There is nothing worse than having a lovely time at the weekend and then dreading the thought of going back to work on Monday morning. If this sounds like a frequent occurrence to you, maybe it is time to switch to a more fulfilling career. Some people make it through decades of their life going through the motions and working in a job they hate. No matter how good the money is, this is no way to live. Here are a few tips to help you begin a second career.
What Are Your Skills?
When considering a career change, transferable skills can help make a move easier. Create a list of skills you have picked up over time. This can include general office skills such as IT and admin; it should also include specialized skills that you have developed in your career. With a broad list of skills, you can begin narrowing down the types of jobs that are most suitable for you. If you already have a particular career in mind, but you are lacking the skills to get you there, not to worry. There are many degree options you can choose from to help you build your skills. Excelsior College offers online degree options so that you can work and study at the same time. Excelsior College online programs are available in many areas of study. These include subject areas ranging from business and technology to liberal arts.
Additionally, obtaining certifications in your desired field can greatly enhance your chances of securing a new job or transitioning into a different career. Certifications validate your expertise and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. For example, if you are considering a career in finance or investment banking, obtaining the Series 7 certification can be highly beneficial. The Series 7 certification, administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), qualifies individuals to work as general securities representatives. It demonstrates proficiency in essential areas such as investment products, regulation, and client interactions. To assist you in your Series 7 exam preparation, you can find free Series 7 test flashcards online, which offer a convenient and effective way to review key concepts and reinforce your understanding.
Dig Deep to Find the Right Fit
If you have been doing your job for some time, breaking away to do something new can be incredibly daunting. You need to dig deep to figure out what kind of career you want at this point in your life. You may consider switching to trade jobs for a career change since it is easily attainable. Try listing your skills and ask yourself what you enjoy doing and why. It could be that you can turn something you’re passionate about into a fulfilling career.
Be Realistic
Do you have a particular lifestyle that requires a certain income to support it? Do you have mouths to feed? The last thing you want to do is leave your family in a lurch or find yourself miserable without a job, but you don’t want to lead an unhappy existence either. Take your lifestyle, interests, and personal relationships into consideration when contemplating potential new careers.
Take a Break
Taking a break doesn’t mean doing something rash like giving up your job straight away. What you need is some time away from your desk to get out of that negative headspace you have built up at work. Take some time off to gauge how you truly feel about your job. It could be that you are simply overworked, or perhaps there are just one or two aspects that you need to change to be happy at work again. Alternatively, the break could give you clarity on how much you can’t stand what you do. In this case, it truly is time to take a step in another direction.
