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It is estimated
that on average we will change professions at least three times in our
working lives. There are many reasons for this, such as, work is no
longer enjoyable or a challenge, you find yourself working long hours
for little recognition or perhaps you just can't face another one of
your office's terrible Christmas parties! Whatever the reason, leaving
your job is a serious upheaval but it can be a turning point in your
career.
Time for a change
Most people change
jobs to get more money, or to move a step up the promotional ladder.
Others do so for increased convenience, satisfaction, challenge, or
personal development.
Like the birds that
fly south in winter, and that dog in 'The Littlest Hobo', sometimes
you just know that it is time to move on. It is not a decision to be
made lightly, therefore think it through and work out why it is exactly
that you want to change jobs? If your current job offers you security
and a reasonable wage it may not be worth risking for the unknown. Compile
a list of areas where your current job is lacking and try to arrange
time with your employer to discuss these. If they are not forthcoming
or suitable improvements cannot be made do not see it as wasted time
but use the list as the starting criteria in searching for a new job
or career.
Parting is such
sweet sorrow
If you're currently employed, you'll have to decide if you want your
boss to know you are considering a career change. If you think it may
threaten your present job, don't tell anyone. If you think the news
will be favourably received, discuss your ambitions with your manager.
You may even be able to get some tuition reimbursement from your company
if the courses you want to take enhance your performance in your present
job. Additionally, the company may have departments or affiliated organisations
where you could practice your new career.
Even if relations at your current place of work are stretched, continue
to be civil and professional even after you have handed in your notice.
Reputations can spread within an industry and if you are moving to another
company in the same sector you do not want it spread that you are unsociable
or a bad employee. If possible you want a glowing reference when you
leave, so keep things on a good footing.
Once you have decided where you are moving onto, you will have to hand
in your notice. Ideally you will have a new position lined up so the
only time when you are out of work is a week at most. The standard period
of notice is one month, but this depends on how long you have been with
the company, your position within it and what sort of work it is that
you do. If you have a job lined up, you should ensure that they are
aware of the length of notice you must serve before you can begin working
for them.
Once you have left your job you will have your P45 posted to you. This
is a form that shows your tax code and is very important because it
tells your employer how much tax you should pay. A P45 is made up of
3 parts, you should keep Part 1A as a record of your pay and tax and
hand the P45 Parts 2 and 3 to your new employer as soon as you start.
If for some reason you don't have a P45, your new employer will give
you a temporary P46 form.
If you have a pension, share buying options or a health plan with your
company read your documentation to see what will happen to these when
you move on.
A change in direction
If you are unhappy with the entire sector that you work in, it is likely
that you will want a complete change. If this is the case and you are
unsure of what you want to do instead it would be wise to seek careers
advice.
Educational Resources
Visit your local careers centre and have a chat with their trained staff.
They will probably offer you the opportunity to do a psychometric test
which will analyse what qualities you have and what job sector would
be most suitable for you. Additionally, visit your local library which
should have some good careers resources, and take a look at different
job descriptions posted on Jobsite to see what most appeals to you.
Once you have decided on the area you would like work in it is important
to determine what new educational requirements and skills you will need.
It may be necessary to do an evening class at your local technical school
or community college or perhaps even a part time university degree.
Start with a few lectures or sessions to see if you like the subject
matter. As you are probably still in work, these will have to be carried
out in the evenings or at weekends. Ideally you should try to get some
work experience, but you may not be able to fit this in with your current
work hours. Consider taking some annual leave and spending a week shadowing
someone who does the job you think you might like. After this, if you
realise the field is not what you thought or hoped it would be, consider
switching gears and investigating another possible career path.
Planning
The secret to a successful job or career change is to give yourself
enough time to do it right. If you have been in your current job for
a while you will probably know it and your company inside out. When
you move to another role within another company, perhaps even into an
unrelated field, you will not instantly be an expert. By carrying out
research into the sector and the responsibilities of the role you will
make your transition smoother and less of a culture shock.
It is a good idea to talk to as many people as possible who currently
work in the sector, job or company in which you are interested in moving
to. They may be able to provide you with some inside information and
a point of reference to name drop in a speculative letter of application.
Join professional associations and network, network, network.
Savvy Searching
Be careful not to underestimate the time and money it requires to change
careers. Even though you are not new to the job market, you still have
to employ the same job-hunting strategies as someone looking for their
first job or re-entering the job market after a long period away. It
has probably been a while since you last updated your CV, so allocate
some time to doing this, ensuring that it reads well and looks professional.
If you are changing to a different career an employer may view you as
a beginner despite your years of experience in another role and to an
extent this is true. Apply for the best positions offered, but be open
to accepting an entry-level position. Once you get into a company, you'll
be able to advance rapidly because of your experience in the work world.
Salary won't be very negotiable because of your lack of experience in
your new profession. The salary offered will not be what you made in
your last job and may not even be near it. If you can live on what you
are offered, take it. You'll quickly become invaluable to the company,
because of your previous experience, and will be able to command a larger
salary much faster than a first time worker. When you are settled into
your new job and enjoying the profession, don't relax, instead start
thinking of the next career move you want to make.
Take charge of your career change by being prepared, flexible and determined.
Don't be afraid of it or of taking a risk.
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