Are you burnt out, frustrated, or unfulfilled in your career? Do you feel like you need a change of pace? Are you wondering how to reinvent yourself professionally?
Most of us have felt this way at some point or another in our professional lives – so don’t worry, you’re not alone! Still, whether it’s our employer laying us off or us making a solid plan to leave our current situations, usually the idea of making such a big change feels daunting, confusing and uncomfortable. In short, it can feel like a challenge, even when we know it’s the right decision in the long run.
If you’re wondering how to choose your second career, read on for some ideas on how to guide yourself in the right direction.
Why do you want to reinvent yourself?
Before going anywhere, it’s important to ask yourself why you want to move into something different. Do you want to work fewer hours? Do you want a more flexible schedule? Are you looking to do something more creative? Would you like to know that you are making a difference in the world?
Try to get a sense of what you’re truly looking for in the next ten years or so, both in terms of what you are passionate about and what’s most practical for your lifestyle. If you have a background in fine arts, for instance, it may be that you don’t follow your “dream” career of painting because it’s not likely to bring in enough cash, but there’s plenty of demand for graphic designers out there. Or if you’re into creative writing, why not learn copywriting? Both are digital marketing skills that will continue to be in demand well into the future.
The point is to spend some time getting clear on what you want, and then find (or invent) a specialty that incorporates a balance of overall demand, your practical needs, and your real passion.
How do you go about the discovery process?
If you’re trying to figure out how to choose your second career, rest assured that there are many options available for exploring new paths – and the best thing is that many are affordable if not free. There’s plenty of opportunity for networking, going to conferences, using social media to follow experts, and learn the basics of various skills just by reading blogs.
Not sure where to start? Doing a simple Facebook search for reputable Facebook groups in your chosen field is a great way to start engaging with people. Sometimes these groups are semi-secret, so it’s a good idea to ask friends for ideas if you know people in the same industry or to message administrators if you know who is running the groups.
So, if you’re not sure, just start talking to people!
How do you “get” to your next career once you’ve figured out what it is?
If you’re wondering how to reinvent your career, just remember that these days you don’t need to spend years in school full-time to move into a different field – there are many alternative options available, particularly in the form of part-time, online courses. You can easily take one at a time and work on them outside of your regular working hours.
After even a little bit of searching, you’ll probably realize that there are many second career choices available to you that are relatively simple to train for and that you already have the skills for.
So, is switching to a second career later in life possible? It’s not only possible; it’s probably just the thing you need! Learn more about making a career switch and why digital marketing might be the best industry for you by contacting us today!
