Changing careers is not always an easy destination yet millions do it every year. There are a lot of dynamics and factors that are pushing many people towards changing careers. These factors can range from the dimming prospects in the current job market to the need for self actualization. For example, if your industry is undergoing some harsh times then you can expect the future to be bleak. Some industries are going through some tough times.  In those places, the prospects for workers do not appear to be bright and many are considering changing careers and moving into new fields that are perceived to be more lucrative.

There are many things that you will need to look into if you are considering changing careers. This is because it normally involves moving from your comfort zone to somewhat unknown realms. You are literally sacrificing the comfort you have known all your working life and shifting to the unexpected. It goes without saying that changing careers needs some great deal of reflection and a master plan.

When you are planning on changing careers, you will need to assess your readiness. Unhappiness at work is one of the major reasons driving people to changing careers. You need to evaluate the source of your happiness. Are you unhappy because of the work setting or due to the direction of your career path? Unhappiness is powerful motivation for shifting directions but maybe your unhappiness could be coming from a different source other than your present job. If you are however convinced that your present job is the source of your unhappiness you will then need to begin seriously evaluating the options available for changing careers.

Mental preparation is the first and most important step to take when changing careers. When you have made the mental shift, then everything else should fall into place.  Your next step in changing careers should involve doing some self analysis in order to determine what you really need from life. For example, if your present job is making you unhappy, you need to be unsure that the new career that you are taking up will really make you happy otherwise you might yourself changing careers again another few years down the line.  Soul searching is an important part of changing careers. That is why you need to give yourself sufficient time for self refection before plunging into changing careers. The more time you have to think through this, the higher your chances of making the right decision when it comes to changing careers.

It is important to look for a professional career coach to give you some direction when you are considering changing careers. While there are lots of career advice in many jobs websites and in the unemployment centres, they are general tips for job lookers and re definitely not meant for someone about to make a life changing decision like changing  careers. Changing careers requires some sound professional advice from a coach who clearly understands your life situation. They should be able to give you more than just career coaching but tips on how to move forward with your new job. Coaches that give these kinds of professional advice to people looking forward to changing careers don’t always come cheap and you will need to make some sound investments in order to ensure that you are benefiting from the best tips.

Another good path that you can take at this point is buying books on changing careers. There are very great books that will give you great tips on the steps that you can take when changing careers. They are written by professional life coaches and career coaches. They also include experiences from people who have gone through some steps in changing careers. You can learn from their experiences and the decisions that they took when changing careers. This should also give some confidence when changing careers and the determined steps that you should take in this regard. A great step to lay your hands on great books about changing careers is talking to career coaches and professionals who have gone through the same process.

You will need to begin taking minors steps in order to slowly shift your focus to your new career of choice. An important step that many should take when changing careers is joining the various professional organizations and trade associations of your career of choice. Those changing careers can also join online professional networks like LinkedIn and Xing where they can find great professionals to network with on their way to changing careers. Career coaches always advise that you take smaller but determined steps when changing careers. You can stumble forward on your way to realizing your dreams. Another thing that you will need to master when changing careers is the SMARTER principle which has successfully guided many principles on their way to changing careers.

Changing careers is certainly not a decision that you take in one night or day. It is slow process that you build over time. In some cases, you might need to learn new things such as new certifications and new degrees. For the most part it is simply a matter of mental orientation. All you will need is to focus your mind towards new goals in the changing careers.