Meet Tom, a 40-year old who has been working in healthcare for the past 10+ years. Tom doesn't feel satisfied with his job, but it's all he knows. He thinks to himself, "There's no way I can change careers now. It's too late for me, besides what would I even switch to?" If this sounds like you, you're not alone. In fact, only 39% of people say that they feel fulfilled by their jobs. A staggering majority of people don't enjoy their jobs.
If you're one of these people, you may have thought about a change in careers, but have no idea where to begin. It can be difficult to think about making a change, but it can be well worth it. It can lead to both a higher income and a better quality of life depending on the field. Follow your gut and make the change if you feel drained where you are now.
Get Educated
The biggest thing you need to do is learn about the field that you plan on going into. Some fields, like computer programming, have great bootcamp programs that can get you up to speed in no time at an affordable price. There's also plenty of free resources to learn more about certain subjects, like edx. Taking classes like this can also help you decide if you really enjoy an aspect of a field and want to pursue it further.
Of course, some programs also require a new degree altogether, such as a Lawyer or Doctor. If that's the case, do some research on what you will need to do and start preparing, there's no need to worry about going back to school due to an abundance of programs assisting potential students. Many people go back to get another degree later in their lives. Half of all graduate students are above the age of 30, while 22% are above the age of 40. It's never too late to go back for another degree, or any other kind of post-secondary education.
Meet people in the field
A large part of finding a new job consists of networking with people in that field. You have to put yourself out there and meet people in your new industry. They can give you a lot of information, including an insider's look at the career and guide you towards open positions. The people you meet will be vital towards breaking into your new field. Referrals are the most popular way, as well as, lead to hiring at a much higher rate than other methods. Knowing the right people can help you land a job in any desired career.
Get experience in your new career
Now that you've prepared yourself for your new field, it's time to land that first job. Remember to update your resume and get ready for any interviews. After all the hard work you've put in, you should have no trouble convincing a hiring manager that you are ready for this new journey. And now that you've done the hard work, it's time to settle into a new career that you will enjoy and advance in.
What about my debt?
Another common concern for making that career switch is any prior debt that you may have. If you have a lot of student loan debt, you may be hesitant to switch in fear of defaulting on your payments. Student loan debt shouldn't hold anyone back from pursuing what they want to do. That's why Defynance created a solution that works with people like you. Their student loan refinancing solution uses income share agreements instead of traditional interest or debt to allow you the pursuit of your goals. Something to keep in mind when checking off the items on your new career preparation list.
