People come to Figuring Out for career coaching to help them make the transition from a career that is no longer fulfilling to one which is more fulfilling.

Maybe you’ve outgrown the career you had in your 20’s and now in your 30’s are looking for something fresh and exciting.

Perhaps circumstances like redundancy have forced you to re-evaluate your career and take a different path.

Or you’ve always had a burning desire to do something but society norms/parental pressure/school pushed you down another career track.

The good news is it’s never to late to make the change!

5 tips for career changers:

1. Be patient. Big decisions need time to percolate, time for research. Talk to people, join networking groups etc. Why rush something so important.
2. Move from a position of “strength” or “power”. Finding ways to become happier in your current job, means you are less likely to make rash decisions, which you may regret later.
3. Reflect on the following: a. “What did you want to be when you were growing up?” b. “Look forward 20 years…you are attending a function where someone is giving a speech about you. What would you want them to say?”
4. Draw up a list of your strengths, weaknesses, values, gifts and talents. Keep adding to them and re-prioritising them.
5. Try new things. Volunteer, learn a new hobby – this can stimulate your mind and imagination to new opportunities.

For inspiration see below some late career changers:
• Ricky Gervais - events manager to award winning comedian and Hollywood actor
• Susan Boyle - church volunteer to global singing sensation
• Jodie Kidd - model to racing car driver
• Arnold Schwarzenegger – movie star to US governor.

If they can you can…..

Written by Fiona Biggins

Career Coach