Workplace Challenges
Switching career goalsWith the spring season upon us and nature's rebirth in the air, many people have career change on the brain. |
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 [ 2008-03-26 ] |
But wanting to do something new, and figuring out how to get there, are two different things, says Trent Arendse, Brampton branch manager at Accountemps.
"FLUFF"
"Sometimes people make these decisions as part of a new year's resolution and it's nothing but fluff," he says. "It should be an opportunity to think about whether you can have a happier situation than the one you're in now."
Establish your reasons for wanting a new career, e.g. more job fulfilment, higher salary, or a workplace located closer to home.
While you may have the drive to switch gears, he says, do you have other strong talents that you could apply in another employment context? Take stock of your interests and abilities, he says, and determine if they have employment staying power.
"Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but some work better as hobbies, and some you can make progress out of," Arendse says. "You need to know yourself well and have the self-confidence to pursue it and see if it pays off."
Big life change can cause big anxiety, Arendse says, so it's important that you share your intentions with friends and family.
"Confide in your spouse and the people who are most important to you before making this decision," he suggests. "Your family needs to see the logic behind your decision, and more than anything else, you need their support."
Next comes the homework phase, Arendse says, which involves learning everything you can about your desired industry. He advises scouring the Internet for current literature and research pertaining to your chosen industry, and determining its leading corporate players.
Once you have a company in mind, he says, go online to find out about its organizational objectives, corporate culture and current job opportunities.
"Once you do this groundwork, it'll be easier for you to pursue the right career, and to determine if you want to be a part of that organization," he says.
Talking to people working in the industry will help you get a better sense of the work involved in your chosen career, he says, which is why you should consider engaging in professional networking at industry-related events, such as those held by your industry's professional association.
Also important at this stage is determining if your educational credentials measure up, he says, and if not, figuring out how to upgrade them. Arendse advises browsing job ads and calling the recruiters who have posted them for more information on the required qualifications.
"This is well worth doing -- it helps you find out more details, allows them to talk to you and get your details, and lets you make a sound decision," he says.
WORK HOURS
When you're job hunting, he says, be careful to avoid doing so on company time -- do your research outside of work hours, and contact hiring managers early in the morning or at the end of the day.
"It's not ethical to have your current employer fund your job hunt," he says.
Even though you're planning to switch career gears, make sure you continue to maintain your current workplace attitude, attire and level of contribution, he says, since co-workers and managers can often easily pick up on any changes in behaviour.
If you have a good rapport with your manager, he says, fill them in on your career change plans, so that they can plan ahead to replace you. Also, take good notes about your current projects, so that your replacement and co-workers can easily pick up where you leave off. Even though you're switching careers, Arendse says, it's still important to leave your company on good terms, in case you need to use it as a reference.
Says Arendse: "You'll have the confidence to know that you can leave your organization and it will be in good hands, and that you can refer them to future employers that are considering you."
Have you ever slept while on the job?