Three action points to help you change career

The start of a new year is a great time for setting yourself new career goals, particularly if you no longer find fulfilment in your current job and are considering a change of career. However, despite many of us starting the year with exciting career plans, they can fade into the distance when we realise they will not be fulfilled overnight. We become stuck, often with no idea what to do or how to go about it, and before we know it, another year has passed, and we are still in the same job.

Working out what you want to do when considering a career change can be challenging. I speak to many people each week who feel disillusioned by their current role and want to change direction. However, they struggle to identify a career that would best suit their skills, experience and personality. They spend hours searching online and examining job advertisements in the hope that their dream job will simply jump out at them.

If you are finding your search for a new job or career difficult, use these three action points to help structure and enhance your search:

1. Understand

Spend time developing your self-awareness so you can become really clear about the type of career that might suit you. Focus on your skills, interests and personality.

What really motivates you? What are you good at? What type of working environment would suit you?

2. Investigate

Start exploring career options that match what you discovered in step one. Identify realistic possibilities and use your contacts to find out more about them, helping you decide whether they could be right for you.

3. Develop

Assess the suitability of each option and decide which appears to be the best fit. You can then create a plan of action to develop your chosen career path.

Structuring your job search and dedicating time to it can support a successful career change. Taking time to make an informed choice may increase your confidence in the direction you choose, but it is also important to balance reflection with practical action.

You may not identify the perfect career immediately, but every step can help you move closer to a role that suits you.