Changing Career during Economic Slowdown

Of late, have you been pondering about changing your career? Is the economic downturn hindering you from the next course of action? Then, you are not alone. For, there are many people, like you, who want to change their career but are anxious because of the slowdown in the economy.

Yet, you don’t have to wait, watch, grumble and sleep. Economic downturn may be the window to the lucky breakthrough you’ve always wanted. Consider a career change seriously if:

• You are not able to enjoy your weekend thinking of the week ahead. There is a permanent frown in your face which is getting grimmer as days pass by. You hate the Mondays that promptly arrive every week.
• The job you have isn’t the dream job you craved for. Often, frustration can creep in when you are struck in a job you don’t love. There is no motivation to complete the daily tasks and there’s no joy to be derived from the work. In short, you are no longer cheerful and alive at the workplace.
• The pressure is more than what you can bear. Given, all jobs have their own pressures, but if your job is affecting you, mentally and physically, think of a change. Besides, there is no alternative to good health and no job is greater than ‘you’.
• The job is boring and you are fed-up of the routine work in the office. You want a more challenging job fit for your abilities. For instance, if ‘fashion design’ makes your heart beat fast, you think of design even while looking at the office curtains, and then feel sad. So, try exploring the fashion design job market. Thus, this new job would be a challenge and fun for you.

However, now, may not be the best time to think of a career change if you are looking to make more money or want to change career just because your friend did it. If you hate your present job find the reason behind the hate. In addition, see if you can find some solutions to alleviate the hate.

As you can search for jobs during your spare time, wise, it may be, to submit the resignation after receiving a job offer. This applies to new business ventures, as well. Lay the ground work before jumping into anything new.

No doubt, career change is a big decision which can affect your entire life. So, remember to take a detached test on your strengths, skills, abilities and weaknesses. If you think that you lack key skills for your dream job enrol in some part-time or online courses. Have a comprehensive master plan; this plan should have details of the avenues/opportunities, job/business searches, skill set, research, education and a properly drawn CV. With this plan in hand landing in a job is easier and quicker too.

When you look back after twenty five years-a successful fashion designer/journalist/poet, et al.-you’ be glad that you took the plunge and changed your career at the right time.