Whether you’re interested in changing careers or the economy has led you down a new path, this contribution by Cathy Harris gives you some great insights into making change. As I mention in my new career change guide, know what you want to do, have a plan and take action. Enjoy… Change Careers by Tapping Into Your Own Talents and Passion
By Cathy Harris
At some time in our lives, we are going to have a desire to change careers. Many people change careers for reasons such as more money, more time with family, greater advancement up the ladder or because of the failing economy. No matter what the reason, many of us think about changing careers, but only a few actually do anything about it.
Sometimes we will be sent signs that we need to change careers. Sometimes those signs can be lay-offs or terminations. Some people who are laid-off or terminated already have another part-time or seasonal job that they can go into full-time. If you are unhappy with your current job situation, you need to start working part-time today on the job or career you want tomorrow. You see them every day-people living the life you want to live, people doing the things you want to do. They are working in the field you always dreamed of working in. Seek out those already working in the field you want to work in and ask them to mentor you. So you can avoid some of the challenges they faced, ask them what were the pros and cons of opening their business. Remember all young people need mentors!
When you realize you have to change careers, it helps to write down your plan of action. Writing down a plan of action will serve as a road map to help you get from point A to point B. Remember though that your roadmap will grow and change over time.
Changing careers can mean tapping into your own talents and passions. Now is the time for you to tap into the other talents you might have. What were your interests as a young person? Are there services you used to pay for but have started doing for yourself to save money? These include tasks such as doing your own nails, braiding your own hair, gardening, cleaning, interior or exterior home painting, making deliveries, washing windows, making flower arrangements, recovering furniture, repairing clothing, driving a truck, etc. What about your passions? Your passion is what you like to read about, talk about or do. Is there something you make or do that you frequently find yourself offering or giving as gifts?
Is there something you make or do that family and friends compliment you on? Did you bring any skills from your past jobs that could possibly help you build another career? Do you have a reputation among your co-workers for anything you make, do, or have expertise in? What about skills like typing, filing, writing, editing, graphic design, web site design, bookkeeping, etc.? What about your skills with animals? A few examples include dog-walking, petsitting, pet-boarding services, homemade pet food, knitted dog coats, and homemade cat or dog beds.
What about side jobs? Did you have a side job that you could now pursue fulltime? What about hobbies? Some of us have hobbies that we could pursue as full-time careers.
Do you have any hobbies? Many side businesses started off as hobbies, including silk flower making and arranging, clock making, jewelry making, photography, baking, and more. Now is the time to ask yourself what you would have been doing if you were not doing the job you are working in? What field might you have been in? What field or career choice would make you happy?
Getting the word out about your new business is not really hard to do. Produce some samples of your work. Take a cake to work or church, braid hair to demonstrate that you can braid, show off pictures of different flower arrangements. Talk about your new business everywhere you go. You might want to initially offer your services for free to get some experience and a few free references to get your business off the ground. Get business cards and flyers and post them everywhere, but especially where people who might need your services or products can see them.
Cathy Harris is an Empowerment and Motivational Speaker and the author of “How To Take Control of Your Own Life.” She is available for Seminars, Workshops and Consultations and can be reached through her company, Angels Press, P.O. Box 870849, Stone Mountain, GA 30087, Phone: (770) 873-2072.
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