In this rapidly changing economy almost all Americans (and a good part of the globe) are experiencing career changes of some sort. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has given up attempting to estimate the number of times people change careers, since it is almost impossible to quantify. The last documented statistic was for 1982, when it was estimated that 36% of all Americans were in the midst of a career change of some sort and that between the ages of 18 and 38 people would hold an average of 10 jobs.

If you find yourself asking ‘What career is right for me’ you are not alone as this continues to be asked time and time again over the last 30+ years. Can you imagine what the current statistic might look like? Clearly a lot more than 36% of the population is looking into career changes!

Experts in the employment arena and currently stating that almost every single American is going through career changes of some sort because of the ever-changing global economy. It seems when we were younger, transitions were events’ with a beginning, a middle and an end.

These days we’re always experiencing change. Change is not only constant, it is a way of life and the more adaptable and accepting we are of this the more enjoyment we will get in our lives and careers.

The positive news is that changes – whether these transitions are having a new family member enter your life, going off to a University, or experiencing a career change – are all good steps to take in order to look further into who you are and maybe even leave behind you the parts of yourself that no longer tend to serve you going forward. For example, many Americans have recently lost their jobs that in some way may have defined you. If you are out in the job market, you might find it to be a great time to start soul searching as well – figure out what would make you more happy than your last job.

So here are some questions to ask yourself as you explore this possibility:

1. What did I enjoy most about my old job?

2. What were the most difficult parts of my old job and would I want to avoid them going forward?

3. Did I use and develop my talents at my old job?

4. What am I passionate about?

5. Based on this inquiry, what career is right for me? And what would be the elements of my dream job?

Asking these questions is a good way to have a fresh outlook on upcoming career changes in your life.

With the rapidly changing shape of work and life, it is no longer news that the average person will have a minimum of three careers in their life time. Making the right move at the right time and for the right reasons will go a long way to bring fulfillment and satisfaction to you. Therefore, it is important that you engage in a carefully thought out analysis of the various options whenever you are trying to make a shift in your career focus. The following considerations should always guide you in your quest.

How prepared are you? Most people make decisions in order to be in tune with popular demand. Because the economy is in bad shape and particular professions have been badly hit, is not an excuse to decide you want a career shift. Having come this far in your career, any change you are planning to make should be deliberate and purposeful. You must be convinced that it is something you will be happy with in the long run. You must transcend the bandwagon effect and ask the question of whether you are set to make the change from your present career.

Take an inventory of your current skills. Having decided on the need to cross over, the next thing to immediately do is to take inventory of your current skills, knowledge and experience and then see the gap that exist between them and your desired career. Then, start listing the various skills, knowledge and experience you need to bridge the gap. Seek out and talk to people in your would-be career to guide you through the process.

Develop a parallel career before switching over. Career experts will never fail to advise aspiring career changers on the importance of building a parallel career before making the actual shift. You can do this by seeking out volunteer, temporary or internship positions in your new career field before quitting your current job and searching for a full-time position in your new career field. This step is crucial because it acquaints you with your new area and gives some assurance to your would-be employer that you will be trainable, since you already have the basics.

Consider your passion. If you are like most people, your first job after college must have been a child of necessity. You probably found yourself on that job, not because it was what you actually wanted but because you had limited choices when you were making the decision. It may have been possible that you had not clarified your career goals and determined what you actually want out of life when you made that first decision. Now that you have an idea of your passion and vision in life, do not decide on the next move without bringing them into the picture. When the chips are down and the going gets tough, it is your love for what you do that will sustain you.

Go for a functional rather than a chronological resume. When you are changing career, it pays to emphasize more on the skills, qualifications and certifications you have acquired, relevant to your new career, instead of detailing your previous work experience, which in most cases has little or no relevance to your desired career. As much as possible you will need to talk less about previous experience and blow up your other relevant assets.

You can talk to a career counselor or an HR expert to help you build a functional resume. It is your greatest tool in your career shift campaign.

Never decide on changing career for monetary reasons. I interviewed a friend who was contemplating a radical career change from the banking industry to the medical profession as a physical therapist. My first question to him was: what is your motivation for wanting to make this total switch? Certain careers are very enticing because of the material gains they offer, but be very careful of switching careers because of all the enticing benefits. Remember that you may make more money, but if you hate your new career, you will probably be spending that money on stress- and health-related expenses. A career that is hot today could be gone tomorrow, so dig deeper.

Continuing from Part 1, let us see a few more career change mistakes that can disrupt the most successful professional lives when made without giving the following a thought:
Possibilities: Career change is a very critical phase in anyone’s career and hence it is imperative that one considers all possibilities and consequences of the same. Researching all such possibilities would be a good practice before making the switch.

This research can be done online, by talking to your network and also by reading job profiles and news related to the new career. This will give you an insight into various careers that are available for you and will help you to make a more informed decision regarding your career change.
Personal parameters: Opting for a career change without self reflection and without considering personal likes and dislikes could be suicidal for any career. Assessing one’s own interests, skills and values is highly critical to any career change. Such an analysis is easy to do and all one needs is to make a list of things that one loves to do- in a job, at home or even in hobbies and another list of things that you will never want to do again. While deciding on a career changes, these lists can be used to perform a SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) and can have a great bearing on a conceived career change.
Blinded by other’s success: A career change cannot be bought upon oneself by just looking at someone who is a success in a different career. You are you and not the other person; the personal qualities differ and make the thin line between success and failure. Considering that career while deciding upon a career change is good, but do not try and replicate someone else’s success. There are too many assumptions in doing so and most people who have attempted a career changes in such circumstances have failed. The grass certainly appears greener on the other side but is not the case most times, especially for something as critical as a career change.
Experience and Education: While contemplating a career change, it is always important to research and strategize on bridging the gap of education, experience and skills between the present career and the new career that you are trying to make a career change to. Transferable or common skills are important but a little bit of focused education and skill building may become important to make the career change. You could begin by interacting with professionals in the new career and attending informative workshops.
Job search techniques: Making a career change almost always involves a job change, so it is important that one polishes his or her job search techniques before embarking on the search. Interviewing skills and resume writing techniques would also need some polish especially since you are out of the search market for some time pursuing your current career. Make sure that you go through these basics before you decide on the career change.
Conclusion
A career change involves too many personal variables. Make sure that you polish up on almost all variables before you decide on your all important career change.

There are reasons why one would consider a career change. It could be that the incumbent looking at career change is fed-up, lost, depressed, bored or just plain unhappy in the present career. Or it could be that the career change becomes necessary due to issues related to family or even personal preferences.
Most career change decisions however, are made usually because the incumbent is not using all his skills in the present career or he or she is left with nothing new to do being at the top of the ladder.
Whatever the reasons are, a career change is a major decision that many employed people face and one needs to analyze all consequences of the decision. Considering the following career change mistakes would be important.
Plan: One always has to make sure that there is a new career plan in place before opting for a career change. A career change is not an overnight supposition and it would take weeks or even months to accomplish. Lack of a successful career change strategy can let one go adrift and probably result in failure.
Hating the job: Hating a career is very different from hating a job. Hating a job does not warrant a career change, it could make do with a job change. This needs a little thought where you would need to analyze what you hate. Is it the people in your current job or the work itself that you hate? Make sure you are clear on this before you contemplate a career change or a job change
Monetary aspects: Dollar signs are no indicators for a career changes. However lucrative a new career could look, it is wise to consider your skill sets and suitability before you decide on a career change. A hot career in terms of money could just as well evaporate in a few years. What matters are your skills and interest and keep these in mind before you decide on a career change. Until you are happy and making a comfortable living in the present career, there is no reason to contemplate a career change just for the sake of money.
Personal pressure: You have to make sure that your decision on a career change is not influenced by your parents, family or friends. It is you who would have to live that career throughout your professional life, not them. Once you are sure that you are using your skills to make a decent living and are happy doing so, there is no reason to consider a career change. Ultimately it is you’re your business and no one else’s.
Resources: Once you decide on a career change it is important that you refresh your professional network and look for a new mentor. Never attempt a career change without the resources in place. Joining industry associations, making new friends in the network and going through informational interviews are very important to a career change. Networking is very important for a career change, so make sure that your network is in place before you make the jump.
Read Part II for more…

Getting people on your side is critical to get a job like you’ve always dreamt about, so taking the time to get your important people with you is really necessary. And worth it.
When you’ve tried to make changes in your life before, people have shaken their heads and told you you’re crazy each time you come up with the next ‘new scheme’ for that dream job.
When you’re thinking that you’ve had enough and that you want a change in your life, convincing your friends and family that this isn’t just another go-nowhere idea for a dream job can be tough.
So, here are 5 useful ways to bring everyone you need on board, when you’re determined to have career success:-
1. Be Serious About It.
By starting to lay down a plan that is well thought out and isn’t impulsive, you’ll be doing two things.
Not only will you be focusing your energy on where you want to go and what you’ll need to do to get there, you’ll be showing people around you that you’re serious.
Having a plan on getting from A to B keeps you on track and is positive proof to others – and you – that this isn’t another daydream.
2. Show Patience.
Plenty of impulsive people out there live great highs – and dreadful lows. They get excited about something, throw themselves into it, and when things don’t work out, they’re devastated.
Remember Aesop’s fable about the tortoise and the hare – ‘Slow and steady wins the race’? You need have some patience and take steps that will move you forward, without being too frustrating when progress is slow.
Careful consideration of how things are moving, will show others that you’re thinking things through to make smarter moves as you go along.
3. Do Your Homework.
People don’t have faith in those individuals who seize an idea and don’t think through what steps will be needed, or what sacrifices need to be made to accomplish that dream job.
They’ll say, ‘Yea, yea, yea’, and humor you.
So, do your research and find out what courses you’ll need to take and their costs, or which people and businesses you’ll need to network with to wiggle into your new career.
4. Believe In Yourself – Totally!
This is a ‘must have’. Being able to weather the elements and batten down the hatches, especially when things are a bit tough is important.
If you’re serious and you want to stay the course to your fabulous future, you’re really going to have to believe in yourself, despite what other people say or think about your plans.
Unfortunately, many people thoughtlessly take the wind out of motivation’s sails with a few unintended putdowns, so be prepared for these and stick to what you know to be right.
5. Know Why Changes Will Make Things Better.
When you’re planning to get into a new area of work or type of job, or when you’re thinking of changing careers to something completely new, you’re going to need to know why and how these changes will make your life (and the lives of others) better.
Sit down and figure out all angles as to why you should make this big change in your life. Then you’ll have something to help encourage you, on those tricky days when things are tough.
And remember, you are much more likely to succeed if you have partners who will cheer you on in this – and if you don’t have these people, success will be all the harder.
So go out of your way to get people onside with your dreams – of that elusive but very possible ‘dream job’ and new, vital, successful career!

Sometimes people choose not to work for others. Instead they may choose a career such as Real Estate. They will go to a Real Estate school and get certified to become a Real Estate agent and buy and sell property. For small business people, they may take a different route and buy and sell houses just for profit. In those cases, they may hire a Real Estate coach from a company such as Armando Montelongo. Flipping houses was made famous by Armando Montelongo and his company will assist a person in the entire process of buying and selling Real Estate.

Career changing is a major event in a persons life. With so many industries to choose from, it is difficult to find out what job to do. There are many things to consider when changing careers. One of those issues will be how much income you can make. Another valuable decision is if you will be happy on a day to day basis doing a specific function. Forty hours a week is a long time so a person must like what he or she does for that much time on a weekly basis.

When a person decides to change their job or career or source for income, many things need

to be considered. In these cases, it is recommended to get as much help and assistance

from as many places as they can. This ensures that they make good decisions in areas where

they have very little experience or background.

In the case or situation of a person who does select specifically Real Estate, a coach like Armando Montelongo’s company is good advice. Why take chances and make decisions based on non-experience when their is experience available. In other words, whatever career you select to get involved with, you should make sure that you have assistance or help so you can ask questions and make good sound financial decisions and therefore your ability to have success is increased.

If your job is leaving you feeling bored, frustrated, uninspired, or burned out, you’re probably wondering what else is out there. Where can you find a career that makes you excited to get to work each day? Does your dream job really exist? It may seem overwhelming to try to find that perfect career, especially if you’re feeling stuck in your current one, but if you start small and do some hard thinking, you’ll find that a satisfying career is not so far out of reach.

1. Start positive. If you’re dissatisfied with your current job, it may be hard to identify the elements you like about it. Most people, though, enjoy at least a few aspects of even the dreariest job. You may hate your boss but love your colleagues. Or maybe you believe in the cause you’re working for, despite the dismal pay. Make a list of the things you like about your current job—these are your first clues about what to look for in a new one.

2. Think big. Now’s the time to make a wish list. What characteristics would make a job perfect for you? Would it be flexible hours, a cooperative team, more responsibility? Maybe you’d like a chance to work in a creative or artistic setting, or the opportunity to show your leadership potential. Don’t worry about whether these things are realistic or whether there’s a job out there that fits the bill (not just yet!). Make a list of all the factors that you’re looking for in a dream career.

3. Brainstorm. Compile a list of every job, no matter how farfetched, that you’ve ever thought you might like or be good at. Don’t censor yourself; once you’ve got a good list going, you’ll start to see patterns. Look for common factors in the jobs you’ve listed. Maybe your fantasy careers are all active, fast-paced physical jobs (like firefighter, forest ranger, and FBI agent), or they might involve caring for and helping others (nurse, teacher, counselor).

4. Test yourself. There are dozens of career tests on the market designed to help you discover your ideal career. While these tests range in quality, from novelty tests on free sites to scientifically validated tests provided only by psychologists, there are many excellent resources online. Look for a website that provides well-researched career assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Strong Interest Inventory, which will provide you with comprehensive information on appropriate careers for your personality type and interests.

5. Do some research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a great resource for career searchers. Visit their website at bls.gov and click on the Occupational Outlook Handbook to view salary ranges, educational requirements, job descriptions, and growth projections for hundreds of careers.

6. Check with an expert. A career coach can help you further identify the elements of a career that will bring you lasting satisfaction. A knowledgeable coach can also suggest careers similar to ones you’ve come up with yourself, and help you decide which careers best fit your goals.

7. Start where you are. If it’s not practical for you to completely retrain for a new career right now, think again about what’s missing from your current job. Is there a different position within your current company that provides more of what you need? Could you keep your job title, but find a new company with a better work environment? You might even ask your boss about making changes in your regular responsibilities that would allow you to do more of what you enjoy. Changing careers is a major goal, and if you can start by taking gradual steps towards doing what you really want, you’ll find that your efforts pay off quickly in greater satisfaction with your work.

Lately, many people complain of being bored and frustrated with their current job – and according to the statistics, around 70-80 percent people continue in their current jobs because they are not able to find a new, suitable one. Many people find themselves trapped in their current careers and feel either too old to make changes or too tied down because of financial commitments.
Being stuck in such a situation is certainly no fun. Many people have gone through this phase – and if are in a rut like this, you need to do something. It is somewhat risky, and you may not be able to make as much money as you are now, at least initially. However, if you are unhappy, changing careers is certainly in order – there is more to life than a paycheck.
Begin the Hunt Now
If you want more from your career, and you also want immense satisfaction and personal rewards, then you should start your search right now! Start by looking for a career that’s right for you, that can give you job satisfaction as well as a salary that you can live with.
You can start by defining your interests. From there, figure out what it is about your current job that you don’t like and what your weaknesses are. This is the only way that you’ll be able to hone in on a career that you can stick with and enjoy over the long term.
Commitment Is the Key
Without a doubt, you will be tense about going through another job search or getting additional education. However, this process is not as hard as you think – initially you might suffer some false starts, but if you commit yourself to the task, then you will succeed eventually. The key is to not get discouraged and keep pursuing your goal – and don’t quit your current job until you have a new one.
Initiate a basic plan and then execute a course of action with regards to further education or a job search and then start looking. Once you know what you need, working towards your goal will be easy and less stressful. So if you really want to change your life and make it more interesting, think about the changes that you need to make and the routes that you need to pursue. But simply knowing your goals and pursuing them not enough – you must take action.

A baby boomer career change requires more wisdom now than at any other time. Workplace and personal change may have occurred without complete approval. Some may have found genuine fulfillment managing a regular and highly approved voluntary task providing help to the needy. Many are still searching within an environment of beautiful gardens, expensive cars and large boats.

An important season has arrived where quality time must be taken to organize a suitable agenda that could go for another worklife.

The workforce may have previously provided the traditional source of income as well as the necessary social interaction and skill development. Numerous experiences would have molded and made every life. What could be still needing serious attention is the baby boomer career change providing essential life fulfillment.

A fortunate few may have been able to recognize and develop skills and talent from a young age and work with these throughout years in the workforce with jobs or careers that provided fulfillment, contentment, satisfaction, pleasure, peace as well as the cash. Choice of the right partner and minimal debt shouldn’t prevent a baby boomer career change..

Many others will now be aware what should or should not have been done. Change in boomer occupation can bring about numerous changes other than a different income source.

This is a season where distressing passed events must be cast from all conversation, banned from the mind and used only as a reminder of what to stay away from, ignore and reject especially during the early stages of taking on the new directions and focus.

Many will now be aware of that particular gift, talent or skill providing pleasure. The choice is yours but the passion and desire must be strong enough to seek out the most suitable reliable business avenues with processes that will supply the new income and provide that much sought boomer occupation modification. The gift may be traditional or unique but will require its own specific management to provide an income that can grow. You are the right one to make it special.

Others may choose to retrain or undertake their boomer job change in the business arena based on new content with an unknown future. This boldness is excellent but requires health and wisdom.

Experiences gained and remembered whilst in the traditional workforce or even snippets from a friendly conversation remembered on affiliate marketing from a happy neighbor can direct these decisions. Take the effort and make the time to discover what must be learnt. Fear must be rejected and not accepted as a false warning to cancel progress.

Successful boomer job change begins with making the right choice. The baby boomer doing the voluntary work with the needy has made a choice that will provide either pleasure and fulfillment or frustration and irritation.

The worker who has made the right boomer occuupation modification is delighted when the client has learnt how to rediscover and market a gift, develop internet marketing skills, write about a major learning experience or even successfully complete a simple but necessary computing course at the local institute. The one who is still seaching may be requiring a short course from the old client.

es can be a danger as it can entice you to leak information.
Acquiring healthy information about the websites before committing is important. Look for advice before admitting to sell any individual training program or product. Career change websites should be contacted, assessed and verified properly. Without any guarantee offered by the websites, it’s unadvisable to send any money or leak any information. Check for phone numbers or any other valid information when you have found out the right career change website. There is always an element of risk involved in accepting an offer. Losing money and being disappointed can always happen if care is not taken. Websites offering way too much and asking money beforehand have to be carefully dealt. Facts can be enticing sometimes, so avoid getting caught.
The bottomline is never leak too much information to career change websites. Acquire ample information before committing to anything. Publishing photos, phone numbers and other private information should be avoided. Though internet is the ultimate tool, one should use it carefully.