Changing one's career

[Proxima Centauri]

I am looking for a complete change. How do I go about this? See a Career's Advisor? How much do they charge? Are they worth it? If so, can anyone on here recommend one?

[louisiana]

Read What Should I Do With My Life? by Po Bronson

[Marmora Man]

If you really want to change career - JFDI!!

Seeing a career counsellor is only delaying the decision, you don't need anyone else's permission.

Having made the decision, you'll need to decide on the process. This will depend on your skills, experience and personal circumstances.

I changed career completely at the age of 40. I had a wife, two children and a mortgage. I borrowed enough to fund a year's study for an MBA, then took a job in a totally different sector. Initially my salary was 15% less than before but quickly caught up and overook it. More importantly I was enjoying life and the new career more than the old one.

Other routes might include volunteering in your target sector to gain experience before looking for a paid job, evening college to gain extra qualifications , networking like mad to see if friends and acquaintances can help.

Best of luck - but most importantly, don't waste time if you're really sure.

[Loz]

MM - the other half is just finishing an MBA. How did you go about making the leap and using it - i.e. how did you get the first job?

[ratty]

I too am interested in this. Being made redundant at 40 after 15 years of working with the homeless. Need a change!!!

[Marmora Man]

Loz,

Wasn't too easy - I left Cranfield School of Management in '93, in depths of a recession, so some similarities to today. I was transiting from a military career to healthcare. I started to research healthcare about half way thru' the MBA and my final, major, dissertation was about change management in a rural healthcare trust.

I used the contacts I made there ruthlessly to expand my healthcare network. Then I wangled interviews / chats with as many healthcare professionals as I could - writing / e-mailing contacts along the lines of "XX suggested I contacts you", "I would value your advice on how I might advance my career in health" and "if you could spare 30 minutes I would be most grateful". This achieved a hit rate of about 1 in 3.

From these interviews and discussions I learnt the language of the sector (jargon), current hot topics to research further and where there were vacancies of the sort I was seeking. Then applied for everything going and was selected after about 7 interviews, tho' the CEO later said he had taken a chance against the majority views of the panel - but that my MBA had swayed him and them.

[cincinatti kid]

I kind of had a career change in my early twenties of a sporting nature. I was a promising young amateur boxer until I was 20 but an eye injury I picked up prevented me from becoming a pro. However it didn't stop me playing semi pro football which I played until I was in my mid thirties after I finished boxing.

[Annette Curtain]

Sounds like "one" is looking for a Royal Appointment.

But really, from what to where ?

Nette.(?)

[Narnia]

Are you a professional card player now kid?

[cincinatti kid]

No. Steve Mcqueen lookalike.

[fyvum]

Most people want to change when they feel they are failing in their present job and there seems little hope for the future.

If a careers advisor were worth his salt he would be in a better job.

They charge a few grand to write your cv, but they cannot get you a job in a market which is receding.

Start by going to the library and look at all of the possible career routes.

Ask family and close friends what do they think you are, or might be, good at.

It takes money to change a career so start saving and get a part time job in the evenings or week ends you wont make much but it will allow you save as you will have less time to spend.

When you have put a few grand away, probably enough to support you for a couple of years, come back and talk then.

Now get to it, or you'll get the back 'o my hand.

[Ladders]

If you're feeling a bit daunted by the sea of opportunity and need a bit of direction then I'd recommend this lady.

Also this site is quite good for wondering through potential career paths.

but as above, the key thing is to just go gonzo. g'luck!