5 Tips for Starting a New Career
It’s hard to choose a career as a teenager and young adult that you know you’re going to love for the rest of your life. Some people are lucky enough to know their calling from the get-go, but it’s not uncommon for adults to change directions and try something else midstream, even after years of building a career. I’m in that group — I went to college for nursing but a few years ago became a freelance writer instead (and am happier than I’ve ever been).
Changing careers midstream can be scary, but here are a few basic tips to help things go a little smoother.
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- Think career. Too often people think of their dream as a hobby or a side job, not a real career, which can subconsciously undermine your efforts and your success.
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- Expect some failures. There will be setbacks, there’s no doubt about that.
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- Make strategic choices. All of the decisions you make should move you closer to your ultimate goal, i.e. don’t accept a new promotion at a job you hate if it’s going to interfere with time to pursue the job you want.
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- Start off with a financial cushion. If you’re strapped for cash and barely surviving, then it’s probably not a good time to take a risk and try something new. Wait until you can build several months of savings as a cushion.
- Think opportunity, not just money. Think back to when you were fresh out of college and were happy to just get your foot in the door — you’re gonna have to think that way again (at least a little).