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The decision to change careers is easy but doing it successfully is where the rubber hits the road.

While it’s never too late to try a new career on for size, changing careers can be a significant challenge.

Are you ready for the career change?

A lot depends on your career of choice and whether you’ve done your homework on the 3 factors you need to consider and work out before embarking on a new career.

More often than not, the desire to change your vocation has more to do with filling a void between what you’re doing and what would fulfill you rather than having taken a wrong career decision in the early stages of your joining the workforce.

If you’re committed to make the transition in vocation work, there’s no reason you can’t find a new line of work that fulfills you and pays the bills.

But you have to take action and work towards the career change goal.

You will be embarking on a new adventure and need to be prepared not only for the wins but more importantly the misses and setbacks that may happen along the way.

Don’t brood over them for too long. Consider them a learning experience and move forward.

You owe it to yourself to make the best decisions and choices and make the change a fulfilling one.

7 Tasks You Need To Focus On Before A Career Shift

Years ago when I decided I wanted to change my career from a finance professional to an Executive Coach, I realized the shift was not going to be an overnight one but which required some serious thought and planning.

I identified 3 key areas with 7 activities that prove useful in making a career change and doing the work one was meant to do.

Focus on what drives you

The decision to change a career is your decision and you will need to take responsibility for your decision. What’s driving you?

Here’s we’re not talking about hating your job or the boss who drives you up the wall. We’re focusing on you.

Here’s how I would approach it.

1. Make a list of what you don’t like about your current position. If you’re considering a change, there must be something that’s rubbing you the wrong way. It might be your company, the people, or your position. Maybe you just weren’t cut out to be an automobile engineer, software developer or tax accountant. You have the skills and aptitude but it doesn’t make your heart sing or you’re no longer motivated. Consider the things you don’t want to see in your next career.
2. Make a list of what you do like about your current position. Nothing is ever black and white. There are shades of grey and your current position can’t be all that awful! What are things about your current company and position that you enjoy? What would you like to see in your next position?
3. Consider your values. Taking up a job for the great pay is good but there might be a conflict with your values. Perhaps your core value is helping people, but you spend your days as a debt collection agent. A position helping others directly might be more to your liking. List your values and consider careers that dovetail with them.

Need more help in this critical section? You want my free Tip Sheet on Changing Careers After 40.

Manifest your desire with a Road Map

Now that you know what makes you tick, it’s time to do some more research. I’ve covered some of these points in greater detail in this post.

4. Brainstorm a list of career possibilities that take into account your likes, dislikes, and values. Now that you’ve given some thought to what you like, don’t like, and your values, think of careers that can satisfy all of those requirements.
5. What else do you need? If you’re planning a significant change, you’ll probably need to learn a few new skills. You might even need to go back to school. Consider what you need to add to your resume and make a plan to make it happen.
6. Set a goal. Know what you want and put your vision to paper. Read your goal each day. Develop a reasonable plan to reach your goal in the near future. Create a goal that inspires you.
7. Tap into your network to learn more about your dream job and what may be required of you. Let everyone know you’re looking to make a change. Be careful not to burn any bridges at your current job until you’re ready to move on. This includes talking to headhunters who will be able to advise you on what companies are looking for right now.

Stay grounded in reality

I don’t want to burst your bubble but you do need to be realistic. Just because you’ve taken a decision doesn’t mean that things will miraculously fall into place.

Be prepared to take a demotion or a pay cut in order to change careers.

I remember working for a Big 4 firm that would hire staff at one level less than their actual qualification and experience if they came from any firm other than a Big 4 and even though the professional was competent, that was the price they had to pay to join the elite firm.

Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a small step back to eventually take a greater step forward.

You’ll also have to exercise patience. Finding a new position within your own field is usually challenging especially as your seniority increases or if the market is on the downturn.

Finding a new position in a new field is considerably more difficult. You must be patient and persistent. Expect that it will take some time, but keep working hard toward realizing your dream.

But it can be done. Take the time to make a wise decision and then put a plan in place.

And if you need more inspiration, read my blog post Second Inning Career Success Secrets – these ladies did it.

There is nothing more inspiring than seeing real people complete their career change journey and reach their destination successfully.