Change Careers, Find New Direction

By Matt Krumrie, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: March 1, 2003 - 10:00 PM

Are you willing to take a chance? Then maybe it's time to change careers, especially in an unstable and changing workplace like we have today.

Changing careers is never easy, but it can be done with proper planning and preparation.

Before you set off on the journey, keep in mind changing careers doesn't happen overnight. Remember, becoming an expert in your current field took time, so don't expect anything less as you move forward.

Before making a career change, be sure to investigate the field thoroughly. This means talking to professionals in the field you are pursuing, attending networking events with those professionals, and educating yourself as much as possible through classes, reading industry-related newspaper articles, magazines and books and conducting Internet research. You don't want to make a change only to find out later you've made a mistake. Also consider the financial ramifications of changing careers.

Bottom line: Take a good hard look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of changing careers. Here are some steps to consider:

Analyze the career you are considering and ask yourself "would I truly be happy doing this?"
Analyze the market and job prospects in that field. Are there jobs available in that field, and what types of experience are employers asking for?
What training, education and additional skills will I need, how long will it take and how much will that cost?
What will the professional, personal and financial impact of changing careers be? Also, if you don't change careers, how will that impact your professional, personal and financial life?

Its important to thoroughly assess the positives and negatives of your career change. In many areas, people can transfer skills to other industries and be welcomed at competitive salaries.

Are you willing to take a chance? If so, then now is the time to change careers.

Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, MN, and has five years of experience reporting on the employment industry. E-mail subject ideas to janelson@startribune.com.

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