Overcoming the hurdles on the Career Shift journey

By Jessica McGregor Johnson

Ok, so you've made the decision about what you wish to do, the career change you want to make. The plan of action is sorted and you've set out along the path towards your dream job. What happens next?

Well, one scenario could be that it is all plain sailing. It goes to plan and you reach your goal punching the air with joy.

The other however, is that you meet a few hurdles along the way. Don't despair, this does not mean that you've taken a wrong turn, made a wrong decision or messed up. It simply means that you need to adjust your sails. For a boat to arrive at a destination it constantly has to make small adjustments. It is not simply a matter of setting course and that's that, waves often push the boat off course. But that's not bad, simply part of the journey, you just need to reset the sails and get back on the right heading.

These waves are the hurdles that can occur along your careershift journey, so let's take a look at a few of the common ones that can arise and how you might deal with them.

1. Fear
2. Finances 
3. Lack of Support and Guidance
4. Procrastination 

It is normal for hurdles to arise as you move forward with your dream job. Don't let them stop you but rather see them as a confirmation that you are on the right path and, you're getting there!

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By akusika on 10 May 2007 at 11:15

I have returned to the country after a few years abroad having worked in HR. I am back and having been looking for a job with no luck- most people are talking about me not having any experience in the field in this country. So I decided to apply for positions lower than what I had abroad and still no luck. I am beginning to get frustrated and really do not know what to do. I do not want to take any old job and find my self stuck in a rut. I really need some positive help and direction. Feedback received about my cv etc has been positive- the main thing is me not having any UK - HR experience. For now money is not a consideration it is getting onto the job ladder. Someone please help me!!!!!!


By Jessica McGregor Johnson on 14 May 2007 at 14:15

Two things come to mind that could be useful. If the feedback about your CV is that it is good then maybe presenting your CV in a different way might be helpful. Not knowing how yours is written now this might be doubling up what you already do, but a skills based CV is a great way of highlighting the skills you have rather than where you used them. Its basis is that you highlight a skill you have, how you used it and then show a benefit to the prospective employee, in others words, this is the outcome they can expect. Check out www.prospects.ac.uk and search for ‘styles of CV’ for a good example.

Another idea is to find out what the companies you have applied to think is missing and, if money is not a consideration, how about volunteering for a not-for-profit organisation within their HR department to gain the elusive experience. Often people wanting to break into charity work do this so it is not something unknown in the not-for-profit sector.


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