Careershifters' 25 Top Tips to Kick Start Your Career Change

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By Jane

Hello, For the last year and a half I have worked as a Coordinator for a health promotion project in the voluntary sector and earn £29,000. I am 26 years old. However, I have over the past year and half felt that it's not what I wanted to do as and would like to move into events/ community fundraising/ exhibitions. Not sure which! I love interacting with people, have good people skills and thrive on being active , busy and creative and doing a variety of tasks. Though I manage a budget, have line management responsibility and occasionally organise events, am I right in thinking that I'd probably have to gain a lot more experience and probably have to go for an assistant position and therefore take a salary drop? It seems that I am not experienced enough to be an Event Manager, but too experienced to do an Admin role. I do also feel that as I have built up experience in health promotion, that I could somehow combine events with health / diet. It feels slightly reckless to throw all that knowledge away! Any suggestions / comments as to what I could do or courses I could take etc Thanks

By Selina Barker

You've got some great ideas there and are obviously getting clearer on what it is that you want to do. I would say at this stage you need to do some real delving and exploring into two areas:
1. what it is about fundraising, community, events and exhibitions that really gets you buzzing - both the subject matter and the activities involved.
2. what is it really like to be an events manager - find as many events managers and exhibition coordinators etc to speak to. Make sure that the reality meets your expectations.

With regards to pay cut - you might have to take a paycut in the short term, but maybe not. See what's out there.

And as to combining events with your experience in the health industry - seems like a great idea - brining that expertise to a role that requires it could make up for lack of pure events experience.

My suggestion to you know would be to go out there and talk to as many people as possible with the kind of job that you want.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Selina
Content Director, Careershifters

By Lostinspace

Hi I have just turned 30 and seem to have lost direction. I am currently employed in an office of a construction company earning £27,600pa. My partner is a teacher and gets a real buzz from going to work and it's something I feel I have never had. Before I started working in the office I was on the building sites as a bricklayer. Which I hated. I didn't exactly leave school with the best of grades. GCSE's 3 - 5. I recently did volunteer work in Africa with Children which I loved and have always had a passion for independent travel which I am perusing in the coming year with my partner. I have the option of returning to me current employment on my return with the option of further training. Please advise on how I can use the year travelling to discover what I want from working life, what options I have possibly to study while travelling, I dont know where to start as my qualifications seem to limit me anywhere I look... I have no clue where to start!

By Selina Barker

What I suggest you focus on now and while you travel are the 5 key career change questions. Our new Careershifters Guide uses these 5 key questions as the foundation blocks to changing career, no matter what your situation is:

5 key questions to ask yourself are:
- What activities do you enjoy?
- What subjects do you love most?
- What environments do you thrive in?
- What are you naturally good at?
- What's really important to you?

Once you have answers to these questions (and give it time - it won't happen over night) you'll be able to start exploring and identifying the careers that will give you that buzz that you're looking for.

I would recommend you consider buying The Careershifters Guide and membership to the Shift Club Online to help you with your career change. http://www.careershifters.org/the-careershifters-guide-and-shift-club-online

By natters

I have spent half an hour trying to figure out where and how i download this 25 top tip guide - i'm fed up with this site now as i can't find it anywhere! Everytime i click on the donload box it takes me back to the front page - with no option to download!!! Arghhh!!!!!!!!!!!! If anyone can give me any simple advice, that would be really helpful - thanks.

By skuft

Yes sorry for the frustation natters. When you subscribe, you will receive a confirmation email. When you click the link in this email, you will be taken to a page that allows you to download the Top Tips.

By Selina Barker

Hi Natters, sorry for the frustration - don't know what that's happening. I'll just email you the Top Tips now! x Selina - Careershifters Team

By Kaycareerscoach

I would also look on the Connexions website and contact your local Connexions centre. www.connexions-direct.com/ Consider voluntary work as it will give you the experience, useful contacts and an insight into working with young people.

By Jane

Thanks for all the advice. I am sure I will be back on here to tell you how it is going!

By markmccluretoday

Pinkwonton, I read every single one of Selina's blog posts and was amazed how she didn't give up while trying all those different "mini-careers" and jobs. Taking some form of action - however small, is when things start to happen. Life is a work-in-progress and, as the book title says, "Nothing Happens until something moves". What sometimes works wonders, as Selina and other have noted in this site, is to include even more of the things you like to do whenever you can. That might mean new hobbies, travels or friends - and possibly all expensed from the launchpad of your existing day job. Your mileage may vary. Good luck!

By Selina Barker

Hi Pinkwontons! I would stop trying to work things out by THINKING things over. If the exercises aren't getting you any closer to finding a path forward then I suggest that what might work for you is ACTION.

You want to write for a women's magazine? How about writing an article on a subject that inspires and excites you and seeing if you can get it published. Tell you what, I'd happily publish it on the Careershifters site for starters...

You want to open a cafe? Go and help out in a cafe for a weekend, or at a food market stall. I had the same 'cafe dream' and now get my fix by working on my friends' mobile food vans every now and then. I love it.

Careershifting isn't always about changing your job, it's as much about bringing into your life activities that energise you and interests that stimulate you. As you do that you never know how these activities and interests might grow, eventually taking over as the career in your life.

Hope that helps

x Selina

By skuft

Hey Pinkwontons I would second Selina's recommendation. You can be paralysed by thinking yourself into a corner. A friend of mine had the same problem - he ended up "giving up" on finding his dream career and ended up helping his mates renovate a flat and got into property development. Not everyone's cup of tea of course, but the point is, you don't always know the destination, but by doing *something*, you'll begin to find out what it might look like... good luck!

By Jane

Hi, I am 26 years old and have been working as a Project Coordinator for a medium sized health charity for the last 8 months, earning £27,000 pa. I have worked in the voluntary sector since leaving Uni in 2004, yet in the last year I have started to feel unsure about my choice of career. Though I know what I am doing is having a positive impact on peoples lives, I am starting to realize that my day to day work no longer gives me that "high" and I feel frustrated. In truth, I feel distant from my job but don't know which way to turn. Sometimes I think I want a career in CSR (though don't know if an undergraduate degree in Social Policy and 4 years work experience would suffice! )- and the rest of the time I daydream about making a big change and writing for a women's magazine or owning my own coffee shop / bar! I love cooking, children,animals, singing, world music, dancing, friends, travel, books, documentaries and am really interested in the family and relationships. I have done some of the exercises on this website but still feel all in a muddle and confused. I am finding it really tough to note down my talents and skills and translating them into a potential job. There are just so many options it's very confusing! Any advice? Thanks

By jbjacksons

I am a 40 year old decorator running my own company and am physically tired of decorating. I have a degree in Humanities specialising in Art and Art history. I have some retail experience and some MS Office skills but do not want to get stuck in an office 9-5. Salary is not an huge issue, I am looking to work in the creative field, maybe in the social/ charitable sector. Any suggestions of either further training or places that would take me on would be gratefully received?

By feefee

I am a 31year old lawyer who doesnt like being a lawyer!And because of ending up in a career i cant stand, i would like to start doing something to help younger poeple between 13-19years to progress towards identified goals and careers they will love,in form of a non profit venture, problem is i dont know where to start! I know i have an idea of starting a youth centre with mentoring programmes etc but i dont have the dynamics of this and i am told i have to obtain qualifications in this, i am confused and not sure what to do and where to start!Theres nothing like this in my area so i cannot ask some one in the same field,any ideas?

By Selina Barker

I know just the guy for you to contact - Jack Butler at Future Foundations - he's doing just what you're talking about - check it out http://www.thegraduatecourse.co.uk/ or http://www.future-foundations.co.uk/

Jack is a friend of the Careershifters team : )

By Kaycareerscoach

Hi Sylvia,

You do not have to stay in the same stressful, unfulfilling job till you retire. It is now time for you to take stock and make the decision to put all your efforts into finding a job that will not leave you either stressed out or bored silly.

1) The first step of the process is to take a good look at yourself and your life to present, from a personal and professional perspective. Get some paper and write on one side your lifes pleasures and delights and on the opposite side list all the pressures and disappointments. Include anything that you think is relevant such as interests, hobbies or any dreams or career aspirations that you had as a child or young adult. From this can you identify any themes or issues that need to be addressed?

2) Ask yourself what barriers or beliefs are preventing you from finding a more ideal job. For example, "I think I'm too old" or "I can't afford to take a pay cut. " Write these down on the bottom of the same piece of paper. The barriers and blocks that most people put up are fears, the fear of failure.

3) Now think about what you would do if you were free from any financial or practical limtiations. Be as creative and imaginative as possible. Remember the sky's the limit, realism does not come into it! What would be your dream scenario?

Do you believe anything is possible? Question your fears. Is it possible to overcome them? Do they really matter? How will you feel in 5 years time if you are in the same position and your fears and blocks have kept you from taking action?

Good luck, and don't forget to enjoy the journey.
www.kayholdsworth.com

By Sylvia

Hi, I am another one who desperately wants to change career, but has no clue whatsoever how to go about it. I have 2 big problems. One of them is that I am already 55, and I have now worked for 22 years in the same line of business - computer software, starting from trainee developer, and moving on to other positions and now in release management. After all this work where I have arrived at is a dead end, with not enough technical skills, not enough transportable skills, no managerial experience, and a swing between boredom and high stress. The only good thing about the current job is the salary, which is quite good by the standard of this industry sector. The other big problem I have is that I have no clue whatsoever as to what I want to shift my career to. I have interests and hobbies, and high educational level, but nothing that translates into any job/career. The clock is ticking, all avenues seem closed, but I can't bear the thought of carrying on what I'm doing until retirement. Is it still possible to consider a career change, or is the only option to stick with what I've got and try to see it more positively?

By markmccluretoday

Sylvia, You may have more skills and abilities to enjoyably earn a living than you think. Check out Bob Griffiths's 1988 book "Do What You Love For the rest of your life". Although he comes from a different generation of Wall Street crashes (!!) the angst and the decisions he worked through make it an inspiring read for people considering midlife career change. BTW - he 'downsized' his life. There is a small website by the same name, I think. But the book is better info. regards

By Selina Barker

Hi Sylvia,
I've heard a lot of stories of people who have made a successful career change after years in the same company. It IS possible!

One of our Shift Doctors, Jessica, replied to a shifter in a very similar position to you a few months ago. Check out the advice she offered - it's got some great practical exercises: http://www.careershifters.org/node/426

There are also a number of ShiftStories by people who made changes later on in their career.

Start with some inspiration and practical exercises and see what comes of that.

Let us know how it goes!

By Kaycareerscoach

No it is not worth all the stress, upset and panic! You don't say how old you are but I'm imagining you are still in your twenties? Welldone to you for applying for jobs that you are drawn to. This is a good start. Changing career direction does take time, faith and commitment but I am certain that you can find a job that gives you less stress and anxiety. Have you considered voluntary work? This is always a good way to gain experience and inside knowledge. Perhaps you could apply directly to agencies and organisations that interest you? This would mean re-writing your CV/covering letter and tailoring it to they job role you are applying for. Look on jobs4U website for housing officer job description. You need to show that although you have no previous experience, that you have transferable skills. Follow up you CV with a phone call, you will need to be persistent. Perhaps you could ask to talk meet with someone who already does the job? Have a look at my blog for more ideas kayholdsworth.com

By frosty

I work for a major high street bank as an account manager... which basically means "seller". When I started the job 2 years ago, I took on the job primarily because I had a strong sales background and needed a job due to relocating. I did not want sales job, but I struggled to get into any other role. When I first began work I quite enjoyed it, I felt I was advising the customer more than selling to them. I had the help too of being in a big and busy branch. Then, because I was good at the job the management shifted me to an underperforming branch to see if I could rescue the sales! Bad move. I have hated my job ever since. Although I do very well in my sales performance, I feel like its a constant battle. Customers hate me hassling them everytime they come in. I get daily tellings off! I have to do overtime for free to hit target. And now i started having panick attacks. Thing is I cant stand my job anymore.... but I cant get out of it. I would love to work as a houing officer but have applied with no joy. I have not got any housing qualifications so wondered if there was anything I could do to help me get into something that i know i would love?? Funny thing is.... Im only earning £17k a year. Is that really worth getting stressed, upset, panicked and overworked for???

By willt

Hi, I'm desperate to change career but have the sinking feeling that I'm trapped. I work as a financial adviser for a major bank, the problem being that we don't give advice - we sell. If I convince someone to put their life savings in the stock market I get a pat on the back whether it was the right thing for the client or not, the only thing that matters is making the sale. I make money, my boss makes more money, everyones happy, or is supposed to be. I like financial markets etc and always wanted to work for a bank but hate the sales side. The job is actually making me physically ill, I think about work constantly, even when I'm playing with my kids. If I don't get out of sales soon I'm really worried about how things may end up. The stumbling block is that I'm quite good at it, I earn good money so all the jobs I come up with that I'd like to do are just not possible (young family, big mortgage). I've looked at training for some sort of analyst role in the bank but at 38, would be in my 40's before qualifying and would be competing with new graduates for trainee positions. PRobably wouldn't get the job and definitely culdn't take the pay cut. I'd love to work for a charity and do something that I felt would make a real difference but as usual it's the money that puts a stop to it. I really don't think theres an answer and am destined to work in a job for another 20 years that I absolutely loath. Maybe letting off this bit of steam will help :)

By Kaycareerscoach

I can totally emphathise with the position you find yourself in. It is very easy to find yourself "stuck" in a job you dislike or hate. There is a way out though but it will take a change in your thinking and a commitment to change. Take a look at my blog for some inspiration/ideas kayholdsworth.com You need to consider how you will feel in 15-20 yrs time if you stay in your current job. I know it sounds cliched but we do only have one life. The barriers that we put in our way our not always so impossible to overcome. Sometimes these are just excuses which we tell ourselves to keep us safely in our comfort Zone, free from failure.

By lostlady

Hi, currently have a very specific job in corporate security doing research and cant honestly think of a single thing I like about my work. I have done this for 6 years both here and abroad but all career advice I have doesnt seem to listen to my primary problem which is that I dont want to stay in this work. Everyone advises me to go freelance or change company, but thats not what I want. I genuinely have no fear of leaving this job but utterly clueless of what to do next. All my interests seem to be those that most people would love, travel, people etc. Aggggh so frustrated. help me!

By Squirrel

Hi, I am currently working for a large financial services company as a management accountant. Throughout my twenties accountancy was all I wanted to do and I was focused, motivated and driven. I gained my CIMA qualification and after a couple of years my career seemed to plateau as there wasnt as much to aim for as I had my letters. Now at 30 I am having a career crisis, I have been for interviews for new jobs as I thought that it was what I wanted, and even though I am being offered jobs I am turning them down, either because the package doesnt match what I am on or just because after getting the job the idea of it just doesnt appeal anymore. Im not sure therefore whether I should change companies, roles, or career altogether. Sometimes I think i would be happier just working in a coffee shop, that said I am used to earning a good salary, but I am realising that it isnt the most important thing. I can't face going into work now, I feel I cannot remember the last time I was truly motivated. I have always liked the idea of being a debt councellor or a financial advisor, a job where I can use my knowledge and experience and share it with others, whilst having a varied and challening role. Help! Thanks!

By willt

Hi Squirrel, to be a financial adviser you'd need to take a qualification such as CEFA (cert for financial advisers). It's 5 modules, you sit 2, then another 2 and then a final one which is a summary of the previous learning. It's relatively straightforward, multiple choice so you shouldn't have a problem if you're bright enough to pass CIMA. I would add a word of caution though, I entered the industry for similar reason as you, I though I'd be giving people advice based on my expertese etc, but I've found that it's just a cut throat sales job. I work for one of the big banks, dealing with the rich clients, so I'm supposed to be in one of the better jobs in the industry but even then I'm not enjoying it. There are plenty of guys I work with who love it, but they are the more sales orientated people. There are plenty of people making fantastic salaries in the industry, but please have a think about whether you'll be happy with targets for how much investment you've brought in etc, constant pressure to hit targets etc.

By Squirrel

Hi Willt, thanks for taking the time to reply to me. I probably had a very rosy idea of the role of financial advisors and maybe was a bit blind to the hard selling part :-) I might still look into the CEFA qualification though as its always another string to the old bow. After looking at others comments I think I might also try to get back to enjoying life full stop and not letting the lack of enthusiasm for my job affect my enthusiasm for life. Thanks again and I really hope things turn out well for you! Squirrel.

By sarah1

Hello all! I am 32 and currently work as a solicitor. I worked for a large international company up until March of this year, when I had a really confidence destroying experience as they promoted a less qualified man over me and did not deal with the situation or explain why to me (plus I really hated the job), so I left to work for a much smaller firm. I am enjoying the work a lot more and particularly enjoy the non work side of the job (pr, management, brand profile) but still dont find it particularly fulfilling. I also have a "second career" playing in a band which takes up a lot of my time and it is difficult to balance the two! I have spent about a year looking for jobs related to law (ie charity commission, working for the council etc) but now I am wondering whether to change tack alltogether and go for something more creative - I used to pursue lots of my other interest such as alternative health, writing and music but now I feel I have no time at all! Does anyone have any advice for me? I am going to a retreat for a week to think about my options, but I don't really want to get "stuck" in a job I dont really like again Thanks for your help

By Selina Barker

Hi Sarah,
Seems to me you're a lady with a lot of interests. Me too. And it's great to have so many passions and intersts but can get overwhelming when you attempt to juggle them all AND earn a comfortable living at the same time.

I left a secure job in marketing two years ago and had a brilliant time earning a living doing the things that I loved - I made jewelry, taught Spanish, travelled to Europe and even the US working on events, worked at festivals, sold icecreams, joined a friend of mine on his burrito van. I looked into retraining as a homeopath, a councellor, even a mid-wife at one point...all this and I was working with the Careershifters team running workshops and building this website.

I had a great time but I was living on the breadline and eventually I had to admit that it wasn't a sustainable way of living and my emotional well-being for lack of security (and lack of money to buy food!) was suffering.

My love of advising people on their careers led me to recruitment, specialising in marketing - I'm doing something I love everyday AND earning a reasonable income.

But that doesn't mean I have had to cut out my other interests from my life: I'm still working on Careershifters, still selling icecreams and burritos and working at festivals every now and then. I'm planning to take up photography again, hatching a plan for a Careershifters book (that will raise some eyebrows in the team!) and more.

The point is, when you have so many interests you can't squeeze them all into your career. Career is only one portion of your life. So what I would suggest is that you start making a list of all the activities and interests you want to pursue in your life and then look at the whole of your life and where they can all slot in. And remember you don't have to do it all TODAY.

Have a look at what income you need - could you go down to working 4 days a week, giving yourself that extra day to follow your other interests?

It seems to me that for you it is both a matter of considering a career change AND working on your work-life balance.

I remember meeting a lawyer at one of our Careershifters workshops. She thought she wanted a career change, but realised in the workshop that she wanted a life back. I bumped into her a few weeks later (selling her an icecream!) and she said she was much happier in her job now that she was filling her life outside of work with the activities and interests that she loved.

Give it some thought and let us know how it goes.

Hope that's of some help.

All the best,
Selina

By Sam

Hi there! Phew - After being a negative person for many years (I'm 38) I am going down the road of trying to change all areas of my life to positive. One of the main areas being my career. Sorry if you fall asleep part way through - but I thought I would start at the beginning.... I left school unsure of what to do for a career and I only had 3 o'levels under my belt. I went to college and did a 1 year combined arts course as I had an interest in the arts. Here I found I loved painting and sculpture etc.. and went on to do a B-Tech National Diploma in General Art and Design. I broke off the course to travel to the states on a Camp America programme which I don't regret one bit. I returned to college later that year to re-start the B-Tech but then finished early again the following year to go back to the states to work. This happened the following year also so I never completed my B-Tech. I worked at a printing company after that then somehow worked in a school for 10 years (the first 6 years as a learning support assistant and the last 4 as an IT technician). I then moved away from home and have been in the IT industry doing various support roles ever since. I would love to change my career but I have an IVA which is not completed until I'm 41years old!! So I am afraid to take the plunge now in case I end up going bankrupt due to not being able to make my IVA payments. I don't have any savings. I would love to do a job in art like an art therapist or maybe an art teacher? When I was at college, I was put off going into the arts field as I was advised there are no career prospects in art. But I feel a passion inside me for art. I would love to go back to college to do an arts degree but would fail when applying for a student loan due to my poor credit history. I really don't want to stay in a job I'm not happy with for the rest of my days...how can I make a positive change in this area of my life? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

By Selina Barker

How much painting and sculpture do you do in your spare time? Often people's frustration in their work is massively amplified when they've stopped doing the things they love in their free time.
If you have a passion inside you for art, how about starting by really expressing that passion outside of work - get back into painting and sculpture in your free time. Take evening classes or weekend classes. Many people find a new career grows out of a hobby that suddenly flourishes. Give that hobby the space and time to grow and see where it takes you.
If you did then decide that you wanted to spend more time on your art work you could look at doing part time work.
When I left my job 2 years ago to change career I decided I wanted to paint and write for a living. By starting to do it seriously in my spare time I realised that actually I enjoyed it most when I could do it as a hobby - doing it to make a living took the fun out of it. The point is, you never know until you try.

By Flambee

Just an idea....do you like make-up??? Some of the best make-up artists I know have come from an art / fine arts background.....and they can make a lot of money freelance whilst indulging their artistic passions doing wedding make-up etc. Kind of random suggestion, but it might be worth exploring as a way to get extra cash to help you save up for your studies, and you might find it really fulfilling in the meantime ? You could even volunteer at places like cancer charities / hospitals as many do rehabilitation therapies for patients.....

By Sam

Thanks for your advice Selina.

By taylor

I'm 31 and have a degree in Fine Art an since graduating in 1999 I've had my own business as a photographer, worked as a Administrative Assistant for a computer company and I'm now currently working as a Design and Technology Technician at a school. Initially I loved the job because I wasnt stuck at a computer from 9 -5 and the job consists of mostly using my creative side and working practically, but now I find the job incredably boring, the pay is very poor and there are no prospects within the job. The job has been good in two respects because it gives me lots of time to play the drums which I have a huge passion for and also to travel in which I have worked as a volunteer abroad, working with animals (heading out to Namibia this august) My idea at first was to start teaching drumming when I have passed my grade 8 (which I am studying for now) and run it along side of being a Technician but as the pay is so low and I am desparate to get out of my current job, I have driffted away from this idea because I'm not confident I will be able to earn a good living in order to have my own place.... I'm looking for a career in which I can be challenged and that I can use my brain again, please help as I feel like I'm going round in circles and not getting anywhere! I'm very confused!!

By Selina Barker

Careershifters coach, John Williams, is our resident expert when it comes to making a good living creatively. Plug 'John Williams' into the search box at the top of this page and read through the articles and shift surgeries he's answered on this subject. Also visit his website www.freestylesuccess.com.

By Selina Barker

People always get stuck in a pile of options. It's like we try to jump a few steps ahead of ourselves when wanting to make a career change.

The only way to get clear on what path to take is to go back to basics and work out what you want from your job - what activities you want to be doing, what subjects you're most passionate about, what your strengths, skills and values are. There are loads of articles and exercises on this site to help you with that. Put 'getting started' into the search box and all the relevant expert advice will come up.

Once you're clear on what you want to fill your days with it'll be a lot easier to see what jobs will ofer that.

Try some of the exercises and let us know how it goes.

By Jam99

Hi all, Im looking for any help/advice I can find as I've found myself at a bit of an empass when it comes to what to do next. Im 30, graduated in 1999 with a degree in Ancient History. Spent 5 years working in the TV industry which I learnt alot from and was great fun but the lack of work all year round finally unfortunatly meant I had to find a more typical "9-5" job. Consequently have ended up in a records management/archiving role for the last 3 years and have again leart alot but this particular role is defintaly not something I want to do any longer than I have to as I no longer enjoy or feel challenged in the role, there is no prospects of promotion and being a "faceless" member of a huge company isn't much fun. I really am not sure what way to turn now, to go back to media (which would be great but i imagine would mean starting back at the bottom of the ladder, to study again (which would be great but more of a pipedream becasue of the expense) to work more in historical work possibly in archiving/cataloging in a way that I can really use my degree (that i loved doing) or skills ive gained previously more or to do something completly different. Work experience isn't really an option either as wouldn't be able to afford not to be paid for any great length of time. phew sorry about that mini-essay there! Any help would be great! Jamie

By catshorty

I have worked in the financial services industry for 8 years. I really want a total change of career as i have lost all enthusiasm for the business and its now something i have to do just to make money. However i have no clue what new career i would like...there are so so many jobs out there and don't know where to start and it looks like i would have to take a significant drop in salary as i have no experience in any other field. Help!

By Selina Barker

Notice how you say you've 'lost all enthusiasm'. It suggests that you might have once enjoyed the work you do and something has changed.

It's important to remember, when you start getting fed up and jaded by the work you do, that maybe the job in and of itself isn't the problem. Don't immediately think that you have to make a dramatic change. A total career change isn't always the answer and it's important that here at Careershifters we make that clear.

We've had people come to us thinking they want a total change, only to realise that they had forgotten to enjoy life outside of work. They weren't just bored of life - they were bored of life.

Some of them found the solution was to start new hobbies or revive old hobbies. I knew a lawyer who started writing a novel in her spare time - went to creative writing evening classes - and her life transformed and she started to enjoy her job as a lawyer again.

Start by going out there and enjoying life - try new things, make time for the things you love. You'll either start enjoying your work more or will be inspired as to what else you can do. It's a win-win situation.

By Selina Barker

Hi Vicki,
You sound like you're pretty clear on what want and don't want and what your skills and strengths are. That's brilliant.
You're at the exciting stage of exploring your options and looking at what jobs match your criteria.

But you're making the classic mistake of having a good idea and immediately discounting it with an 'I don't think it's possible'.

If the National Trust is something that appeals then get in touch with them. Check out their website - http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk - they have lots of volunteering opportunities which is a great way to first get involved. You'll be able to explore what you enjoy doing and will meet the right people to help you find out what paid opportunities there are.
So my recommendation is to get in touch with them this week and let us know how it goes!

Good luck.

Selina

By vicki

Hi there, I've been a nanny for the last 15 yers. I'm 33 and feel like it's time for a change. Although I love children I dont want to work in that field now. I'm very self motivated with great organisation skills and love the outdoors. I couln't be stuck in an office all day and do like to work on my own. I'm not a 'super brain' but I am very practical and good with my hands, also quite artistic. I especially like woodwork. I'd love to do something that keeps me on the move. Dont mind being outsise in the cold/wet weather. I did think about doing some work for the National Trust, but I think it's pretty hard to get in isn't it?? Thanks, I hope someone can help me!! Vicki

By sk1982

Since leaving uni in 2005 with a Business IT degree & a 1 year marketing internship experience, I thought I wanted to become a qualified accountant working in the the Entertainment industry as I've always worked in that industry. I landed myself an accounting role (minus the studying) in the music industry. I was totally estatic about it even though the pay isn't great & it doesn't offer any study packages. Years have gone by and I've been there for 2 years 3 months. I must say that I'm very unhappy with my job. There's no pay rise, no progression & nothing to offer. I'm 25 (turning 26 very soon) and I shouldn't be feeling completely demotivated and unhappy on a daily basis. I decided to review what I want to do. Is accounting really for me? It is absolutely mundane & repeatative with no real challenge. But I loved maths and numbers in school & university, and I am very good at my job. I spoke to my friends & work colleagues. They offered different advices & my head was all over the place. Shall I stick back in accounting but look for a new work place that may appreciate me with a better pay & a study package? Shall I start looking for some consulting jobs? Maybe Marketing or Project Management? Even event organising? Maybe a runner or a production assistant? I didn't know what to do and my friends/colleagues managed to sell these jobs to me that I think I want to do everything! As I have enjoyed my internship & the marketing modules in university, I thought that could be a possible sign that this could be the job for me. So I applied for the marketing position at my current work place but with no luck. A rejection within less than 24 hours but I wasn't surprise with the politics & who can bring benefits to who, I didn't even stand a chance! I have been applying for the past 1 1/2years (not intensively) but with only 2 interviews and many rejections or "you don't have enough experience". I've signed up online with different agencies but none are interested. Are people born with experience? I want to ask each and every single one of them. I am only looking for an entry/assitant level. I began to question myself - maybe I am over qualified for an entry level and not qualified enough for anything above the entry level? Every single rejections only demotivate me. I have other outside activities which I thought would be a great benefit to my cv. I worked for an AM radio station, helping out on outside live broadcast and event organising. I carried that duty out of volunteer for around 4 years, until 12/2006. I have recently helped a non-profit company on a live TV broadcast at the BBC studio, as a volunteer production assistant which I thoroughly enjoyed. With these extra activities, no agencies or employers seem to be interested in me. It came to a point where I'm asking myself whether I should stick back with accounting, search for a new employer that offers studying & better pay or whether I should continue to search for a marketing position and try it out because if I don't like it, I can always fall back into accounting. I know that by doing a marketing course it will attract many agencies & employers, but my biggest problem is money. So I am back to square one... I don't really know what I should do but one thing I know is that I want to leave my job/employer asap and I've been saying that for the past 1 1/2 years! Help!

By Selina Barker

Don't worry, you're not alone - this kind of confusion is very common! I certainly went through it - I was overwhelmed by all the choice out there, not to mention everyone's different opinions.

First of all, I would suspect that the reason you're not getting much love from agencies or employers is that you're still not clear on what you want. They can't make up your mind for you.

Employers and agencies are looking for people that are clear and committed on what they want - otherwise how do they know you won't change your mind and leave the job 3 months down the line.

It sounds like you've been doing plenty of thinking - for a year a half! Which is good - you need to spend time mulling your options over. But it's not getting you closer to any kind of resolution. What I would suggest is that you get back to basics.

Rather than thinking in terms of job titles, get back to working out what activities you enjoy on a day to day basis, what kinds of people you like to hang out with, what working environments you thrive in, what your passions and values are. There are lots of articles and exercises in the 'Getting Started' section of the site that will help you with this.

I'd also suggest booking in a few sessions with a coach - they are great at guiding you out of the confusion and into clarity.

By Selina Barker

Hi Deedee,
Actually most people, when they get fed up with their job, like you have NO IDEA what they want to do. I certainly didn't when I decided to make a career change at 26. Check out my Shiftlog on this site and you'll see how I went about working out what I wanted to do.

If you love travelling chances are that, like me, you love new experiences and love exploring. I took that spirit of adventure and applied it to my career change.

I started trying out new activities, sought out opportunities for new experiences and made an effort to do things that I had once enjoyed or had always dreamed of doing.

As I did this I made a conscious note of the activities and environments that really made me buzz and began to get a clear picture of what were the 'must-haves' for me to be fulfilled at work.

I helped friends on their stalls at festivals, I got involved in projects - offering my services for free, I enrolled in a ceramics course to design my own jewelry, ran a Spanish workshop once a week in the evening and more.

I did this for two years before choosing a new career to settle into and it was every bit as exciting as my days of travelling.

So, what I would suggest, is get into action - get out there and start discovering what activities and environments make you buzz. And check out the expert advice for exercises that will help you at this early stage of your career shift.

Good luck!

Selina

By Deedee

Gosh I dont really know where to start, it seems like a lot of people on this really know what they want! I graduated from uni in 2004 with a management and IT degree (although I have little knowledge of IT!!), went travelling for 2 years and then fell into a job working for a textile company and doing quality assurance (I dont particularly love it and the money isnt the best!!). I'm 25 now and I feel like university was a bit of a waste as I didnt really know what to do with my degree. I would love to do a job I enjoy, or even to have a clear goal of what that is. Its hard to know what path to take, to go back to Uni and retrain- although I couldnt really afford to do it again, plus I'm probably a bit old! Is there anyone out there in a similar situation to me? How did you go about figuring out what you wanted to do? Im trying to fight off the urge to go travelling again as I dont want to return to square 1 at 30!!!!

By riskee1

I am a 43 year old married woman with no children. I have just recently accepted a buyout from general motors in michigan. I decided it was time to pursue other interest. Trouble is I have an associates degree in accounting and B.S. in Health Administration. I have not spent any time in any of these fields in the past 11 years that I spent building cars. I have 1 year volunteer experience as an office administrator and the last 2 years i have been running a computer lab inside general motors which has given me the guts to leave and move out of michigan and start a new life. The trouble is the economy is so bad that everyone thinks I'm crazy except my husband. I know I am capable of doing something else. i just don't know how to get started any suggestions?

By Selina Barker

Have you read the expert advice and exercises written by career coaches in the 'Getting Started' section? (type 'Getting Started' into the search bar and they'll all come up). You'll find exercises that will help you get clear on what's important to you, what activities you enjoy and what work environments you thrive in so that you can begin to visualise a picture of what a fulfilling work day would look like to you.

And don't worry about people thinking you're crazy about making a career change - most career shifters report that. I found that it was the people that ALSO wished they had a different job but were too afraid to make the change themselves that were the most negative about me making a change.

You're lucky to have the support of your husband.

Let us know how you do with the exercises.

Best wishes,
Selina

By Grezza

Hi all, As many, I am at the start of the route to changing my career i.e. I know in my heart that I need a change but really do not know to what??? How have other people out there made sense of all the noise and blurred thoughts in their mind? I'd really appreciate any suggestions as I am really struggling to get past this. I have been working in procurement for a large blue chip company since leaving university around six and a half years ago. My problem is that I have been sucked in to corporate salaries without realising that the world of powerpoint presentations and naval gazing really is not for me. All I know is that I enjoy being out and about interacting with people and facing daily challenges. That unfortunately could be found in many places I imagine. Thanks in advance for any responses.

By Selina Barker

Hi Grezza,
First of all you're not alone - anyone who has made a career change has gone through that initial phase of 'what am I going to do?!' panic. I had plenty of noise and blurred thoughts going on when I went through my career change - just check out my shiftlogs! Great news is that you DO know what you enjoy - 'being out and about intercating with people and facing daily challenges.' And it's true that this could be found in many places, which on one hand can seem overwhelming, but look at it positively - how lucky that there are so many options out there. Sonia, one of our career coaches always says to remember that there isn't ONE right career for each of us. There are lots to chose from that will bring us fulfilment.

What I would suggest is that you start by making a list of jobs that involve being out and about and interacting with people. I also enjoy that and i found that a job in recruitment offers me all of that. Mind you so did working on a burrito van - ultimately one was a little more lucrative than the other!

I'd also suggest you browse through the 'Getting Started' articles and exercises on this site written by top career coaches. They are brilliant at helping you get further clarity on what's important to you in a job.

Anytime you get stuck post a comment and one of us will always answer.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Selina

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