5 Steps to Prevent a Career Change Mistake

Carrie, dissatisfied with her current career, came for coaching because she didn’t want to take a wrong next step. “I know what I don’t want to do!” she says, “But I’m terrified that I’ll choose the wrong job and end up right back where I am…unhappy and unmotivated.”

Does this sound familiar? So many face this trouble: Unhappy in career, but paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong choice. Instead of choosing a direction to go, we become overwhelmed with our choices and end up stuck right where we are.

In exploring her career interests further, Carrie returns to a central theme regularly. Truth be told, Carrie has a pretty good idea of what she’d really like to do next and it’s a pretty radical career change. Understandably, her fear of the unknown – of making the wrong decision — is holding her back.

We make decisions based on the best information we have at the time. Carrie needs to gather knowledge and immerse herself in her new area of interest to help mitigate the risk of taking that next step. Action is powerful. Thoroughly exploring her new career aspirations, Carrie is taking responsibility for her life. Not only will she gain the information needed to make the best career decision, she’ll increase her self esteem and ability to move ahead powerfully with the change.

Investigating a new career doesn’t require that Carrie quit her current job. In the short term, having the stability of a job – even one that isn’t satisfying – is essential for most people. It gives the emotional and financial freedom to gain clarity through your exploration.

Here are 5 steps you can take to explore your budding career interests that will help you make a confident choice:

Read trade magazines

Use the Internet or an industry association to find the trade magazines and newsletters for your industry. Read trade publications to soak in the “culture” of this career. Learn the vocabulary and understand industry trends. Find out when industry events are scheduled. Read about industry luminaries and how they got to where they are.

A major career change is like a new wardrobe (figuratively and sometimes literally!) Try it on for size and see how you feel: does the industry feel natural and comfortable? Can you see “wearing” it long term?

Additionally, as you adopt the language and knowledge of your new career, you’ll be able to communicate more successfully with others in the industry, which is an important next step.

Go to conferences and industry events

Network! When making a career change there is no step more important than networking. Talk to people in the industry at local and national events. Let them know of your interest. Ask your burning questions. You’ll find that most are more than willing to help you along your path.

By networking you’ll learn a lot about the people and companies in the industry. You may also find mentors and champions who are essential to your future success. Networking gives you an essential foundation for entering the new profession: connection with your new community and a way to decide whether these are people you want to be in community with!

Take a class

Continuing education courses are offered through many universities and industry associations. Taking a class on your subject has multiple benefits: you gain skills and knowledge to help your transition, and you also gain access to a network of industry professionals.

Understandably, taking classes is not an option for everyone. However, at least take some time to research the education available in your area of interest. Is advanced coursework, certification or licensure expected by employers? Are specific areas of knowledge emphasized? These insights may impact your decision to enter into the field.

Test drive

Try out your chosen career. Volunteer for a project through the industry association. Arrange to assist or shadow a friend or a mentor to experience their day-to-day activities on the job. In some fields you may even find a Vocation Vacation that will give you firsthand experiences such as coffee house owner, fashion designer, or museum curator. Check it out!

Do it

If you still feel you are on the right track, but are not ready to leave your current job figure out how you can work your new interests into your life as it is now. Maybe you can do some free lance work after hours or on the weekends. Perhaps volunteer to do a project for a non-profit. Getting solid experience on your resume will smooth the transition to the new career later.

Also consider integrating your new interest into your current work situation. Identify a need in your company that will benefit from your skills in this new area of interest and propose a project to fill the gap. A “stretch project” such as this may put more work on your plate immediately but it will give you the satisfaction of doing the work you desire. Just make sure to define the project carefully to meet your needs as well as the company’s. For more information about stretch projects read: Radical Change Strategy: Stir Things Up with a Project.

Taking the steps above will give you detailed information about your next career steps. This will lessen the risk associated with the change and help you make your decision with complete confidence.

On a final note: What if your exploration reveals that this isn’t the path you actually want to take? Then it’s time to slow down and get back in touch with the core YOU. To get you started, here are some articles including a wonderful approach for widening your viewpoint from Pamela Slim: