Navigating New Career Pathways Without Having to Start Over Again

How long have you been working for your current employer? What holds you back to stay that long? Do thoughts like, ‘I am so tired of working here’ ever cross your mind? Have you ever tried switching careers or seeking a change in job role? Does the fear of starting all over again right from scratch with lower salary package, stop you from seeking beyond?

During your first days at the company, you might think that you will continue to stay in the same position for a long time. Nevertheless, the world keeps changing. When the honeymoon period at work is over, you will have to come to terms with the fact that the job is not like what you expect previously.

At some point of time in your life, it is natural that you might want to shift your career pathway and try something new. In 2015, LinkedIn business published Talent Solutions report, in which one of the key findings is employee voluntary turnover. Based on the survey, 45 percent respondents agree that lack of opportunities for advancement is the main reason why employees decide to leave their jobs.

However, not everyone has the courage to completely change direction by switching to a new career. The thought of sacrificing all the success and efforts you put to achieve your goals, might seem a little too daunting. Not only this, when entering a new field, many people perceive that they have to start right from the scratch. Owing to which, most people continue working in the same place, despite their unhappy and uninspired feelings.

Well, the truth is, you do not have to start all over again when you start a new job. Here's how you do it:

Define your goals

Is the grass really greener on the other side? Before deciding to submit your resignation, you will have to convince yourself first. Are you prepared for the consequences? Only when you are sure of yourself, you can define your future goals. Take time to think of your true passion and plan a new career goal accordingly.

Know your value

Work experience is an important value often sought by employers, especially when you apply for jobs within the same industry. Therefore, do not underestimate your value, you need to be willing to negotiate with your potential employer because you have a bargaining power.

However, there are times when you have to think realistically and avoid expecting too much because it will only drop your enthusiasm levels. There could be a time when you have to step back, but only to propel your career forward.

Brush up on your skills

If you apply for jobs in different fields from your previous occupation, chances are, your resume could be missed out during the screening process. Therefore, you should brush up on your skills to match the listed job requirements. Only through this method, you can declare yourself as a qualified candidate for your dream job.

Be ready to go the extra mile

Be proactive. Merely sending off your resumes will not lead you anywhere. Go the extra mile to reach out and connect with professionals directly. There are many ways to build a network. Some of them could be by using social media such as LinkedIn or connecting to them directly by exchanging emails.

Towards the end, there is nothing to worry about when you want to navigate a new, more fulfilling career. The trick is how to sell and leverage on your past experiences, such that they become your unique selling points to position yourself in a competitive market. Perhaps, there could be a reason when you are required to start right from the scratch, but believe me, with all the work experiences you possess, you will not be there for long. It is just a matter of time, that you will climb the ladder of success sooner in your career.

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