are doing.
Q2. Funny, husband there. We are trying very hard to look at it from more of a positive perspective. Although difficult. Have been there in the past and hard when switch over. To find you end up with the same results except in different space.
Q4. This is where I am personally. Discovering. When I truly feel pasionate about what I am doing and it does not feel like work then I know I have found something that I was mean’t to do.
Q6. I believe there is no such thing of when you are too old. Unless of course you have passed away. When you are still alive nothing is impossiable when we believe.
Q7. Where it starts with in ourself. Listing things which are your best to least strenghs. Believing in one self. Have also read many articles on self awareness. What I believed about myself and where I wanted to be one year from today.
Right now I am in the process of doing just that – changing career directions. Signs it was time …. crying on the way to work; extremely tired; avoiding particular tasks; poor work standard were just some. managing the financial side is a little trickier – reduced to part time for now as I pick up other work / shifts. When there are more clients / reliable shifts I will take leave without pay for 12 months – security from the option of returning to the original job, while time to explore the new and see if it fits.
Online courses can be an option to explore your own desires. There are some free ones out there!!! Volunteer work, community work can also provide experience in a new area.
sometimes though you JUST HAVE TO DO IT!
You know it is time to consider a career change when you are bored and it no longer, does it for you (or cry every day).
For me I have hated what I do and didnt/dont have the financial freedom to explore what I wanted but there was no way I was spending 70% of my life living in hell – So I looked into the cheapest way to make some difference.
For me I sold my car, didnt go out to dinner (downgraded)– did the RPM course as it was the cheapest course avail, got a job (of a night) in the industry so I would tax deduct all the other expenses I am going to have along the way … , – So in essence I pay ½ price to slowly get into what I want, it also enbales me to stay fit and not have to pay for this anymore.
In the interim I did my best in my ‘horrible’ job (for 4 years) and asked someone for direction. I then took on extra data anlaysis for free as I realised i loved accessing situations and did this for the same rate of pay – finally about a month ago Knowledge Management needed help on a project and I happened to be in the best position to do this – Although I’m not in the perfect role now (mind you I am really happy) it’s a far cry from working in a really bitchy, environment doing tedious boring work. Now my life is just that little bit closer to what I want – So being able to teach 4 x RPM a week part time and work as part of a great team analyzing businesses – works for now!
SO for me its was find a way as there is no way I was going to continue to live in hell I have one life. and I know I need to make more decisions and changes…but considering the practicilalites of life I am trying to do this.
I think the best way to transition is gradually – As humans this is how we tend to change I mean obviously you hear of massive shifts and overnight sensations but in my experience this has just been loads of hard work coming together…
I definantely believe we all have a calling and I think the best way to find this is to listen to your heart… What do you love to do? What are you naturally good at? What is your personality…We are all cut out for something – I mean whydoes RPM, data and talking turn me on when it is someone elses nightmare.. and yet they love boxing, black and white thinking and would so prefer to listen… when to me that is also suicidal..
I often see however that many people dont really know how to put the dots together ie someone who loves people would be insane to want to by a physicologist (as they would be almost by themselves all day listening to problems) but would probably be better suited to hairdressing however many people make this mistake. There is a great test that you can do online which assists to ‘show’ you your natural make up and psych. It is the Myers Briggs test… (if you are intereted).
How do you know if your currnet job is unhealthy… You know your current job/realionship is not healthy when you are obsessed or not fulfilled.. similar to our bodies – we feel it… just like old age…. we just know things are different.. I think there needs to be some acceptance around this and being realistic many would say it is never too old to study or change careers and well I think we need to keep this in perspective ie if you wanted to be CLEO’s bachelor of the years you might have wanted to start that say some 20 yrs ago !
Like anything to start this you need to make a decision – What do you want – then go get it
Hi All
After 10 years of driving a truck I decided it was time for a change. I was 27.
I was bored and knew it was time to get out when I couldn’t see the point of loading all the freight on a truck to just go out and take it all off again.
I searched through careers in the paper looking for something that I could learn/do, and when I got bored later I could stay in the same industry and try something new.
I chose IT(Know nothing about it at the time), did one subject to start with to see if I liked it, then was lucky to be in a position to study full time so I did that for 2 years. (That was interesting, hadn’t studied since school hahhahah school, study ahhahah, and was doing something I knew nothing about)
10 years later and I’m at it again, work was unrewarding and some of the people were very negative and spoke a different language to me (I don’t believe everyone is an idiot!!). This time however I went through a different process.
I sat down and worked out what I like doing and what I’m passionate about. I also included the things I enjoy with my hobbies and what skills I have acquired there. (I used to separate work and hobbies. Exciting lesson for me)
I am now studying online, I have left a full time job and gone contracting (I took me 6 months and was difficult at times to stay where I was). I am not one of these people that knows exactly what the end result looks like (So I stopped trying) but I am determined to continue to follow what I’m passionate about.
So for me I have done it 2 different ways
Cheers
Hmm… good questions Craig!
I think people glamorise the big career change – the snap decision. We praise their courage and often laud “oh, wow, good on you for just doing it”. I think in doing that, we’ve made that snap decision career change sexy…
In reality though, often it isn’t sexy. I agree with some of the other people that have commented in that it’s often more practical and realistic to make the career change a gradual change. Sometimes knowing you’re actively in the process of moving out of a horrid job can make it that more bareable until you do make the clean break. As a wise person once said to me, knowing or believing you have options = good mental health. Ipso facto, knowing that you’re able to move from dreaded job suddenly removes that feeling of hopelessness where you feel you’re locked in to something.
The most important step in this process – it’s the first one. Realising that you’re not happy and that there are other options out there. From there you just have to work out where you want to go, and how you’re going to get there! Often that journey will be one hell of a ride!
Good luck to anyone making the change – it does make you uncomfortable, but that journey is probably more comfortable than if you stay in the dreaded job for the rest of your life.
Q1 I’m in this position at the moment. There are several indicators that tell me it is time for a change:
- getting that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach on a Sunday because Monday is on the horizon
- not wanting to get out of bed in the mornings
- I’ve been doing the same thing for 12 years and it no longer challengers me (boredom)
- my core values and those of the company I work for don’t gel together comforably. It is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole
- I get distracted easily/start daydreaming
- there’s no potential to progress into something that will challenge me
- i find myself graviaing towards other people who feel negatively towards their own jobs (comfort in numbers??)
Q2 I’m in that position right now. I just tell myself that the current job is merely a stepping stone to bigger and better things. It is paying the bills and keeping a roof over my head while I train for something that I DO want to do and have a pssion for.
Q3 Once you have made the decision to change and know which direction you feel you’d like to go, start by researching and seeing what you need to do to get to where you want to be (training courses etc). Start networking too. Find people who are already doing what you’d like to do and see what advice they have to offer. I’m doing this right now – I’m sudying reflexology. I’ve been seeing a reflexologist who just happens to have passed the course I’m currently doing. She has been giving me tips and answering questions. She has said I can use her as a guinea pig (practice my technique). She has also said I can go in with her while I gain some experience and get ready to strike out on my own.
Q4 I’d say go with your gut instinct. If there’s something that you have a passion for or feel good talking to people about then go for it. If it turns out not to be what you expected, you won’t have lost anything.
Q5 When it starts to overtake other areas of your life. You don’t see your family or friends as often as you’d like. You stop doing things that you love to do because you’re at work most of the time.
Q6 It is up to the individual to decide for themselves but for me, there’s no such thing as an upper age limit. We’re learning and growing all the time as we travel through life
Q7 Step one is acknowledging that you want/need to change this area of your life and making the decision to do something about it.
This is somewhat close to home at the moment (hence the decision to send in a comment) and I have just taken the first steps to make a change, I am feeling positive about a successful outcome and my thought process has been:
1. How do I know when it’s time to consider a career change (what are the indicators)?
A strong feeling that there is something else out there for me to achieve bigger & better things. The thirll of achievement isn’t quite what it used to be and you don’t have the same level of satisifcation when you succeed at your job.
2. What if I hate what I do but I don’t have the financial freedom to explore other options?
Find other ways to generate an income, do some research and get educated, sometimes the key is spending money to make money.
Write down the outcomes you want, if you don’t know your goal what’s the
point?
3. What’s the most intelligent way to transition from one career to another?
in my case, I have decided I have the ability to choose to get educated in my “new career” part-time whilst I still work in my current job as I don’t hate what I am doing I just need a change. Eventually the plan is to be able to work 3-6 months of the year if necessary
4. How do I discover what I’m ‘meant’ to be doing (if that’s even possible)?
By trying new things and taking risk (managed risk). Worst case is that you discover you don’t really like the idea of doing something as a fulltime job & that is really a positive outcome because it’s good to know what you don’t want to do as well as what you want to do.
5. How do I know when my ‘relationship’ with my current job is unhealthy (even if I love it)?
Tolerance levels of people\management drop
Feeling drained turning up to work
A general lack of interest and no enjoyment in the work
6. How old is too old to study or change careers?
Never too old, I read an article in the age not that long ago of some guy in his 90′s who just graduated. Now that’s a lifelong student. awesome.
7. Where and how do I start this change process (step one)?
I am currently doing this myself and I have put in the research and am working on the outcomes I want and getting educated. I have started by getting myself a mentor, involving myself in a group of people who are currently involved in the area I am trying to break into. I am sure once I attend the course I’m booked in for I am going to meet people with a similar mindset and will be surrounding myself with people trying to achieve the same outcome.
Have a great day.
Dear Craig and CJ:
Firstly (that’s a good British-ism. We lazy Colonists in America just say ‘first’) let me say that I enjoy Craig and I love CJ. I’m impressed with the thesaurus-like approach that Craig uses, it leaves nothing to chance while (whilst ?) CJ’s metaphors and comparisons leave me giggling. Fun stuff, both of you.
As for your seven posers, Craig, they all percolate down to personal choice of happiness, Joseph Campbell would say “follow you bliss”. While Lao Tzu suggested, posited, recommended, preached, said, taught (how’s that Craig?) “just let go, be.”. This is especially true regarding partners.
Arranged marriages of yesteryear seemed to work out pretty well as a study of divorce rates will show. Why? Because you can learn to love someone, which is to be preferred to ‘falling in love’. Falling usually hurts.It’s the same with the world of work;
there is always something interesting or rewarding that can be developed. As Bing Crosby sang, “You’ve got to ac-cent-uate the positive, E-lim-in-ate the negative. Latch on to the affirmative. Don’t mess with Mr In-between.”
I’m as old as Superman; we both entered this plane of pain and joy in ought 38 last and on this trip, I’ve had more jobs, careers, pursuits than Berlitz has languages. In college, I changed my major frequently enough to have taken every course offered I think. And still, seven decades on, I’m as happy as if I had good sense.
As for you two, just keep on keeping on.
Gary, Portland, Oregon, US of A
Great topic Craig. I am in a slightly unusual position in that I made a big career change in my mid 20′s but when I was ready to change again 10 years later I chose not to.
1. How do I know when it’s time to consider a career change (what are the indicators)?
For me this includes dreading work, taking sick days unnecessarily, knowing you are not doing the job with passion.
2. What if I hate what I do but I don’t have the financial freedom to explore other options?
Start investigating by talking to people, reading about your options etc. Be clear and focused and explore all avenues into your chosen field. This may include part time work or study, volunteer work, downsizing to give yourself more freedom, etc. Short term pain to allow you to follow your dream is surely a worthwhile sacrifice?
3. What’s the most intelligent way to transition from one career to another?
I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to transition. For me it was almost accidental. For 2 years I had been trying to find a way to change careers without financial burden and I got offered a temp job in London that was exactly what I was looking for without knowing it!
4. How do I discover what I’m ‘meant’ to be doing (if that’s even possible)?
Some people have a passion that translates into a career. For me it was more about research. I know what I am ‘meant’ to be doing now (not my first or current career choices!) but I have chosen to not explore that option at the expense of the lifestyle I currently enjoy. I have chosen to use my ‘job’ to allow me to indulge in my other passions instead.
5. How do I know when my ‘relationship’ with my current job is unhealthy (even if I love it)?
I loved parts of my first job. But I knew it was bad for me. I was unable to be emotionally detached enough. I am not sure how I knew… I guess being unable to disconnect from work at the end of the day? Starting to dread major parts of my job? I just knew.
6. How old is too old to study or change careers?
No age is too old. By the time I get to retirement age it will probably be 70 (is it already?) so at 40 I still have more than half of my working years ahead of me.
7. Where and how do I start this change process (step one)?
Decide what the change is that you want to make and how much you need and/or are willing to sacrifice to get there. Then just do it.
Firsly… I love questions like this. I have recently gone through some of the things I am going to talk about, so I might waffle… but here goes! (sorry about the length, lol)
1. How do I know when it’s time to consider a career change (what are the indicators)?
My first sign that I really needed to move on was the moment that I called in sick when I just didn’t want to face the people/work there! The moment I decide that I’d rather be anywhere (including a mightily messy house) than at work, it was my sign to move on.
After the decision was made, you notice all the things that get you down that you shouldn’t put up with. Often with myself, being a young female engineer, it’s snide comments from the older men that normally wash over, but can definitely be looked as harassment when they continue… And when you would rather be reading blogs and planning your dinner than actually doing work!!
2. What if I hate what I do but I don’t have the financial freedom to explore other options?
That’s the thing. What’s wrong with exploring other options without changing jobs? You can still look, arrange interviews after hours, or even take a sick day. I have a house, and a mortgage, and there was no way that I was going to resign without something else confirmed. Most potential employees understand this, and always ask a notice period. Even turning down three other options before taking the job I am about to start, to make sure, that THIS TIME, I found the right job AND the right culture before I moved.
You can always explore options. Why do you have to resign to do it? Go to a recruitment agency, ask them what they can do. Most of the time they will re-write your resume for free, and hunt out options and present them to you. Remember, they get paid when they place you, so they will try their best to help you out!!
3. What’s the most intelligent way to transition from one career to another?
With open eyes I’ve been a few things in my short working life. I’ve been an engineering assistant twice, a project manager once, and I am about to turn into a sales person. I think the most important thing is to “watch and learn”. Even the same job in a different company is different, because the culture and the people are different. You need to adjust your behaviour to your crowd, like I speak differently with my grandmother than I do my mates. Same deal, we do it all the time!
4. How do I discover what I’m ‘meant’ to be doing (if that’s even possible)?
I still haven’t found it! I thought I was pretty close, and then ended up being the one that got stepped on, by someone else who wanted to work their way to the top! All I have learned so far is what I DON’T want to do. And there is nothing wrong with that, either way, it makes me more educated in my searches in future. So what if I have ten jobs in the next five years, what if the eleventh one is what I have been waiting for? Sometimes just “putting up” with something just because it’s stable is not the way to go.
If you are happy to (here we go, I hope you haven’t copyrighted this Craig!) GET UNCOMFORTABLE you might just accidentally find something you love. You won’t know what you are meant to be doing till you find it, right?
5. How do I know when my ‘relationship’ with my current job is unhealthy (even if I love it)?
You would rather be at work than at home. You avoid the people you work with like the plague… unfortunately the people that we work with are as much of a part of our job as the job itself. We have to see these people for 40 hours a week (give or take). And if we just CAN’T seem to get along with someone, that’s going to affect our stress levels.
6. How old is too old to study or change careers?
NEVER. I am going to be the freak that studies my whole life. I came straight from an engineering degree to my MBA, and I intend on continuing, with something completely off-the-charts for an engineer and do an undergraduate degree in social science or something similar. And this is due to LOVING a subject in my MBA that I had never had contact with before in my life. Maybe that’s what I am meant to be doing?
The older you get, in fact that EASIER it is to make a change. At least in theory. You have more experience, and you know how the world works. And most of the time, the social reasons are the ones why you get a job. And the fact that Gen Y’s like me change jobs like we change our pants, and no one wants to hire us
Seriously though, you are never too old to study. Why not go back part time? One subject per semester is do-able with a family, a mortgage and work. Ten hours a week. One day off every six months for an exam (if they have exams). Then it might make the change easier, if the job requires experience. What about night school at tafe? There are so many options for online study now, it makes the whole world SO small!
7. Where and how do I start this change process (step one)?
Decide to change. Nothing happens until a decision is made. I knew I wanted to leave this job, and I was half heartedly having a look around. Not surprisingly, I got NOWHERE.
Then, something happened that changed my resolve. Never mind what it was, but then I knew. I told myself that I was handing my resignation on this date, whether I have a job or not. I made the decision that, for my sanity, my health, and the rest of my life, I couldn’t stay where I was. And I found my job.
And I am handing in my resignation before the date I wanted!
Craig’s said it many times. You have to go into these things with your whole heart. Not just a half arsed decision. That’s not how people create change, it’s how they create stress.
If you are genuinely unhappy with your career… what good is that dong your life? Even though you are stoked to come home, it affects your family, your friends… every conversation you will have is tainted with that unhappiness. And so what if you don’t find what you wanted first shot? Keep looking. We deserve to be happy, we deserve to be doing something that we love.
We’re worth that, right?
Q1: How do I know when it’s time to consider a career change (what are the indicators)?
When you DON’T get out of bed excited about the prospect of another day at the office/factory/classroom/coalface. When you come home grumpy/passive aggressive/controlling because you feel so angry/frustrated/out-of-control with yourself and current situation.
Q2: What if I hate what I do but I don’t have the financial freedom to explore other options?
Start sowing the seeds of change NOW but take your time. Plants don’t grow in a day and farmers take weeks and months to prepare their field.
Q3: What’s the most intelligent way to transition from one career to another?
Gradually and with planning. If you have no skills do some study. If you have no experience do some volunteer work in your field of choice. Research, read, investigate and learn from others who are already doing the work/career. Contemplate and reflect on what’s really important to you in terms of a new career or job. This changes at various times of our lives and while dollars might have been the driver in your 20s, working for a cause or flexible hours might be far more important and valuable in your 40s.
Q4: How do I discover what I’m ‘meant’ to be doing (if that’s even possible)?
We’re always doing what we’re meant to be doing – whether we want to hear that or not. Some of my most hated positions and roles taught me the most valuable things about self and others. I strongly believe there is a particular field or endeavour that each of us is best suited to but I think that for some of us this can only be found through direct experience of what’s not the best.
Q5: How do I know when my ‘relationship’ with my current job is unhealthy (even if I love it)?
When it’s unbalanced (measured against time for leisure, personal interests or hobbies, and with family, friends and intimacy).
Q6: How old is too old to study or change careers?
Never. I repeat, NEVER. Age is a number not a limitation. I did my first degree at 30 after dropping out of school at year 10. I changed careers for the third time four years ago aged 40. There used to be a saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. Rubbish. Old dogs like me learn better because I was a pretty silly young pup most of the time. In fact, the older I get the more and better I learn. Damn it’s exciting.
Q7: Where and how do I start this change process (step one)?
Actually, hasn’t Craig got a course for this…? The truth of the matter is that change starts inside your head.
Q1. Hopefully long before you don’t sleep the night before you go back to work each week and longer even before you drive into the carpark in the morning and have the urge to hit the accelerator and drive straight out the other side.
Q2. think outside the square as to how much money you really need and what is really important to you and your health long term and if you still need to stay work on your game plan so that you can see that there is an end in sight and when the time comes you are ready to go.
Q3. When you start getting niggling pains and unexplained illnesses, when your sleep gets affected or when you get weight gain/loss for no other reason.
Q4,5 You may never know, but you can start by asking others, looking into yourself and working out what you are passionate about, what do you choose to read about and do in your leisure time. I found the book by Barbara Sher an excellent tool for setting of thought processes which helped me find my new career which in hindsight should have been obvious. I changed from managing an accounting firm for 20 years to returning to do a science degree to become a Nutritionist – why did I wait so long? Money and children and committments, once school fees were finished there was no stopping me. You are never too old if its what you want nothing will stand in your way – just be prepared to make sacrifices to get there and do not worry about the knockers it is there own insecurities speaking
Changing a career can be very scary but it also gives you the opportunities to learn and develop as a person.
For almost 20 years I worked in roles which paid the bills but did little else. Job satisfaction was not important enough for me to change. For most of those years I was basically on call 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. I drifted, occasionally doing courses of study to try to change my career path but this didn’t work either because the money I could earn in my reguar job was very stable and I didn’t have the courage to earn less, eventhough a career change would have made me happier and most-likely healthier.
In the end I became ‘Mr Mum’ because my work situation had been a major reason in my health becoming very poor. The 5 years of being a ‘Mr Mum’ have been great for my personal development. I know finances can be a major barrier to enjoying life but this time away from work has provided me with a direction that personal satisfaction has to become a priority. If something is going to change in my world, I have to be the one to change things. No-one else is going to knock on doors and say ‘I know this great guy who wants to change his life’.
In the next few weeks, I am returning to employment in a role that has major potential benefits to me. Financially the new role is not great but the fact that I have an opportunity to have a major input into providing happiness and enjoyment to some elderly members of my community has greater ‘personal’ rewards. There are also study opportunites in the short-medium term which will enhance my capabilities of turning a passion for helping my community into a 15-20 year REWARDING career.
In summary, there will always be barriers when changing employment. Money, time committments, family, or qualifications are all valid barriers. The simple fact is that a barrier can become a small speed hump in life, if a change is really what you want / need. Without exploring what your passions really are, the chance of you having the courage or initiative to follow through are greatly reduced. Be prepared to think or look outside your normal parametres and the excitement of having clarity in a new direction can become one of your greatest assets.
Nanny to professional editor in a hundred easy steps:
I was a nanny with an interest in media so i did a receptionist course, got a job in reception with News Ltd and worked my way up from there to Ad Mgr on a $14M account. Take a chance; be prepared to start at the bottom
Then I was an Ad Mgr with an interest in journalism so took a job at a not for profit mag as Ad Mgr and sat next to the Editor as much as possible. Did lots of voluntary hours learning layouts and writing, went back to school to study professional writing in my spare time (ha! 2 jobs, single parent but I still did it) so when the editor left I was the obvious choice to take over as I was already up to my neck in each months layout. The self-taught editor then moved onto being a professional writer and editor for a private company without a degree in my resume, just some pretty impressive mags. You CAN do it cause I did and Im no einstein. just stubborn. apparently. or so I’ve been told.
Hi everyone – I’m not usually a commenter, but having just had a bit of a quarter-life career crisis
(do I really want to work in the field that all those years of study have led me to???) I wanted to share a very useful resource I found by chance in a second-hand bookshop. It’s aptly entitled “What Should I Do With My Life?”, by Po Bronson, and is a collection of stories/interviews with people who have sought to address this question (Q4), including the various twists, turns, ups, downs, dead-ends and opportunities different people have followed in order to find a fulfilling career. It’s an inspiring read and shows many common threads as each person attempts to answer that big question in their own way. There is no easy answer – but every step of the journey can be an important clue to finding out. If you’re not satisfied in your career or don’t know what you want to do, reading the paths other people have taken might help you out too!
PS Craig – since I’m breaking out of the no-commenting world, I may as well leave a note of thanks while I’m at it! You’re emails are a constant dose of motivation and no-nonsense reality checks. I love your writing style and you’re definitely helping me make positive changes, so thanks
The difference between an amateur and a professional is 10,000 hours!
A question to ask is…Am I doing what I do to please myself, or is it to keep peace with someone else?
Am I a mold of what I wish to be, or do I mold myself to the expectations of others?
In the process of doing and learning about what I do to please myself and becoming better at it, I will be of value to others… but not to be of value.
If I don’t know what to do now, where my heart lies, then I begin anything, and observe the signposts that any obstacles of the journey provide.
The obstacles will be of me, not of others, so I must become that which the obstacles point to what I must become to overcome.
Begin with a destination, follow it back to a beginning, start from there and now forget the destination, for it will most likely will not be ultimately the destination I had originally envisioned.
As succinctly put by Todd Harrison ….
“THE PURPOSE OF THE JOURNEY IS THE JOURNEY ITSELF!”
Make a career of it!
My story – such as it is. I left school when I was 15, (that just what my family did). I went to work in a factory as a junior overlocker and once I had mastered the job I was bored to death by it. The constant repetition, the lack of challenge, I went from job to job and I believe that is a clear indicator that it’s time to find a different career. I eventually moved on to work as a telephonist with Telecom, but same old same old, once I had mastered it, I was bored with it.
My transition from one career to another really came about by the fact that I had had an altercation with a semi trailer (no prizes for guessing who won). I could no longer do what I had been doing and I decided to retrain. I was a single parent, looking after my elderly father, but if you want it bad enough you do it. I did a six month Intensive Office Skills course at TAFE, decided that that was not enough and did a two year Associate Diploma in Business (Office Administration). Upon completion of that course I found work straight away in a legal office, no experience, in my 30s but they took me on.
To answer how you discover what you are meant to be doing, I believe you just feel it, for the first time in my life I found I had a challenge at work, learning about the law and it’s ever changing ways, dealing with clients, courts and counsel, was fast paced, stressful at times and I loved it.
I worked in that firm for six years working my way from a secretary to a law clerk, I loved the job, but I knew it was finally time to go when I could not realise the wage I believe I deserved. I loved the people I worked with and the work I was doing, but financially I was going out backwards. Then a friend told me of a firm who was attempting to get a family law department up and running and they needed someone experienced. I applied and got the job, as an aside I received 6 pay rises in my first year – seems my new boss was very happy with me.
How old is too old to study and change careers, I started my first at 29 years of age, then I was 38 my current employer suggested that I should study law – I lauged, thought she was insane, but to humour her applied to study Law. I was probably the most surprised person when I was accepted to do my Law Degree. I was working full time and studying part time (hard work let me tell you). I studied 5 ½ years and finally, in what was one of the proudest moments of my life, walked up to accept my degree. I completed a year of Articles and am now practicing in the country as a lawyer.
Where do you start? You start with yourself, with your hopes and aspirations, then you have to believe in yourself (not that that was always easy for me). Change has to come from within, we have to accept that we need to move on and that we need to do something about it. In some ways I got a bit of a push, because I asked for a pay rise and it was refused, that was the motivation to move forward and change jobs.
So much has changed for me in the last few years, finished studying, was admitted to practice, found the love of my life, moved to the country, changed jobs – I’m exhausted just writing about it, oh and best of all, I’m to be married on 4 September 2010.
How much do you want to change? I never imagined in my wildest dreams that from leaving school at 15 years of age I would finally hold a degree in Law. Carpe Diem.
Hi Craig,
These questions are extremely appropriate to me. We immigrated to Australia from South Africa 3 years ago . There were two reasons. To give my children a better future, a safe secure environment and after 30 years in one job I became disillusioned and needed a change. I am 53 so this was not easy. We are not fully established yet so work is still in progress. See my answers below.
1. How do I know when it’s time to consider a career change (what are the indicators)?
When the thrill has gone! There are good days and bad days in every career or job. When even the good days are dissatisfying then you have lost the passion and it is good to move on.
2. What if I hate what I do but I don’t have the financial freedom to explore other options?
This is what I term the security trap. there are a few options, reemploy yourself in your same job ie change your attitude to what you are doing and make the most of it, investigate scope for a career change within your existing place of employment so that you retain your income or seek other employment.
3. What’s the most intelligent way to transition from one career to another?
All decisions in life should preferable be made from a position of strength so work through your situation, make sure that you have done everything in your power to make the most of your current career and then you will have the strength to seek new horizons and decide the best direction. The insight gained from stretching yourself to the limit in your current job will guide you.
Be careful though not to land yourself in a similar situation through force of habit.Try to analyze the basic reasons for your dissatisfaction then consider your strengths and how they can best be utilized.
4. How do I discover what I’m ‘meant’ to be doing (if that’s even possible)?
Some people have a calling at an early age.
Most people never really discover what they are “meant” to be doing. You need to ask yourself if what you are doing is worthwhile and makes you feel worthwhile. If the answer is no or dont know then search for new pursuits.
5. How do I know when my ‘relationship’ with my current job is unhealthy (even if I love it)?
When it is affecting your state of mind and your health negatively.
6. How old is too old to study or change careers?
That depends on how risk receptive you are – your versatility,health fitness and receptiveness to change.
7. Where and how do I start this change process (step one)?
Take a break from work, family, friends, go somewhere tranquil and quiet and take stock of your situation. Then decide what is important to you. No booze, drugs.
regards
Brian
1. How do I know when it’s time to consider a career change (what are the indicators)?
When I was bullied and the manager despite evidence took the other’s side.
2. What if I hate what I do but I don’t have the financial freedom to explore other options?
You have to take a chance I resigned at the beginning of the GFC – not a good move financially, but mentally yes.
3. What’s the most intelligent way to transition from one career to another?
Well people will say secure a job before you leave but….
4. How do I discover what I’m ‘meant’ to be doing (if that’s even possible)?
The universe sure tells you if it’s the wrong job, career and workplace. Whinging about the job is the first thing that let’s you know it’s time for something else.
5. How do I know when my ‘relationship’ with my current job is unhealthy (even if I love it)?
You just know. I think a good one to test is this: if you have been working somewhere for years and you have an idea and tell the boss and they ignore it but take up the idea of the new fresh from uni graduate you know it’s unhealthy.
6. How old is too old to study or change careers?
As much as I would like to be ‘realistic” never, sure age might mean you won’t be a truckie, it might be too late to become a nuerosurgeon at 65 but hell, it is not too late.
As for study that should continue forever, as much as I acknowledge the ‘school of hard knocks, hard yakka, get your hands dirty” Aussie attitude, pretensious as it is, knowledge never goes astray. I just think education is treated with contempt in Australia and it goes back to the roll up your sleeves attitude that does not work these days. An Arts degree is useless…funny, it got me a fantastic job and you should do a survey to find out some corporate leaders didn’t bother with business degrees but did history etc.
7. Where and how do I start this change process (step one)?
God I don’t know i’m busy getting mine back on track.
Seriously – you guys are GOLD. Unbelievable feedback, wisdom, advice and stories from you all. I can honestly say, today, YOU have taught me. Thanks.
And a big hello to our first-time commentors – thanks for coming out of the cyber-shadows and for saying hi. It’s nice to see (er, read) you. x
Keep it comin’ kids…
Last year, at the age of 42, and after dropping 50kg in 9 months – I retrained as a personal trainer. Going back to school was scary and hard (on the brain and the wallet!) – and now out of school and trying to build up my PT business is still hard and scary…but I have loved every minute of it.
It’s so exciting to be doing something you are passionate about, but I really couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband. Sadly he’s in the opposite camp, is miserable in his job but paid well which (especially in light of my current status) makes it difficult for him to leave. Hopefully there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, if he can make it through another couple of months – but would love to read some suggestions for him.
Hi Craig,
1. When you look forward to the paycheck, rather than do the work and other people notice.
2. Jump anyway, for every minute you don’t is a wasted,minute you could…, you will always find a way if you are desperate enough.
3. There is no illtelligent way, because if you look back you will analysis and kick yourself. “If you are not moving forward, then you are moving backwards.”
4. We all know what we would like to be doing. But we will always not go outside the home we live in, as with any change, brings uncertainty and fear of failure.
5. When you lose friends and family moments.
6. Never, to old.
7. Good question, with your right or left leg then stick out a hand grab a hold, smile and move foward. Repeat step 1
Cheers and enjoy your day.
Annettee = Wow…
I am a perpetual helper of others. I have helped many friends and family discover their potential and take some risks to move forward in life – all of them with positive outcomes.
So what about me? Deep down I feel the need for change. And living inside my little instinct-zone are the answers (I’ve seen them!), but I dare not go there often. Why? I’m scared. Of what? Just working that one out now.
All of the people I’ve helped were scared too. So I’ve had a think about what it was I did to help them over the ‘hump’.
Case study 1: My husband – car salesman (hated it) to pilot (dream job/life).
What I did: Asked him one day what he would do if he could do ANYTHING in the world. “It’s stupid” he said, “but I’ve always dreamed of being a pilot”.
So I embarked on a range of actions to get his wheels turning – A bunch of research on how to get a pilot’s licence. Bombarded him with emails and print-outs and spoke about it a lot. Offered to be the sole bread-winner for a year and a half (it’s not that long) to enable him to study without felling like a financial burden. Helped set out a plan for how it could be achieved in small steps. Stuck that plan up on the wall. Listened intently (painfully) when he told me about ratios of air/pressure, how ice can form, how to ditch an aircraft in the ocean (ahhhh!) and a bunch of physics I couldn’t spell let alone understand. Got in the aircraft with him flying it (ahhhh x10!!!!) once he had his licence of course. Helped him reflect on how all this hard work is far better than the 8 hours a day he spent selling cars, and that I see a difference in him.
He’s now a pilot for a company, and is running his own business too. He’s very happy.
Nice of me wasn’t it? He did most of the work though.
Case study 2: my Dad – wearing overalls and collecting used oil from take-away joints (hated it) to wearing clean clothes working in administration (loved it – now happily retired with good super).
What would you prefer to do, if you could?”, and he said “move onto one of those office jobs and ditch the overalls, but they wouldn’t employ me”.
What I did: Said to him “I can see you’re a bit sick of being greasy
I knew my Dad had worked in the public service many years before so I asked him a bunch of questions about what he used to do. We then found a couple of low-level vacancies advertised in the paper that weekend, and I sat with him (for HOURS) talking him through writing a public service application (which he hadn’t had to do before) and drawing out his ‘exceptional skills and experience in this and that’.
He picked up a temp role, which turned into a longer-term role elsewhere, then a full time gig in a role he was extremely happy with. He also met his new partner there (felt strange at first to be partly responsible for that, let me tell you!) and is living a happy retired life, while she takes care of him (and I’m off the hook – sweet!).
Again, nice of me wasn’t it? And again, he did most of the work.
There are so many more. Sister, friends, random people I meet on planes, at the shops, work colleagues (tonnes of them).
My analysis: I did a few things to help made it practical and possible. Then shoved them towards it. And followed up.
I like helping people to live their best life. I find out what they want, I do things to encourage change and give them a little boost, I challenge their limiting comments, and I remind them of what they’ve achieved and how great they are and can be. It gives me that excited feeling in my belly, and I am naturally fascinated with people and how they think and work.
I am going to embark on some research of my own, for me. I am going to set out some goals and steps, and I’m going to ask those around me to get involved, in me. I’m going to keep reading positive resources like this blog, and I’m going to make a few changes in my life to open the way for some ‘newness’ to come in. Slowly.
I have a feeling my change is going to look something like this:
Case study 500 (it may take me a little while!): Me – Marketing Manager to… life coach? motivator? inspiration advisor? professional helper of some sort or other? Author of a bunch of case studies that prove this sort of change is possible?
Wish me luck!
Cheers.
My former career spanned almost 30 years in education, with the last ten years probably the most exciting and fulfilling, challenging children’s minds and creativity. Now that I am beginning my next career in Fitness I do have some thoughts sparked by your questions … I hope they’re useful.
1. When you wake up in the morning and that’s all you can think about …
it’s time to change.
2. Hmmm! … Just trust the Universe.
3. Plunge boldly in… Get up and do it. Learn constantly, and find a great mentor 4. Be patient … don’t push. Opportunities arise when you least expect them … and, oddly, when the time is right.
5. When you start looking for the easy path all the time.
6. It’s not how old you are, but how you are old … Don’t limit yourself!
7. Start with what you absolutely love doing, and immerse yourself in it.
See every day as an opportunity to learn something new … and just do the things that are scary.
Annette – awesome. Can you please email me via the ‘get in touch’ link at the top of the home page (please)? Thanks.
Here’s a questions for someone:
What if the field you’ve come from involves copious amounts of rotating shift work and it conflicts with what you want to do outside of work?
I’ve come from a limited background in health care but am already over the shift work. The long hours are stressful and you have no life outside of sleep and work. You can’t commit to anything on any particular day or time of the week or month because you could be working. It’s hard to request a single day off let along have any say in when you want your annual leave. I HATE IT! I am a compassionate, caring person but I don’t know what I want to do. At all. I am so lost and unhappy right now I feel ill, mentally. I’m 30 and feel I have no career to look forward to.
Before anyone jumps down my neck – for those of you who run their own business and do 16 hr days for the first 6-18 months. That’s been your choice. And you don’t have to work around the clock. It might just be you and the computer/paperwork. You aren’t responsible for people’s care at 2 or 3 in the morning.
Have thought about doing the PT course but can’t financially anytime soon. Have thought about physio – but, going back to uni will be a long road and may even be beyond my intellect? Medical imaging. Again – I don’t know the first thing about physics. It seems every idea I come up with requires intellect that I claim is beyond me + requires going back to uni.
Stick me at a desk/computer and I’d last 2 days. Maybe. The whole corporate attire business isn’t me.
I just can’t see the wood for the trees right now. It was easier when I had a path I was following. I’m so lost now. But I realise only I can get myself back on ‘a path.’
If you THINK you’re too old to change careers, you probably are.
Q1: I freelance on-site, so I get a lot of different experiences at different pay rates and a lot of irregularity in my schedule. I realized it was time for a change when I could never get to work on time, and was no longer willing to work for lower wages, even when I had nothing else scheduled and needed the money.
Q2: Begin to downsize. Once I decided what I wanted in life, I realized I didn’t need a lot of what I had. A lot of things cost money simply by owning them, so you can not only make money by selling them, but continue to save money once they’re gone. I’m saving all proceeds from downsizing for the new career: I’ve made a deal with myself to improve my life and the cost (selling things I thought I wanted/needed) is high, but is worth it.
Q3: I’m transitioning to a new career slowly. I’ve done a lot of research on what it takes to change to my new field in terms of education and equipment. I’ve budgeted as much as I can for the future change. My goal is to be able to switch to the new career easily when the time is right.
Q4: I do not know if my new career is my destiny, but it is the choice that feels right for the moment. It is a career I’m interested in, I see it as a career I can build on, and it satisfies personal needs that have been unfulfilled for years.
Q5: My job, even when I enjoyed it, has uneven pay, horrible hours, and irregular eating schedules. Most of the people working in my field are unhappy and unhealthy. When I saw my career taking the same toll on my own life, I knew that no matter how much I enjoyed it I cared for my quality of life more.
Q6: I’m only 28, but I’m switching careers after receiving a Master’s degree in the first. It’s daunting, and I’m carrying a lot of debt, but I don’t think it’s too late for me. I don’t think there is a too late as long as you have your health.
Q7: I work in audio engineering, and am planning on changing to massage. I initially had a lot of anxiety talking about this change with people. Once I did more research on the massage, found programs that interested me, attended open houses, and visualized myself in the career I became more comfortable with the idea. Now I am open with my plans and taking the necessary steps toward executing the change. But it all began with the thought, and research, and trusting that I know what I really want.
This little exercise might help:
Imagine your perfect day. What would it be like? What would you wear? Where would you go??
My perfect day would start with an early rise, some exercise (run or whatever) then breakfast on a balcony enjoying nature and the morning paper. I get ready for work. I wear something comfortable yet corporate. I have meetings most mornings, helping people out and providing advice. I enjoy a healthy, nutritious lunch which is not rushed. Maybe even with friends. In the afternoon I read and research, making notes about those things that interest me on any number of levels. I get home in time to help the kids with homework and we laugh and chat as I cook dinner and we eat as a family. Again, no rush.
When I did this, I realised I already had everything I needed to create the perfect work day – I just wasn’t in control of it. So, I got myself out of my rut and made it happen. It’s taken a while, but hubby and the kids know I get up early to work out. There’s often no time for a read of the paper (maybe when the kids are less dependent on me to get ready for school but I don’t give up on that idea, I’m just realistic to say it’s not the time). I do everything I can to schedule appointments and meetings for the morning, and my staff know to do this. After lunch (which I set my phone alarm for to make sure I take it as time off and not eat at my desk) I do over the following day and get into reading, research or preparation for what’s coming up. I’ve had success in making dinner an all-family meal without the TV and we can talk about our day.
How easy was that? It doesn’t always work, but it’s a good aiming point and I keep working at it. It was amazing to realise that I already had a job that I enjoyed, capacity to make it a career, and there was enough left over for me after the necessaries with the children and time alone with hubby.
It was quite a moment when I had that light bulb go on … hope it helps someone too.
Cheers!
Great topic! It’s basically the story of my life so far. I am 25 years old and currently working towards my 3rd occupation….and what I also see as my ‘ultimate’ career.
Straight out of school I jumped into University and spent the next 5 years completing a Bachelor of Education. Growing up, all I wanted to be was a school teacher. So there I was, following through. I ended up taking an extra year for what was normally a 4 year course, due to being ‘out of action’ for a time thanks to illness in second year. It was in this time out, at 19 years of age, that I first had the urge to drop out of Uni and start ‘living the dream’ (or, mine anyway) of becoming a Personal Trainer. After much deliberation, and a bit of research, I decided to finish what I had started at Uni and put the PT idea on the back-burner for a while. At the time it was pretty much a financial/job availability thing. Not living in the big smoke or on the coast, these fitness jobs were a lot rarer species ‘round these parts’- and to give up a pretty much guaranteed job as a teacher to be not assured of anything was just not an option at that point in my life.
Upon completing uni, I knew straight out that I had no intention of ‘going teaching’. In the final weeks of exams, I started trawling the job ads in the hope that something would jump out at me as ‘the answer’. I also researched my options again as to how I could become a Personal Trainer. The truth was, I needed a full time job. I needed money! Which is why jumping into even more study wasn’t viable straight away. It was financially impossible, due to not having any money fresh out of Uni.
Firstly I looked into getting work in a fitness centre- perfect opportunity I thought, and once I earned some moolah I could start studying the required Certifications. All of my searching resulted in what seemed to be the requirement of at least a Cert III in Fitness to work in the industry…plus, there were no jobs going in that field anyway. So, the ‘ultimate dream’ was put on the back-burner once again.
Lucky for me though, I am a person of many interests, and it just so happened that a ‘trainee’ position in Building Design popped up in these final weeks of Uni as well. Perfect. I applied for the job and scored it, ready to start in the New Year.
I have now been in the construction industry as a Draftsperson for 2.5 years. I have enjoyed it so far, but over the years I have come to realize that a desk job and spending my days staring at a computer screen is just not my ‘thang’.
Last year, I decided to take action. It was time to take the Personal Trainer dream off the shelf and follow through. It took me a while to save up the money for the course, but I did it. I am still in the process of completing my Cert III & IV in Fitness at the moment, while working in the building industry (those bills won’t pay themselves!). I am excited though that I am well on my way to ‘living the dream’, and the only thing standing in my way of making the big career change is me- it comes down to how much study I fit into my life as to how quickly this all happens. It’s a great feeling to be in control of your own future- to know you have choices.
1. How do I know when it’s time to consider a career change (what are the indicators)
Basically, if you don’t bounce out of bed in the morning looking forward to the work day ahead, then this is what would be a clear indicator for me. Because our jobs take up so much of our lives, I think it is imperative that we enjoy what we spend our days doing! Why spend our lives miserable? We’ve only got one life- why not spend it doing what we truly want to do?
Personally, my aim is to get to a career that I don’t feel like I’m working at all. What’s that saying-
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
THAT is where I aspire to get to.
2. What if I hate what I do but I don’t have the financial freedom to explore other options?
Do what you can right now! Anything that can get you one step closer to ‘living the dream’ is helpful at this stage. This might be putting a set amount of money away each week to go towards your career change- whether that be, like in my case- further study …or for other reasons relating to ‘making your move’. OR start towards getting qualified- if this is needed- to do what you want to do. Whatever it is that you can do RIGHT NOW- do it! Get the ball rolling, even if it is slowly at first. You are then on your way, aren’t you?
3. What’s the most intelligent way to transition from one career to another?
With a ‘safety net’ in place! Well, this is my plan anyway- and I’m guessing it would ring true with most people. The fact is, there are bills to pay. And they don’t stop coming just because you’ve decided to quit your job on a whim. The hard-to-swallow truth here is that sometimes you just gotta hang in there until it is financially possible for you to make the move. You need to keep a reliable income coming in- or at least have a supply of money to keep your head above water during the transition. But even that will run out eventually, so you need to make sure that there is always a ‘Plan B’ lurking in the background should everything go pear-shape.
For me, this is my teaching degree. Yes, turns out it was good for something! (and truth be told, I actually love the fact that I have my Bachelor degree ‘behind me’ now!) It has been my back-up plan since leaving Uni….and it feels great to know that I’ve got options. It makes it feel like I am the one who is in control of MY life. The way it should be, don’t you think?
4. How do I discover what I’m ‘meant’ to be doing (if that’s even possible)?
For me, knowing what my ‘ultimate’ career is comes down to how I want to spend my time, day in and day out. When I wake up of a Monday morning, what would I love to spend my working hours doing for the next week/month/year?
- A career that you don’t suffer ‘Monday-itis’ with (is this possible? …I’m still looking!)
- A career where you would happily work overtime, and without being paid for doing so. Cus that’s just how much you enjoy it.
Also, a career where you spend your free time learning more about the profession or gaining as much knowledge as you can…..simply because it INTERESTS you. Not because it will result in a bigger paycheck.
THAT’S when you know you have ‘it’. ‘It’ being PASSION. You need to have passion for what you’re doing. I guess I’d refer to a passion as something that you would happily do even if you didn’t get paid for it (that is, if you didn’t need the money to pay those bills!).
5. How do I know when my ‘relationship’ with my current job is unhealthy (even if I love it)?
I think that when your job starts negatively affecting other areas of your life, that’s when you know ‘something’s gotta give’.
As I mentioned before- we spend such a big portion of our lives doing this thing we call a ‘job’….BUT we also need to live a happy, healthy and enjoyable life while doing so.
If our current job situation is preventing us from doing this, then you have got to take action.
Life is too short. Simple as that. (where HAS the first 5 months of 2010 gone already??)
6. How old is too old to study or change careers?
I personally don’t have much ground to stand on here- HOWEVER….in retrospect, I often feel like I’m on the ‘back foot’ by ‘only’ just starting in my chosen career at age 25. When I start to think how far I could be in the position if I’d gone straight into it from high school- 7 years ago- what I’ve done with my life becomes questionable. I hate having regrets, so once these thoughts impede on my usually-positive mindset, I know I’ve got to change my perspective on the situation. I know that these ‘what if’ thoughts aren’t going to help me so I just remind myself of the obvious: YOU CAN’T TURN BACK TIME! That’s why you should never have any regrets…. why waste more of your precious life being unhappy about what happened in the past? AND anyway, in most cases, everything you have done in the past, you did because you initially WANTED to do it! Now what’s to regret about that? I look back and remember how I wanted to work in Building Design because I just loved the design of houses so much…and still do, might I add….and realise that I followed through with this dream and DID IT! And I enjoyed it. But sometimes you just don’t know if a career path is the right one for you (in the long-term) until you give it a go. And what’s the harm in that? I don’t see the last 7 years as ‘wasted’- it was a time in my life where I had the opportunity to experiment with my career, and instead of not taking a chance on it, I got out there and followed through on whatever was on my mind at the time. Also knowing that going into my ‘ultimate’ career with 7+ years of life experience under my belt is a pretty awesome thought as well…because when I think back to when I was 18, fresh out of high school I cringe when I imagine myself jumping straight into my ‘ultimate’ career- I just keep thinking ‘I was such a kid!’. Don’t get me wrong- I know some people know exactly what they want to do with their lives at 17 years old (how??), and have great success in what they choose to do in their career upon leaving school. All I’m saying is this was definitely not me.
7. Where and how do I start this change process (step one)?
Like I said earlier- do what you can. If there is something that you can do TODAY to help you START making your dream a reality, then DO IT. Even if it doesn’t involve you resigning from your current job and jumping straight into your dream job- cus often, it takes a whole lot of smaller steps to get where you want to be. It might be just me and my ‘Gen Y’ attitude, but unfortunately sometimes (but not all the time) you just can’t have something straight away. You have to work towards it. But if it’s what you truly want, then you won’t mind doing this ground work, because in the end it is making ‘the dream’ a REALITY!
I’m a long term reader but first time commenter and when I saw this article I new that I just had to comment. Ok, so I’m a bit late but still I thought that I’d put forth my thoughts as I have just been lucky enough to take 3 months off working whilst figuring out what I wanted to do. I have been an Executive Assistant for 16 years, working for work-a-holic bosses. About 5 years ago I started showing signs of stress and sickness, getting as bad as hives and depression. 2 years ago I found a lump in my neck which ended up being removed and it was a cancerous tumor – maybe nothing to do with my ill health and stress, but then maybe it was! Another wake up call! I thought it was all my fault and couldn’t see a way out, so I changed jobs again and again and wow to my astonishment I kept ending up working for more work-a-holics (what a surprise – not!). So 6 months ago I was still sick and depressed when my husband said “just stop work for a while – have a break and see what you want to do after a few months”. So that is what I did and I know how lucky I am that we are in the situation to be able to do this. 3 and a half months later, after counselling, yoga, lots of lazing around and long walks on the beach I am well, stress free and have realised that I don’t want to slave my life away working for big corporate bosses. I didn’t have a true career change, as I am still in administration, but I’ve taken a 4 day a week role with a national charity organisation. 3 weeks in and I can’t believe that I didn’t make the change earlier. The job is easier and fun, and most importantly no stress or long hours and I’m doing something positive for the community. Now I can see a way forward out of the depression, stress and emotional eating patterns that I was suffering. In answer to your questions I didn’t consciously make the decision to change my work situation, for me it had to happen or I was going to fall apart. However looking back there were many opportunites for me to listen to my mind and body and consider what my career was doing to me. So all I want to say is listen to yourself, if your body is telling you there is something wrong listen to it, if there is something you really want to do then aim for it, if an opportunity presents itself then go for it, calculate your risks yes (we all have bills to pay!) but most importantly don’t let yourself get ill just for a job – it is so not worth it.