Changing Your Career FAQs

Changing careers can be an exciting, but also a scary event. You may have many questions, and not a lot of answers. Below are some of the common problems, and some of the most frequently asked questions about changing your career:

Q. I am totally burned out, and ready to try something new. What should I do first?

A. The best way to start is to take some time to think about what type of work you would enjoy. Consider what aspects you do like about your current job, and what things you would like to retain as you change careers. If you are passionate about training new employees, but are bored with day to day management, consider a teaching or human resources position. If you are outgoing and love meeting new people, you might enjoy a sales position, even if you haven't been involved in sales before. You should also consider what type of tasks you are good at doing, and play to your strengths.

Q. Should I quit my job and start all over again?

A. While you may eventually want to quit your job and take a new one that is more inline with your new career goals, you shouldn't just quit your current position. Consider taking a part time job in the field you enjoy, or even doing some work on a volunteer basis in your new field. If your new career requires more education or training, maintaining your current job while preparing for a new career will help you pay for your education.

Q. I feel like I am too old to switch careers. Is there an age limit?

A. There is no age limit for starting a new career. Many people enjoy returning to school and starting an entirely new career in their "retirement" years! You are limited only by your imagination and willingness to try something new.

Q. Do I need to go back to college to get a new job?

A. If you have been in the workforce for a while, you probably won't need to enroll in a four year degree program to get a new job, unless your desired position is in a specialized field, or specifically requires a degree. You may want to consider enrolling in some classes to bring your skills up to date, or to get a required certification. You can also look into training or college classes online, and work on your degree or certification at home, on your own schedule.

Q. What are some good reasons for looking for a new career?

A. There are several good reasons you might want to look into a new career. If you have gone as far as you can in your current career, either financially or positionally, you may be ready for a change. If the industry you are working in is fading, or is in a steady decline, you might want to start training for something new. If there is something you always wanted to do, but you haven't had the opportunity to try, you can start researching some ways to become involved in a new industry. Chances are, you won't be satisfied with the status quo if you are passionate about another industry.

James Copper is a writer for http://www.baol.co.uk where you can find information on how to change career