Anyone know how to change a career?!

Hey there. I'm new to the site, just wanted to introduce myself to you and to ask a few questions about changing career paths. My main issue is that I actually don't know what I want to do! Does that ring any bells with anyone??

I’m a contractor, have been for the last 10 years, and have worked through my own limited company which I set up in 2007. I have always worked for the public sector, mainly for local government departments in central London, on time-limited strategy development projects (various policy areas using project management methodologies - PRINCE2). In this current climate, I’m thinking of expanding my horizons (or stepping out of my comfort zone!) and really want to try something new but I honestly do not know where to start. I really do believe my skills are very transferable – I have an excellent track record of learning quickly and getting a job done on time. I’ve worked with some amazing people over the years, from local resident groups through to Corporate Directors, CEOs and local elected representatives.

Soooo, my question is geared towards those who have changed sectors and/or careers, and have lived to tell the tale! How have you done it and what did you learn? I’d be grateful for any advice and practical support. By the way, I’m willing to do some voluntary work too.

With best wishes, Trudy.

 

 

Trudy

Sounds very exciting. One question I would ask is "Do you want to change career or simply use your skills around strategy in other areas ?".

One thing that might help is the classic of filling out your next job advert that you would reply to thinking through the following

Description of Role

 

 

Why Does the Role Exist?

 

 

Level of Authority / Responsibility

 

 

Must Have the Following Characteristics / Attributes

 

 

Must Have the Following Knowledge / Skills

 

 

Must Have the Following Experience / Qualifications

 

 

I have used this with people who are stuck in a rut in their role or organisation and it just helped fire the imagination about what might be.

I will be very interested to see other inputs here and what conclusions you come to.

Hi Trudy, welcome to the site.  Are you still looking to be in project management?  Are you looking for a salaried position or still doing your own thing in other sectors?

Thanks very much for the advice Tony. The template has helped me focus on what it is that I want to do rather than what I think I ought to do based on my career path to date. Wayne, I still want to use my skills in PM but I don't want it to be the main point of the job. I know that having PM skills/exp will be invaluable in whatever role I get and in whatever sector, but having used Tony's template I'm now leaning towards community development/social enterprise, of which I've got some early experience; the key issue for me is that I don't get enough interaction with people these days and I'm missing that. I also need to be kept very busy otherwise I go nuts! I realise that I have particular skill gaps which I'm desperate to fill but I never seem to have the time to train up - perhaps a salaried position would be better in order to enable this...?

Anyway, thanks again for your input!, very much appreciated!  

Hello Trudy

 Sounds like you’re at a very exciting and challenging place

There is another way of identifying options, if you truly want to step out of your comfort zone or work in something that excites you rather that just pays the money

  • Make a list of times when you were most happy working or the most excited personally at work. 
  • Times when you were passionate about the work based on what you were doing and not the wage packet.
  • Once you have that list, stand back and look at what are the common factors or the common trends.

It may help you to identify what you truly enjoy and could point you in a direction that you never even considered moving.

Sir Ken Robinson gives a talk on following your dreams which is very interesting, he also has written a book “The Element: how finding your passion changes everything”.

His talk can be seen at http://www.ted.com/speakers/sir_ken_robinson.html

Good luck and Bon Voyage