It's not too Late to Switch Careers

My new career would make me as bright and free like these balloons

One of the biggest complaints I get from disgruntled employees is how much they are unsatisfied or hate their current jobs and how they would be happier and more productive in a different career. When I ask them why they haven't made the switch, I'm met with several excuses the most common excuse being how difficult it would be to switch careers at their level as the years of experience they have gained in their current field limits them from being hired  because they lack the necessary skills to function in the career of their dreams and they are too experienced to be new hires. While this is indeed a genuine concern, it should not prevent you from making a change.

Before you start making plans to switch careers you must first ask yourself what it is that is driving you in this direction. Many times the problem lies with your current job and not your career as a whole. Maybe you and your boss do not get along or maybe your company doesn't have a clear and defined career path or it could just be that the reward system is not fair and transparent. If your grouse is with your boss or colleagues, you may just need to switch teams, if it is with the company then a job switch is necessary but if you are adamant about doing a 360 and switching careers, then use this 5 step plan:

1. Research - Make a list of the industries you would like to switch to. Narrow your list down to those that best match your current skills and experience level. Find out what other vital skills and experience that are vital to the new career and draw up a plan with specific timelines on how you would achieve them.

2. Develop yourself accordingly - It is necessary for you to update your skills and broaden your knowledge. You can achieve this by taking courses or certifications or even getting another degree if this is a requirement to function in your new career. You should also find someone to mentor you in your chosen field, your mentor would provide you with industry knowledge, tips and hacks that you may not otherwise get through formal learning and you can also leverage on your mentor's network when you need to get a foot into your new career.

3. Gain experience - You can do this by working part-time, interning/temping or volunteering in your new career field. This would give you the much need first-hand experience and also help you develop relationships that would be beneficial to your network in your chosen field. This type of first-hand experience would help you decide if indeed this career is what you really want and if you can grow in it.

4. Network- A key to success in any career is your networking ability and you would need it more than ever in your quest to change careers. You can start by joining professional body's and LinkedIn Groups that are relevant to your new career, the people in your network would be instrumental in introducing you to others and providing useful insights and job opportunities that would be helpful to your move.

5. Job Hunt - Now that you've done the groundwork, gained the required skills, earned some experience and developed a strong network, it's time to delve into the job market. Make sure you are doing your job search the right way if you want to get shortlisted.

Now you have all the information needed to switch, what are you waiting for?