Sitting at your desk, doing the same job, following the same routine, feeling unappreciated and unwanted and a thought comes creeping into your mind - What would it be like to quit, start over, and try a different career?
Changing careers is never easy. Half the world will now think you've lost your mind, but for many burned-out, bored or multi-talented folks who are sitting on skills they're not getting a chance to use, changing fields is the only way to keep them from going crazy.
Change is difficult for many of us, so more often than not, we tend to ignore the signs that indicate it is time for us to move on. The final straw could be when a work situation becomes unbearable, and then we finally decide it's time to change jobs.
At this point we feel desperate, alone, unsure and confused. Maybe I am too old to change, what else can I do but what I am currently doing? So, without proper planning, we then make our first mistake and take the next thing that comes along, which might not be any better than the situation we left.
Recognising the signs
Rather than jump from the frying pan into the fire, we need to learn how to recognise the signs that indicate it is time to leave a job. Don't look for excuses or obstacles to making the change - age discrimination, new technology, cut in pay, starting from the bottom.
The real obstacle to a mid-life change is only in your mind. You need the willpower, the adventurous spirit and then a leap of faith - in yourself. So how do we know it is time to move on?
You are no longer asked for your opinion. If your opinion is no longer valued, when it was in the beginning, how effective or motivated can you be in your role?
Your position within the department has changed. You were initially being groomed for a better position and were assured you that you are next in line, but this is no longer the case. Somewhere along the line, someone has not been totally honest with you. Is this really the type of organisation you want to work for? Can you be guaranteed this won't happen again?
You are no longer being praised for your work - your work is no longer good enough; you are told you are not meeting expectations.
Assignments are going to other people. You are in your job because you want to learn. Yet every time an opportunity comes up for a challenging assignment, it goes to someone else. It may be time to find a position where there is actually room to grow in your job.
Is your boss open to suggestions from you? You are constantly suggesting how to improve your department. Your suggestions are being ignored. It is obvious that your opinion is not being valued. Ask yourself again, why are you still in this job?
Major changes have occurred. Although management insists there will be not be any staff reductions, you will need to look at the reality. Do they really need you? Remember, you are much more employable if you are currently working, so perhaps you should see what other opportunities are available.
Work is not fun any more. This is perhaps the best sign that it is time to move on. After all, you spend most of your waking hours at work. If it is getting harder to go into work, and if you no longer enjoy what you are doing, then why are you still there?
Keep your eyes and ears open for these signs and make sure you keep your resume updated, just in case your time to go arrives sooner than you expect. Being prepared will make the transition that much easier to make.
Change your perception
First thing to do is change your perception of yourself and what you are capable of doing. If you don't do that, you will never make a successful career change. Young people are expected to explore different career paths, why not you?
Starting over does not necessarily mean starting at the bottom. You're not just entering the workforce. You have now gained an extensive and impressive selection of skills, plus you have professional wisdom and perspective that can only acquired through time.
The key to bypassing entry-level status is to market these assets when you are being interviewed. The skills that made you successful may be transferable to your new career. Believing in yourself will ultimately put you way ahead of younger competition.
As with anything new, there will be a learning curve in your new career. But, remember why you want to make the change - you want more of a challenge! Your goal should be to find a career that taps into your innate strengths and interests. As for the aspects of the job that may initially overwhelm you, accept that learning these skills may be frustrating and difficult, but accomplishing them will be all the more gratifying.
Keep your expectations realistic
Before taking the leap of faith, keep your expectations real. Don't look for a job in another field without some intense research - make sure the fit is right. The new 'hot' fields may sound interesting but may not be for you. Always consider the options you have, assess your transferable skills and then make the change.
Get thorough information about the area you're considering going into by networking, reading and doing online research. Ask, ask and ask some more! Stretch your perception of what might work for you. Research the economic outlook and job duties for your new career, and how it will affect your lifestyle and relationships.
Give it time
Chances are you've had little free time or the inclination over the last 20 years to take stock of your life. To avoid the "I wish I had or had not" syndrome that many of us face at one time or another, now it is important to determine what you want to do next.
Deciding to venture into a new career can mean changes in your work environment, co-workers, income, and how you view yourself.
Even if your new position is something you've always wanted to do, all these changes can be a shock. Before calling it quits, allow enough time to let the dust settle and adjust to your new profession - no-one said it would be easy!
Know yourself
Explore your personality and what you need to be happy. This information is key to making good career decisions. Most people don't know what they're good at, but then midlife is a good time to figure this out.
Remember, you have a history of professional and personal experience to draw from when determining your natural strengths. Think about what you truly enjoy doing, what you do well and what you are proud of. Is there an underlying theme unifying these experiences, which lends itself to a job description?
Deal with the fear
Change never comes without stress, apprehension and some anxiety. This is a natural feeling. It's the starting over, building our reputation from scratch. Scary thought! Talk to your spouse, children, friends, relatives and colleagues about the changes you are going to be facing, and seek their assistance and support.
Refer to colleagues and business acquaintances you acquired over the years. Talk to them, ask their opinions, their advice. The business world is a very small one, and there is always someone out there ready to help you.
Be sure this is what you want
Changing fields is one of the most invigorating things you can do. It's like experiencing youth all over again, except with the wisdom of whatever age you are now. Be sure you want to switch fields before you leap. Ask yourself:
Have you have read enough to know that your interests and talents would work in the new field? Have comments from people working in that field convinced you that you'd be happy there? Do you already have most of the skills needed? Have you researched the field and relevant organisations on the Web?
Do you have contacts in the field who are willing to introduce you and help you network? Is your family supportive of the change? Do others who know you, your talents and your limitations agree with the change? Are you aware of the pros and the cons, yet still ready to take the plunge?
And, are you going toward something rather than just running away from your current job?
"When you're finished changing, you're finished." - Benjamin Franklin
CSB Employment Agency has been supporting the local business community with its services since 1987. For further information call us on tel. 2122-5800 or 2124-6543, fax: 2123-0520, e-mail jobs@vacancycentre.com, or visit www.VacancyCentre.com.