Changing careers

Question

I’m about to make a massive career change and possible apply to graduate school. I have a general direction for what I want to study, but I need help getting clarity on this. I’ve taken some personality tests, but I don’t want to hang my hat on that. Is there a good resource for helping to solve this problem? Thanks!

Jillian Post · Answer

A couple of questions go without saying. What’s driving you to make a change? Have you identified 3 or 4 fields of interest and researched them or talked to someone in those fields? Start journaling every day or several times a week. Then review those entries and look for patterns or trends in how you’re thinking. Honesty, if you are “a little older” and you don’t have a clear vision, I wouldn’t recommend it. I had a clear vision and it was still really challenging. A newly minted degree or certificate  is something to be very proud of (don’t know if that is part of your plan) but without like experience, it’s no magic ticket.

Rachel Reynolds · Answer

It sounds like you might want to look for a career coach or life coach in your area who could help you. A good coach could give you some resources and provide you with some guidance in just a few sessions. May be worth the investment before diving into graduate school or completely changing paths. I agree that a degree is not everything, though. Thinking about experience is very important when making that career shift.

KimmieFH · Answer

Hi Shana! First of all, congratulations on seeking options and looking out for what is best for you! It can be a difficult and scary step to take. I have a ton of questions which I'll ask a few but I'll try to give some generic advice as well.
First I would be curious about why you are making the switch and what is calling you. Personality tests can give some clarity sometimes but there are so many factors to personality and lifestyle preferences that they just aren't able to consider. I agree with above suggestions for considering a career coach, and not just because I am one! Coaches are able to consider many facets of what you are facing and drive down to the real issues/challenges/preferences as well as help you to devise a simple plan and hold you accountable. We also tend to be knowledgeable on what competencies many roles are looking for and can help match your softskills to mamy options. Specified technical skills are much easier to learn than thinking and communicating preferences!
I would also be curious what direction you are thinking vs. where you are coming from. While I agree that a degree is not necessarily a golden ticket, there may be some transferable skills you are not considering. How you are able to market yourself to employers is a key factor and you may be more prepared than you think!

Without knowing the details what I can suggest is taking some time to map out your priorities in what you want your life to look like in broad terms. Try to boil things  you like or dislike down as high-level as you can (example: start with 'I don't like doing budgeting spreadsheets' and dive to the deeper truth which is 'numbers that don't tell me a story put me to sleep'. It doesn't mean you can't do the numbers work, it means you need to see the bigger picture to get through the detailed work.) This may help you get a little more clarity on right fit options in a holistic view.

And finally, if you are changing now just remember you can do it again! Especially now with so much access to information, there is no reason you can't have 5 careers if you want to. You do want to be mindful of money spent/debt for certifications and degrees of course.. but it is not as cpmmon for employers to value longevity aymore. While it may not gove you the chance to truly specialize in one specific spit, variety can add to your expertise and the diverse perspective you are able to provide!
Hope to hear more about your situation and wishing you the very best, you deserve the life and career or your dreams

Changing careers

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