Why It’s Never Too Late to Change Your Career

Maybe you’ve found yourself in this situation – getting up in the morning gets harder and harder to do because you don’t love your job anymore. Even the thought of finding a new job at a different company does not really appeal to you. Ask yourself if you should change your career.

And you think: I’ve spend so much money and time on a degree in this field. It’s not worth it to try something new. Besides, it’s just too late.

Fortunately for you, that last bit of thinking is wrong. It’s never too late to change your career, and all that time and money you spent getting your degree will truly be wasted if you spend your life in a career that does not make you happy.

How is that worth it? When you consider that Harrison Ford used to be a carpenter before Star Wars fame and Walt Disney was a newspaper editor before creating his empire, it only makes sense that following your dreams can pay off in more ways than one.

If you want to make a change in your life but are not sure how to get started, here’s what you need to know to get on the path to a whole new career.

Accept Change

You need to break out of the mindset that you can’t change and accept the fact that you can. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Consider that when you first went to college, you may have just chosen a path that was convenient or what your parents wanted for you. As you got older, your priorities shifted, and that’s common. Once you embrace the fact that you can do something different, it will be easier to take that plunge.

Look Forward

One common stumbling block for many people looking to change careers is the fear that it will take too long to accomplish.

This may not be the case. You may have lots of transferable skills that you can easily use to your advantage in a new career, such as writing (from reporter to screenplay writer) and computer skills (from repairing to programming). It can help to get all this down on paper and use a professional resume organization like this one. It can tailor your resume to the type of career you are looking for by highlighting the skills that you already have.

Even if you do need to go back to school, it may only take a couple of years, depending on what you plan to do. Believe it or not, this time will pass quickly, and in the meantime you can do volunteer work in your chosen profession to gain skills and build contacts. It’s never a waste of time.

Ask for Help

Whatever you do, don’t go it alone. Seek out mentors who can help you on your journey and offer good advice. Attend industry functions, join organizations in your prospective field or try making some contacts online.  A good mentor can offer advice and guidance that can make your transition to your new career so much easier, because you are fully prepared for all the ups and downs your new career may dish out.

Also, get the word out that you are looking to change careers; you may have friends or friends of friends who can help you out.

If you don’t know many people who can help you out, consider turning to a website for professionals, like LinkedIn, that can help you get your career change rolling, as well as find new contacts and mentors. LinkedIn is a great networking opportunity that you should make a point of taking advantage of.

Say Yes to Opportunities

Whether it’s attending a conference, joining an organization or taking part in a networking event, accept any invitations or opportunities that come your way. You will be getting your name out there and meeting people who may help you land that first job.

Also, don’t forget the importance of volunteering, which also puts you in the spotlight and helps you build skills. If you want to be a veterinary technician, for example, spend some time taking care of shelter animals. Get involved, learn the ropes and start at the bottom if necessary. It can open the doors to your future.

Change Your Career

As long as you keep in mind that it’s never too late to change, you can make great things happen in your life. Don’t be afraid to take that plunge; you’re worth it.

Image by FurkanDere