My Life, My Job, My Career: Tips To Help You Succeed

by Linda Allen · Jun 13, 2016

After graduation, you may expect to be propelled to the highest heights of the career world, especially if you have trained in a particular field. But what if your dream career isn’t quite what you thought it would be? What if you snapped a selfie and didn’t like what you saw? Is it possible to change your path? What are your career options?

Consider a move rather than a new career.

degree regret

It is possible to make a change in your career, but there are lots of factors to consider. Apart from the basics like how you will pay your bills, you also need to think about making a smart career move. First of all look at your current career, is there another role within your current field that you can move to that you would find more satisfying?

For example, if you’re a copywriter in advertising, would being an art worker be a better fit? If you are a care assistant, would you like to get qualified and become a fully fledged nurse? If you can make a sideways step, it will probably be easier and look better on your C.V., that a total U-turn. And remember that a sideways step may require only minimal additional training because of overlapping skills and knowledge requirements.

Research

You may want to change completely from the career you have the moment. If this is the case, then there are a few things you need to think about. First of all make a list of all the things you love doing. There may be some good possibilities in hobbies or interests you already hold.

A good way of going about this process is to read the book What Color Is My Parachute. This will help you to identify your strengths and the working conditions that you will function well in. This can help you create an actionable plan to make your career change. You can also research your personality type on the Myers-Briggs index. This can help show you the types of job and type of work environment in which you will flourish. For example, INFPs favor creative and counseling situations, where an ENTJs prefer roles is like an account or analyst.

Before you make your final decision, it might be a good idea to volunteer or shadow someone that is already working in the industry you wish to be in. There is no better experience than to roll your sleeves up and get involved. Things that seem a good idea on paper can often be different in reality. It is also great to have a working knowledge of your new career, from the inside before you make the jump.

Re- Training

Once you’re ready to make the jump then comes the training. Training is available in all sorts of areas. The artistic among you may go for a photography course or a course in how to sell your artwork online. The more business-minded may prefer an accountancy qualification or an MBA.

career options

Remember you can choose a full-time course, a part-time course or a home study course. If time is of the essence, take a full-time course. If it’s important to keep working in your current job then consider part-time, which you can fit around your commitments. This is good because you get the benefit of training to do something new while having the security of keeping your old job.