As we age, an objective that we as people share is having the eventual job, having a career. This decision is one of the biggest ones that occurs in life; it provides the means to live, impacts daily life, and the events leading up to and after getting there. So what happens when the career you’ve chosen does not fulfill you? For many the idea of switching careers may be scary, and while it can come with setbacks, it can also provide great benefits. Such was discussed in a recent interview with Kenosis’s career coach Bill Fanelli in which he reviewed some of these aspects.
The Decision
Deciding to make a change is one of the first steps towards a shift in career happening. One of the factors that could impact an individual’s choice is age, asking “am I too old to be making such a switch?” A popular saying is with age comes wisdom and with that wisdom there is the ability to responsibly make this career change occur. In fact, it can be a quick happening that comes unexpectedly, or be something that you have anticipated for a while. Ultimately, there is neither too young or too old an age to make this choice. However going forward there is information to know and consider that will make this process easier.
Choosing the Time
There are many factors that contribute to it being the right time for someone to make a change in career. According to Mr. Fanelli, “When a person’s dissatisfaction of the current job gets to the point where it’s disrupting their performance in the current role of their current job.” Upon reaching this point it is time to truly consider acting on the desire to shift careers.Other potentials with with staying in an unfulfilling career Mr. Fanelli warns is “causing or triggering some health or mental health issues.” With these considerations in mind, the time for a career change ultimately comes when you choose. Given the ability, even if it’s not possible to start right away, get moving taking baby steps toward the goal as the upset felt may only get worse.
Mistakes Made in Career Change
Changing a career can come with problems, but going into it with a plan of action. Mr. Fanelli mentions it “has to do with the context, and the degree of difficulty and getting to that destination.” This is directly affected by finances which can be how some go wrong when changing a career. When taking steps towards this change it is important to have both a long-term and short-term plan to accommodate for the effects this move will have. Look at costs, what’s being brought in and will be leaving income wise, and know your why. Why is this something you want and have direction as best as possible.
Career Coaches
Career coaches, such as Kenosis’s Bill Fanelli, can be invaluable to those struggling to make the decision to switch careers or decide the direction they want to go in. Part of the benefit of a career coach like him is he individually evaluates and helps take that sense of direction from not knowing to narrowing it down, helping show that perhaps this may be your direction or point you in one. He himself has also personally been through some career changes and therefore can relate on that level.
In a matter of a few meetings he moves the individual along through tactics such as a Strong Interest Inventory and Career Journal, where by the final meeting results are gone over and he helps create a plan for the steps to follow moving in your desired direction.
Realizing your potential is also something that a career counselor, and others in your life can help with. What you may perceive to be an ability or talent many others have, could in reality be a course of action that should be pursued.
Explaining a Career Change
Going into a new career could bring questions as to your past and getting there, especially when you haven’t been in that field very long. However, Mr. Fanelli advises that “if you’re working in an area of your natural passions and your interests you know and you have demonstrated you’ve had some early successes…that confidence will shine through.” Approaching the situation and your responses with confidence will exhibit that although you may be newer in that role, you are confident and fit to fulfill it.
Building yourself in the new career you’re working towards takes time more often than not, so is it worth working for free to change your career? The answer to that is whether it’s affordable. Volunteering time makes sense if it is financially feasible. If able to do so, it also could open different outlets and in some cases helping to build networks and relationships.
