Seven steps to a successful career change

Is your current job getting you down? Thinking about a career change? It's scary isn't it. Making a successful career change is one of the most difficult things anyone can do. But how do you make a successful career change? There are some steps you need to consider before you make a career change to ensure you will be successful. A new job may mean a new you, but will it mean a better, happier you?

Knowing how to find a job you love is crucial for a long, happy and successful chosen career and perhaps even a wealthy life. Considering the steps to a career change below prior to leaving your old job may just prevent a whole lot of stress and anxiety in the long run.

7. What's your motivation?

Are you seeking a career change because you hate your current job or maybe your boss or you are exciting about another career? Is it because you don't like your colleagues? It may be better and sometimes easier to look at another company in the same industry rather than trying something completely new and finding you are a fish out of water.

6. What are your interests?

Ask yourself what you are truly interested in and this may give you the answer to your motivation. Finding a new career which your interests are based on or vice versa will mean you are doing the work you love which often leads to enjoyment and success. So don't just jump careers and go to anything without first considering what interests you.

5. Discuss it with family and friends

These are the people that know and can offer sound advice which is a crucial step to a successful career change. Talk it through with family and friends, the advantages, disadvantages, challenges and so on. Ask for frank advice so you can make a well informed decision as changing jobs is a huge thing.

4. Talk to those who are the industry you are considering

Working in a new career is not easy. Maybe Gen Y finds it easier than others who may find it daunting. To be full aware of the industry you are considering speak to those who are in it and have been for some time. Again, ask them to be honest about the good and the bad.

3. Identify your skills against those of the job you are considering

Have a look at what the new career requires. Can you address the selection criteria? To answer this question you need to do your own skills audit and then match up them against the requirements of the industry you are considering. If there are gaps you may need to re-skill or get qualifications to meet the criteria.

2. What qualifications are required?

Once you've done your skills audit you can then see what qualifications are required. Do you need to study at university or a technical college? Do you need to get certain trade tickets to meet the requirements and do you need to be a member of a professional organisation or be registered to work in the industry? Look at generic skills such as public speaking and communication as areas to brush up on.

1. Ask for work experience

Once you gone through the steps above you might want to consider approaching your chosen industry and ask them whether you could do some work experience. You might volunteer your time for no pay or very reduced pay. This shows you are extremely motivated and keen to make the move into the industry and employers will be impressed by this. This is a little practiced secret to success!

Changing careers is a big thing but with some research and planning you achieve huge success in your new career! Good luck!

Here's some helpful articles on finance, wealth creation and money making just in case your career change takes a while to pay you well: