Top 10 Worst Mistakes That Career Changers Are To Prone To Make 

It is never an easy thing to do to change careers. When you change careers, most people will think that you are not thinking straight, some would even say that you will not be able to find any other job; and your relatives will annoy you endlessly with the usual “I told you so” lectures. But if you are bored or feel burnt out, and also thinks that you are over qualified with your current job, then changing your career is the best option to do before you actually lose your sanity.

However, to change a career is a very big decision to make. It has so many possible outcomes as well as consequences. Before you make the decision to change your career, you must be aware of these 10 mistakes that you should avoid doing when changing careers:

1. Don’t Change to Another Field Without Doing Research
The worse thing that you could do is changing to another field without doing the necessary research. Look carefully before you take the jump. Make sure that you are not changing to a field that would just make you feel the same way as you did before with your last job. Be sure to do a thorough evaluation at first, on yourself as well as the field you are considering about.

2. Don't Limit Yourself to All the Possibilities
Widen your perception. There are jobs that might work for you without you knowing about them. Do research on job profiles, and explore on other career fields that you find out by assessing yourself.

3. Don't Change to Popular Fields Unless They're a Suitable for You
You would not want to try wearing something that does not suit you, so why would you want to work on a field that is suitable for other people but you? Some people may want to help in finding you a job, but they could also mislead you by talking you into trying a job that may not be suitable for you. Instead of immediately taking their suggestions, think about your options really hard. Ask yourself what you really want to do and make your decision based on that. Sooner or later, you would get burnt out again if you choose a field just because it is popular.

4. Don't Change to a Field Just Because a Friend of Yours Is Successful in It
It is natural to compare yourself to other people. But it does not necessarily mean that you will also be happy and successful with a career that one of your friend is successful in.  Do a thorough research on the field you are considering by doing some readings, online research and networking. Go out and ask around. You can get information on different fields by asking your colleagues, friends, family, and even your college alumni. It will be easier for you to make the decision when you have all the information.

5. Don't Make Decision Based on How Much Money You Get
No matter how much you get paid, if the job is not suitable for you, you will still not be happy. The top health issue for working adults is stress and dissatisfaction with their workplace. This is usually the case for people who want to change careers; they usually earned less until they changed into another field.

6. Don't Stop Yourself From Talking to Other People
You may not want to tell your boss just yet but it is best to talk to other people when you are feeling dissatisfied with your job and want to make a career change. You should let your family; friends and colleagues know so that they can help you find resources and information on other jobs that you do not know about.

7. Don't Choose to Study Again Unless You’ve Tried Out the New Field
There are so many ways on how you can get experience that will not cost you anything but your time. A volunteer experience, internship and also contract assignment are something that you could try out first regardless of your age. A new degree may not necessary help you get the right job. Be sure of which direction you want to take before you decide to enroll yourself in another degree program that would cost you money and time.

8. Be Careful When Looking For Jobs Through Search Firms or Placement Agencies
Make sure you find a good match y doing enough research. Ask opinions from people who are already in the field or from people who have made a successful career change. Find an agency that knows how to and are very good at finding job for people. Avoid those that are only interested in getting you a higher position in the same field.

9. Don't Ask a Career Counselor to Choose the Field for You
Career advisors are trained to follow your lead, for they are facilitators. They can help you in searching for your own talent and also dreams. But only you can help yourself in making the decision, and doing research by yourself is a great way to do that. Never trust someone who makes any promises on telling you what to do.

10. Don't Expect Changing Careers Only Takes a Short Time
It normally takes a minimum of six months to completely change your career, and most of the time, it could reach up to one year or more. It is not quick, and it is not easy to change careers. So make sure you have done your research and you are prepared for the waiting.

There are so many resources available for you to do your research on. And there are no reasons why you should make a mistake in changing your careers. You should be able to control on how you choose your career, and not the other way round. It is, without a doubt very exciting to change your career to another field. It is similar to experiencing youth once more, only with the wisdom of how old you are right now.

Don’t forget to reach out for help, from friends, family, your colleagues past and present. Remember while you are doing the work, try to have others do work for you too, or use tools that can assist, Emerald Who’s Who for Executives and Professionals, Inc. can help. Go to www.emeraldwhoswho.com to see if you qualify, as the age old saying goes, it’s not only what your know but who you know that matters more.

 

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