Do you want to go back to school, get a new job, or otherwise change your career? You can quit a job you're tired of and change your career path! These tips are inspired by the successful Suze Orman, who encourages women to find work they love -- even if it means going back to school or taking a low-paying job.
But, getting another diploma or degree isn't the solution in all situations:
"Going back to school makes sense only if it is a necessary step in a well-conceived career change," writes Orman in The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke. "Otherwise, it's just a bad excuse to get out of a situation that isn't working for you."
Whether you're thinking about going back to school or aiming for a promotion in your current job, these tips might help...
1. Think career, not short-term job. When I first started freelance writing, my husband kept talking about my "writing career." That freaked me out at first, but then I began to think about my writing that way...as a career, not just a dream, goal, or way to pay the bills. It changed how I organize my workday, what I focus on, and what types of assignments I accept.
2. Get comfortable with failure - and build your resilience. Successful women fail a lot - and they bounce back a lot more! Learn how to overcome failure , recover from setbacks, and focus on your long-term vision. Expect that you'll have to struggle to achieve your goals...because good things rarely come easily.
3. Make sure all your choices take you in the right direction. Before you decide to take a class, quit a job, accept a promotion, or take on a new client, ask yourself if that choice moves you towards your long-term career goals. Avoid the inclination to dismiss your needs to make other people happy or fulfill their expectations (read Letting Go of Other People's Expectations - Maria Shriver for help with this). Surround yourself with women who are where you want to be...or who are getting where they want to go.
4. Create a financial cushion. "If your new job involves going back to school, even part-time, or taking a new job at lower pay, I want you to take the time to build up a bit of a cash cushion to help you through the transition," writes Orman. When you're leaving a job you hate or that doesn't suit you, the last thing you need is create financial stress! So, scale down on the extras and focusing on pursuing your passions.
5. Aim for the right opportunities - not the best money. "The right job at the right company in the right field is your goal early on," writes Orman. "Follow your passion. There will be plenty of time to make money down the line." Of course, this works best when you're not struggling to pay the bills or feed your kids! If you need help saving money, you might find 7 Unusual Tips for Spending Less Money helpful.
6. Don't rely on the internet. If you post your resume on job sites or email it to potential employers, you'll be lost in a sea of blurry faces. Instead, visit the people and places you actually want to work with or for. Make phone calls. Your computer is fabulous for research - but successfully changing careers requires face-to-face interaction.
What have I missed? If you have any questions or tips on successfully changing careers, please comment below!
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger who created and maintains a series of Quips and Tips blogs: Quips and Tips for Successful Writers, Quips and Tips for Achieving Your Goals, Quips and Tips for Couples Coping With Infertility, and Quips and Tips for Spiritual Seekers. She's also the Feature Writer for Psychology Suite101.
37 comments