keys to making a s successful career change crossroads career network presented by rich braden &...
TRANSCRIPT
Keys to Making a sSuccessful Career Change
Crossroads Career Network
Presented by
Rich Braden & Natalie Ackerman
Today’s Agenda
What do you want to get from today’s workshop?
What questions do you have?
What is calling?
Your calling is both an inner urge and your capacity, expressed in work that’s right for you—the work you love to do, the work that satisfies you—at this stage of your life.
Your calling may change over time, but will probably always contain familiar elements, rearranged in a new way.
Source: Richard Leider
Start with Why…
•Why do I want this?
•Why do I think this new career will make my life better?
• Is this God’s plan or mine?
•What might the downsides or risks be?
Common Concerns…
•Will my income be reduced?
•What will happen to my benefits and retirement accounts?
• Am I too old?
•Would companies really be interested in me?
• I’m not good with technology.
• I don’t pick new things up as quickly as I used to.
A career change is definitely a major decision, and needs careful thought and planning.
Questions to explore…
What are my interests? What do I do best? What are my values and priorities? Have I considered what I do not want to do?
What would my ideal job look like?
Considerations before making a change…
What key skills are needed? What strengths do you already have? What additional skills do you need?What’s the employment market in that field?
Salary range? Align with your financial goals?
Fits with your values, interests, current & future needs?
What would a successful career in this field bring to your life?
Steps to making a change
1. Brainstorm options
2. Prioritize options
3. Criteria for making a decision
4. Explore
5. Consider a “bridge” job
6. Decide
Exploring Career Alternatives…
Professional Objective
Do not want Might want Want
Job functions or tasks
What kind of work do I want to do?
Heavy sales Financial responsibilities
Consulting Managing Supervising
people Marketing
To run the show
Target Market Do not want Might want Want
Field or industries
Where do I want to work?
• Automotive industry
• Insurance company
• Mega Company
Computer industry
Non profit Own business
Small-to-medium-sized company
Other Requirements
Do not want Might want Want
Work environment
Logistics relating to work
Relocating Excessive travel
Moderate travel Make a difference
Remain in current location
Challenge Time for outside
activities
Making a Decision…
CRITERIA FOR DECISION MAKING
Opportunity Skills Needed Market Situation
Income Range
Values Fit Pros Cons Other Important Considerations?
Occupational Therapist
New Degree required
Good demand
$36-55,000
Fits beautifully with my life purpose statement; I’d be on-site, which wouldn’t give me the flexibility I desire.
Market situation, always wanted to help people in this way
Have to go back to school
Grant WriterBusiness writing, research skills – can do this now
Good demand $50,000+
I could do grant writing for organizations that would be in synch with my life purpose statement.
Can be home-based; no commute; gives me more time with my kids.
Requires business development to bring in projects if I go self-employed route.
Film MakerRequires additional training
Jobs are rare as hen’s teeth
$40k-$millions if you hit it big
Not sure I’d be comfortable with the culture.
Very creative environment.
Difficult to break into. Takes years to get career rolling.
Resources:
Assessments
• StrengthsFinder 2.o – www.gallupstrengthscenter.com - personal strengths
• SHAPE - www.sbpcshape.org/ - Spiritual gifts
• Kiersey Temperament Sorter – www.kiersey.com - Career interests and skills
Resources:
Books
• Straighten the Path: A Unique Approach for Job Seekers by John Freeze.
• What Color is Your Parachute? By Richard Bolles.
• JobHuntersBible.com
• Get a Life, Not a Job: Do What You Love and Let Your Talents Work For You by Paula Caligiuri
• Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life by Marc Freedman
• How to Find Your Mission In Life by Richard Bolles.
• Test-Drive Your Dream Job A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Creating the Work You Love by Brian Kurth
• Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type by Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger.
• The Power of Purpose: Creating Meaning in Your Life and Work by Richard J. Leider.
Questions?