With the end of the financial year upon us, it’s a great time to take stock of the past six to twelve months. Compiling receipts and preparing tax returns might be the focus for some. For others, it’s a time to reflect on important career matters. One of those might be: Am I loving the job I do? Is it time for a career change?
According to studies, up to 80% of workers are unhappy with their current workplace. Even if you’ve been with the same employer for a while, mid-year is a good time to reassess where you’re at and ask yourself ‘What do I really want to do?’
Studies show that up to 80% of workers are unhappy with their current workplace. Click To TweetTime to say goodbye
You may have devoted years of hard work and loyalty to your current boss, perhaps in return for the odd promotion and pay rise. That doesn’t count for much if your heart is no longer in it. Consider what your future boss might value in a prospective employee who’s a little short of skills for the role on offer, but high in general experience. You have proven loyalty, and your courage in pursuing a dream job will be appreciated by a potential employer.
Not least of all, you’ll have an old head that, (as the saying goes) is impossible to put on young shoulders. In other words, don’t undersell yourself just because you may not have the most on-the-job experience in the position you want. Your values and abilities will speak volumes. Couple that with a qualification suited to the role, and it makes you a standout candidate.
Be honest about your reasons
Make sure you’re not chasing a career change solely because you hate the job you have now. Changing jobs just because you are unhappy is simply a matter of geography. Whatever problems you have, they will follow you. Mend broken relationships, learn from your mistakes, (and those of others’) and be prepared to shut the door on your previous career with no bad feelings.
Once you’re on the path to a career change, focus your energies there. Do something every day to improve your chances of success, such as research or study. Don’t be discouraged by the odd knockback – remain positive, and you’ll find that others will be influenced by your behaviour and attitude.
Get busy preparing now
Companies are very receptive when it comes to hiring new, experienced staff, even if that experience isn’t the type they thought they were after to begin with.
Even if you’re not sure of the exact job you want, there are things you can do to help you figure it out:
- Make a list of what you love to do. There might be a single item on that list or a dozen. How would you spend your perfect day in the workplace? Ask friends and family what they think you do best, the answers might surprise you.
- Understand that you’ll possibly start your dream job on a lower wage than the one you left, so assess where you’re at financially, and if you can afford the pay cut.
- Prepare a resume that brims with positivity about where you’ve been, and where you’d like to go career-wise.
- Be clear about what you want, and upfront with any prospective employer about what you expect.
- Time is on your side, unless you are so fed up with your job that you can’t stay put any longer.
- Prepare six to twelve months in advance by undertaking online study that you know will improve the odds of getting into the career you’re after.
Take advantage of mid-year timing
Many companies start the new financial year with fresh budgets, so it’s a great time to throw your hat in the ring. Remember that most workers who want to change jobs only really think about it towards the end of the calendar year. In other words, competition in the middle of the year is far less.
The average worker changes jobs somewhere between ten and fifteen times in their working life. Seize the initiative and plan your way to exactly the type of job you want. Be practical about how you go about it, though.
Holding the right educational qualification as you transition from one workplace to another can be critical. Many of the top ten career transition jobs require a current diploma. Take the time to plan ahead now with undertaking a qualification, and give yourself the best chance of getting your career back on track.