A career change can be intimidating when you have a specific job in mind — when you don't have a professional passion in mind, it can be downright scary. A lack of direction is no reason to stay in a job you hate, though. With small action steps, it's possible find new interests and reinvent your career.
Let Go of Your Plan
When you're approaching a career change without a specific end goal, it's important to ditch your plan. Approach the process with an open mind and let go of embarrassment — there's no shame in taking a short-term job, accepting a pay cut or starting over in an entry-level job. The more receptive you are to new ideas, the easier it is to find work that lights you up. Be prepared: deviating from a lifelong plan can bring up stress and worry. To combat these thoughts and stay open to new ideas, get proactive. If you're worried about a lower salary in the future, for example, start saving now by cutting your clothing budget in half or dining out only once per month.
Extrapolate Your Interests
Your personal interests are a great place to start a career change. Start with something simple and extend it to all of the possible careers. A love of the outdoors could lead you to a job as a hiking guide, a wilderness instructor or natural resources manager. If you want to live abroad, you might provide cultural concierge services or work as a private English tutor. Be open-minded: your dream job may simply incorporate a facet of what you love. If you love to perform in local theater productions but you don't want to be an actor, you might consider a position that involves public speaking. If you love to sing classical music, a new job in public radio could be a fulfilling career change.
Get Your Feet Wet
Trial and error is one of the most effective ways to find inspiration for a career change. Start by trying new things. Ask a college classmate for a half-day of job shadowing, or invite a former colleague out for coffee to talk about her home decor startup. Attend a networking event for a professional association in a completely different industry. If you have the time, try out new skill areas by volunteering to write a grant or edit a marketing video for a community group. During each activity, make a point to meet new people and explain your mission — this simple conversation can lead to invitations and new ideas. Most importantly, say yes to every opportunity that pops up. This process expands your network, reveals new job paths and helps clarify what you do and do not want in a new career.
Experimentation and an open mind are key to finding a new professional direction. When you embrace all possibilities, a career change can be an exciting and life-changing opportunity.
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