4 Steps to a Career Change and a Better Life

Your job stinks. It doesn't make you happy. You aren't making enough money. You don't have hopes of getting ahead. Even if only one of these things can be said for you and your situation (and you have our condolences if all three apply), it may be time to start a new chapter in your life. A career change could be just what you need. Sure, it's daunting to upend your life and make a life-changing decision. But a bold new direction—taken after you do the appropriate homework—could bring the enthusiasm and inspiration that's missing back into your life. If you're like most people, work takes up more hours of your typical week than any other activity, with the possible exception of sleep (if you're lucky). So it's crucial that you enjoy what you do for a living. You need to make enough money to meet your needs. You also need to get the fulfillment and job satisfaction that will drive you to be a better person. Meditec is a leader in career training for industries ranging from business to IT to insurance to real estate. For us, there is a difference between a career and a job. A career is something you like doing that grows with you over the years. We can get you started in the best healthcare careers, careers in the medical field, information technology—all the best careers for 2013, in fact. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. And according to our career advice experts, the journey to a rewarding career starts with four steps: Step One: Decide whether or not it's time to make a change. If you're just having a bad day, that's one thing. If it seems like you never have any good days at all, then it might be time to act. Very few people love everything about their work life. But if your sense of purpose and passion are long gone, if your talents aren't being utilized to their full extent, take a stand. Step Two: Choose a career path that's right for you. It might simply mean doing a similar job at another place of business. But don't rule out a 180-degree turn into something completely new. Even if you think you don't have enough education or work history, don't forget that online career education means starting over is a realistic option for a lot more people. Besides, you might be surprised to discover that many of the skills you developed in one field can be transferred to a new career. Think about the things that you enjoy doing; you want a career that matches your interests. Don't rule anything out. What would do if you could do anything? As you choose a new career, think about what you've been unhappy with your past jobs. Evaluate your skills. Refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic website for salary information about specific careers in your area. Step Three: Come up with a plan of action. Here's where you get real about the hurdles you'll have to jump. Set goals for the short-term (in the next two years) and the long-term (three-to-five years). Set goals that achievable, clearly defined and flexible. You will use these goals to develop a career action plan. It starts with the career training you will need. Whether you choose classroom instruction or online courses, you instructor will be your guide, the first of many connections you make as you network and seek to get your foot in the door. Step Four: Once you've started your new career, your journey isn't complete—it's only just begun. Adapt to industry change with continuing education courses. Brace for economic downturns by keeping your job skills fresh and marketable. Keep cultivating your network of contacts in your new industry; good relationships now mean referrals, sales leads and even potential job offers in the future.