The crucial steps you need to take to successfully change your career.
I have spent a lot of hours responding to client’s about changing careers and thought to write a blog post to help professionals in health and care who may be thinking of changing careers right now.
In the last year, many industries were affected. The health and care industry is one of those industries that remained strong and recruited many professionals in the pandemic. This economic trend is one I would advice that you take note of and factor into your decision making process.
However, if you feel you are truly ready for a career change, it’s never too late to try a new career on for size. Changing careers can be a significant challenge under normal circumstances, in the current climate it may be even more challenging depending on your career of choice.
If you’re committed, there’s no reason you can’t find a new line of work that fulfills you and pays the bills.
“Think hard before you leap. You may have quite a bit of work ahead.
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These 10 activities will help you to successfully make a career change:
1.Make a list of what you don’t like about your current position.
If you’re considering a change, there must be something that’s rubbing you the wrong way. It might be your organisation, the people, or your position. Consider the things you don’t want to see in your next career.
2. Make a list of what you do like about your current position.
It can’t all be bad! What are things about your current organisation and position that you enjoy? What would you like to see in your next position?
3. Consider your values.
Perhaps your most important value is keeping others organised, but you spend your days doing lots of direct work with patients and clients. A position helping others indirectly through creating effective processes and systems might be more to your liking. List your values and consider careers that dovetail with them.
4. Brainstorm a list of career possibilities that take into account your likes, dislikes, and values.
Now that you’ve given some thought to what you like, don’t like, and your values, think of careers that can satisfy all of those requirements.
5. Do you need a set of new skills?
If you’re planning a significant change, you’ll probably need to learn a few new skills. You might even need to go back and take some CPD courses. Think about what you need to add to your CV or resume and make a plan to make it happen.
6. Set the goal.
Know what you want and put your vision to paper. Read your goal each day. Develop a reasonable plan to reach your goal in the near future. Don’t forget to make it bold enough to inspire you.
7. Network and leverage the people you know.
Try to get the inside scoop on your dream job. Let everyone know you’re looking to make a change. Be careful not to burn any bridges at your current job until you’re ready to move on.
8. Contact recruitment companies.
A reputable recruitment company only gets paid when they find you a job, and they are paid by the employer. You’re also likely to get a lot of good advice. After all, they know what companies are looking for right now.
9. Be willing to take a step back.
You might have to take a demotion or a pay cut in order to change careers. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a small step back to eventually take a greater step forward.
10. Be patient.
Finding a new position, you love can take time. Finding a new position in a new field is considerably more difficult. You must be patient and persistent. Expect that it will take some time, but keep working hard toward realising your dream.
Few things will change your life more than a change of career. It’s worth the effort to find a job that you love. After all, you spend 40-plus hours each week doing it. Take the time to make a wise decision and then put a plan in place. It might be the beginning of a new adventure.
P.s. I support healthcare professionals to thrive at work and level up their careers? I have helped many health care professionals to level up into exciting management roles across health and care organisations.
This is what one of my clients had to say:
“Hooray!! I managed to get a good post in the health sector. Thank you, Beaulah, for your help. You have opened my eyes to see the best aspects of my professional experience and market myself in the most attractive way possible to potential employers. You helped me plan my career, and you motivated me to look upwards and forward. Thank you. I am looking forward to working with you, long term – Thandi ”
You can claim your free 1hr career coaching call with me today. I can’t wait to speak with you.
Beaulah Chizimba is a Career Coach & Leadership Facilitator and Trainer.
She writes about career and leadership development strategies for personal professional, team and organisational performance.