Everything You Need to Know About Making a Career Change

As fulfilling as it must be to be managing to juggle having a beautiful family and a thriving career, if you dream about taking on an adventure, it might be time to consider a career change. Many parents might shy away from making a move as big as this because they worry about already being stretched for time and how they might cope with all of the requirements in this regard. 

The good news is that changing careers need not be the challenging task that you expect just as long as you do it strategically and with careful planning. Here is everything that you need to know before taking the plunge. 

Signs it is time for a career change 

Before you start this new journey, it is important to make 100% sure that it is what you want. A career change isn’t about moving from one company to another just because you are not overly fond of your colleagues or because you are keen to see a positive change in your paycheck. More often than not, it is about transitioning from one industry to another. Therefore, it is not something to do on a whim! 

You will know that a career change is the best decision if:

• You dream about excelling in a completely different position: Perhaps you grew up with dreams of becoming a musician, a veterinarian, or a nurse, and you are simply not satisfied in the career that you ended up choosing? It is never too late to pursue your dreams!
• You are no longer making progress in your current career: If you have reached the top of the proverbial ladder of success, you might be keen for a fresh challenge. 
• You are overworked and underpaid: When stress becomes a huge part of your life due to your job, it is natural to consider making a significant change. Watch out for symptoms of high stress levels, such as headaches, irritability, fatigue, and insomnia. 
• Your job has completely robbed you of your confidence: A job that leaves you with minimal self-esteem just is not worth it. 
• You are not passionate about what you do: Doing a job that you do not look forward to everyday will eventually take a huge toll on your mental wellbeing. It is so vital to love what you do! 

Acquiring the necessary skills

So, you have decided that a career change is the correct path – what now? Depending on the specific industry that you want to break into, the chances are high that you will have to acquire new skills, experience, and qualifications to get started. It might be possible to get this done by finding a mentor or applying for an internship or apprenticeship. However, in some cases, you may need to go back to school to resume your studies. Fear not, though. If you already have a degree or a diploma, you will often be able to take advantage of accelerated courses, i.e., courses that can be completed in a much shorter space of time. 

A great example of this is that of online ABSN programs for those in possession of a bachelor’s degree who want to enter into the field of nursing. This bachelor’s degree can be in any non-nursing discipline. An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing can often be completed in one to two years, depending on the type (full-time or part-time) of program available. 

The beauty of undertaking an ABSN online is that you will still manage to keep up with your responsibilities as a mom. Almost all of your coursework can be completed in the comfort of your home, aside from your clinicals, which obviously must be completed in a healthcare facility under the watchful eye of a supervisor. This might require enlisting the help of specialist childcare or drawing on your support network of friends and family to keep an eye on the kids, but at least you know that it will be for a much shorter period. Luckily, when you choose to become a nurse, you benefit from flexible hours that can be tailored to fit in with your schedule. 

Career change survival tips 

There is no denying that making a career change can be stressful and taxing, both physically and emotionally. Here are some survival tips to keep you going:

• Take your time. It can be extremely tempting to rush into the process and to work doubly hard to make a start. However, this can lead to you making incorrect decisions and taking on more stress than is necessary. Take as much time as you need to do it right! 
• Prioritize self-care: Do not sacrifice self-care so that you can effectively juggle your studies and your duties as a parent. Proper self-care goes a long way towards empowering you to make the most of the situation and to be successful in both aspects of your life. Get plenty of sleep, eat right, and try to get in at least 30 minutes’ worth of moderate exercise every day. 
• Set SMART goals: Goals work to keep you focused on where you want to be and how you intend to get there. Ensure that they are realistic and specific, and do not hesitate to update them as you go. 
• Partner up with a career coach: A career coach can prove to be a lifeline if you find your resolve wavering, or you start feeling concerned that you have made the wrong decision. This coach can provide you with the tools and advice necessary to continue following your new path with confidence and clarity. 
• Build up your network: Networking is key to accelerated success in all industries, so put in the work to meet more professionals and expand on your professional network right from the get-go. 

A career change is a massive shift and definitely not for the faint-hearted! However, it could be the secret to unlocking greater happiness and contentment in both your personal and professional life. Good luck!