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#Your Career : When a Change in Times Means a Change of Plans. One Thing is Certain: Many of Today’s Changes we are Seeing in the World Today are Here to Stay.

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Most would agree that present-day living looks a lot different from what it used to be before the pandemic. While some would say it is for the better, others may be finding the drastic changes we’ve experienced throughout the pandemic unsettling, to say the least. But wherever you are on the spectrum, from loving it to loathing it to at least tolerating it, one thing is certain: many of the changes we are seeing in the world today are here to stay.

Here’s how to make the most of it and embrace the unknown instead of looking ahead with apprehension. 

 

Doing more of what you love

Adjusting to a new way of living has meant for many a change in lifestyle. And if you’ve found that you haven’t been able to adapt to these changes as easily as you had hoped and you want to find new meaning in the days that lie ahead, the solution is simple – find ways to do more of what you love. You’ll not only be happier for it, but you’re sure to experience a level of contentment you might never have known otherwise.

You can start by focusing on how you can grow and strengthen aspects of your life, whether it be health-wise, reaching your fitness goals, or even new career goals. Speaking of reaching new professional heights, perhaps you’ve had the novel idea of starting a business yourself as a result of your newfound passion. 

In which case, you could start with looking into an LLC as a type of business worth pursuing if you are a solo entrepreneur. Do I need an LLC to start a business? If you want to start off small with a company with fewer requirements, specific tax advantages, a lot less paperwork, and flexible enough to accommodate your changing needs, an LLC could be the ideal business solution for you. A formation like ZenBusiness can help you make quick work of this task. 

Or maybe as the pandemic has progressed — we are a year and half into this thing after all! — you’ve been able to grow a business and now you’re ready to take it to the next level. You can take advantage of the many folks looking to change careers right now by looking into freelancer sites to find the right people to help you make your business bigger and better than ever.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

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Show your support

If anything, the pandemic has taught us the steadfast resilience of humanity and how important relationships are in the broader scheme of things. As everything shut down, many of us found new ways we could connect with friends, loved ones, coworkers, clients, and more virtually. For many, it led to the revelation that we are all connected to each other in some way and that we need assistance and support from one another to reach our goals–and we’re the better for it.

So if there are people struggling in your community as they try to come back from the devastation that the pandemic has caused, why not lend a helping hand to those in need? And if you find yourself needing help, well, then gladly accept it. 

 

Revel in nature

Spending time outdoors and reveling in the beauty that is nature is beneficial for your overall physical and mental well-being. And as much as nature is something to truly behold, it also deserves our respect. We need to tend to it well, and to acknowledge our dependence on our earth that gives so much to us and expects little in return. 

When change is a good thing

Indeed, change can be unsettling and can even seem a little frightening. Still, it can also be exciting and liberating, freeing us from stale mindsets that need to be readjusted to see the beginnings and promise of a new dawn. And if change is inevitable (as it most assuredly is), then we may as well do our best to embrace it! 

 

FSC Career Blog Author: Ms. Gloria Martinez . You can reach Gloria @  g.martinez@womenled.org

 

FSC Career Blog – March 9, 2022

How to Change Careers. 5 Steps to a Successful Career Change.

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You went to college to become, let’s say, an accountant, but after five years in the business, crunching numbers all day for a corporation isn’t doing it for you. Instead, you think you’d like to have a career in the arts—a 180-degree change from your previous nine to five job.

You’re nervous. Is it even possible to make such a big career change, you wonder. We’re here to tell you not only is it possible, but it’s probable—if you’re willing to take the correct steps to achieve your career dreams. Here’s how you can change careers and get a new job.

Follow Your Gut

You’re unhappy in your current field or you wouldn’t want to make this change. But instead of wallowing in your misery, recommends Aurora Meneghello, founder of Repurpose Your Purpose, you should take the risk and apply for something new. “It may be disappointing to hear, but you probably won’t know what to do and how to be successful at it until you do it,” she says. “You will have to follow that hunch that you should be doing something else and then try to do something different, fail, pivot and try again until you find your calling.”

She continues, “You might not experience an epiphany before quitting your current job, but when you finally find the right career, you will know for sure.” The point, she says, is to try.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Focus Your Job Search

Now that you know you’re ready to change careers—and you’re ready to follow your gut—it’s time to start a job search. But you don’t want to apply to any ol’ job in your new chosen field, or you could end up back where you started—unhappy and looking for yet another change. So, when you launch your job search, “be clear on what you want, why you want it and what qualifies you,” even if this is a brand-new field for you, advises career coach and author of The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide Roy Cohen. Because, “without clarity from the very start, virtually every stage that follows will be based on little more than a hunch—and that is an extremely fragile foundation for navigating a dynamic job search.”

Cohen says your job search should include some form of self-assessment. “It could involve taking a standardized assessment instrument, keeping a journal, or talking with people whose advice and feedback you value—friends, family, or a career coach,” he says. “The goal is to achieve self-awareness in the form of a career target.” After that, “the next—and equally important step—is a reality check,” Cohen says. “Here is where you determine that the goal you selected makes sense. Is it appropriate for you and is it attainable?”

Whip Your Resume Into Shape

While you may not have experience in the field you’d like to enter everyone has what are called transferable skills—skills any manager would want their employees to have. These skills are very important to highlight when you’re making a career change, according to career coach and resume writer Anish Majumdar. In fact, Majumdar insists, after a certain number of years as a worker, your training and education take a backseat to skills such as:

  • Managing change, i.e. can you handle change well?
  • Communication, i.e., can you build relationships, manage conflict, and influence people in positive ways?
  • Leadership, i.e., can you coalesce people around a vision for the future?
  • Complex problem solving, i.e., can you find the opportunity in adversity?

Take a look at the new job and career field you’d like to enter and identify which of these transferable skills will be the most valuable. Then, make them stand out on your resume.

Majumdar recommends you show—rather than tell—your transferable skills on your resume. Think: hard numbers and facts. For example, if you’ve managed change well in the past, she suggests writing something like, “mitigated the effects of a $42 million revenue shortfall as a result of new policy affecting direct marketing efforts [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][and] led a digital marketing campaign that cut a $42 million loss into a $5 million loss in eight months.”

Network, Network, Network

Much like dating, scoring a job — in your current industry or in another one — is about getting out there. Putting yourself in networking situations will help you, one, speak to people in the industry about trends, companies hiring and current happenings. It will also allow you the opportunity to vocalize your intent to change careers.

It’s not enough to simply apply to jobs in a new industry, you must speak up for yourself and let your network know that you are actively looking for a new job and that you are taking the steps (i.e. Taking classes, learning new skills, rebranding yourself, etc) to position yourself for the change.

A big no-no when networking is coming right out and asking someone you’ve just met for a job. Sure you may be eager, but nurture the relationship a bit before launching into asks. While speaking directly is important in business, being this direct is downright presumptuous and rude. When networking, it’s risky to ask for a job from a new acquaintance. It’s just as risky to request a reference, especially if you’ve just met the person. Networking should yield a mutually beneficial relationship, not an Aladdin and the genie arrangement. Your wish is not their command.

Lastly, remember to think beyond your intended industry. Industries and careers are more fluid than ever, so having a network beyond your immediate skill set may give you a leg up when you plan your next career move.

Instead of looking specifically to cultivate your network, try to find ways to meet more people organically through your interests outside of work. Join a running group or start talking to the regulars at your yoga class. Volunteer or attend a fundraising event in your community. The point isn’t to talk work — it’s just to expand the group of people you know.

Consider Informational Interviews

As you’re choosing your new career—and applying for new jobs in your chosen field—consider setting up a few informational interviews with people who are doing what you’d one day like to do. They can give you solid advice on how to enter the field and impress in an interview, which is invaluable information to someone completely new to the industry.

“The best way to get a meeting with decision makers is to ask for informational meetings with them,” says April Klimkiewicz, career coach and owner of bliss evolution. “Rather than the ‘hard sell’ of ‘I’m looking for a job, do you know of anything,’ this informational meeting takes the ‘soft-sell’ approach of asking for information and for them to share their story so you gain advice for your job search and career journey.” Don’t be nervous to ask for a face-to-face, Klimkiewicz encourages. “People who are happy in their work generally love to talk about what made them successful,” she says, “so if you reach out to decision makers and ask for informational meetings, it’s only a matter of time” before someone says they’ll meet.

Don’t Be Afraid to Apply

You’ve found your dream job. You’ve whipped your resume into shape. You’ve talked with people in your new career field. And yet, you’re still afraid to apply because you could get rejected. Apply anyway, encourages Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, MRW. “If you feel stuck in toxicity at work, then do something that feels tangible,” she says. “For example, if you want a job at a specific company, send a resume there. Even getting a rejection letter—or in some cases, no response—is better than doing nothing. In other words, the energy vibe you will feel—the palpable traction—will be invigorating.. The act of composing a cover letter and focusing yourself on an action that may resolve your work discord is empowering.”

     GlassDoor.com 

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#CareerAdvice : #CareerChange -The 5 Big Mistakes Boomers Make When Switching Careers. #MustRead !

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Many boomers want to change careers for a variety of reasons: to reduce stress; to learn something new; to follow their passion; to find a change of pace or to stay ahead financially. But it’s easy to make mistakes and overlook factors that are critical to changing careers effectively.

So, when leaving the security of a steady job to transition to a new career, you’ll want to avoid the following five mistakes. That way, you’ll embark on your next voyage with grace and confidence.

Mistake No. 1: Not ‘Testing’ Your New Career First

You think you’ll love your new career path, but you won’t know for sure until you’ve immersed yourself in it. So, before interviewing for a new job in a new field, try to experience what it would be like.

Start by figuring out what spare time you have to dedicate to your trial run. You may need to get creative if the job would be an office position and you currently have one. In that case, find lunch hour times or take half-days to shadow others in positions for which you might apply.

If possible, test the waters online. For example, if you want to move into marketing and already have some marketable skills — like design or writing — create an account on Upwork, the online platform for freelancers.

You could also apply for short-term gigs or projects that let you flex your skills, gain experience and better understand what you might be doing on a daily basis.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Mistake No. 2: Not Managing Expectations

Switching careers, especially after 50, can be a big change financially, mentally and emotionally. You may need to move down on the totem pole, which can be challenging if you haven’t set your expectations properly. Set realistic goals.

The key is to be prepared to learn. Some of the work skills you’ve acquired already, such as communications and organization, will be critical to your success in your new field. Find ways to excel with the capabilities you have, while gaining new ones.

Mistake No. 3: Not Knowing What Matters Most

When switching careers, it’s easy to take the first opportunity you find because you’re worried you won’t be qualified for anything else. That mindset can stick you in a position you don’t want.

So, before making a switch, figure out what matters most to you. Do you want full-time or part-time work, or does that not matter? Are you open to travel? Do you need consistent work hours or remote work opportunities? Know what you need, and make it clear to potential employers. That way, you’ll be more likely to be happy with your new path.

This kind of advance planning saves you from wasting time pursuing the wrong jobs and lets you focus on positions you’d most want.

One tip: Don’t blurt out your work requirements in a first job interview. Instead, focus on your skills and the job’s fit. Once you’re sure the job is one you want and the employer is interested in you, then you can start talking about your preferences for your working hours and location.

Mistake No. 4: Not Seeking Training First

It may be wise to acquire new skills before making a career switch. Otherwise, jumping in to a new field too quickly can set you back.

Instead of getting in over your head, setting yourself up for failure and stress, go slowly, carving out time for training on the side while you stay in your current position. This not only enhances your resumé but also provides you with valuable hands-on experience that will make you a better job candidate when you are ready to change careers.

Research the skills expected of candidates in the field you hope to enter. Then, seek training opportunities that will give you a leg up — and an inside look into the work required.

Search for online, self-paced courses that you can take at home. Also, consider in-person conferences, workshops and events that offer learning opportunities as well as networking.

Mistake No. 5: Not Having a Plan B

You’re enthused about your new career, but it’s important to do a reality check. A career change can be risky, and doing it without a backup plan can leave you with no paycheck or job. That’s why you need a Plan B if the new job doesn’t pan out, the interviews don’t go well or you decide your intended path is not right for you.

You don’t need another job lined up for Plan B, though. Just set yourself up for success if things fall through. Here are a few ways to do that:

  • Ensure your resumé and professional-facing social media networks are always current. Put photos from recent networking events on Instagram or add new certifications to your LinkedIn profile.
  • Build a strong network. Stay connected and be a resource to others. What goes around comes around, and you may need to ask one of your contacts for help.
  • Make a list of employers you’d like to work for, along with contacts you have at them. If your career switch doesn’t pan out, you’ll then be ready to start looking for other opportunities.

Author: Next Avenue

America is in the midst of an age boom and with it, an amazing transition. In general, those over the age of 50 are expected to live longer than any previous generation….

Forbes.com | October 9, 2019

#CareerAdvice : #CareerChange – A New Study Concludes That It Literally Pays To Switch Jobs Right Now. A MUst REad!

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It literally pays to switch jobs. A new study, conducted by payroll giant ADP, reports that employees who accept a new job at another company receive more money than their former peers who remain. The higher premiums currently being offered indicate that the record-high level of employment and robust economy continues to grow. To attract top talent in this hot market, companies are starting to recognize that they need to pay a premium.

According to an analysis of the data by Bloomberg, the biggest beneficiaries are job hoppers in the information industry who realized 9.7% annual wage growth, construction workers with an 8.7% increase and professional and business services with an 8.3% premium. Those who stayed at their companies earned about a 4% increase in pay. On average, those who choose to switch jobs enjoyed compensation growth of 5.3%. The only large groups that suffered from falling wages—when changing jobs—were in the leisure and hospitality sectors. Small businesses are suffering, as they are not able to financially compete with salaries offered by their bigger adversaries in the war for talent.

Separately, data produced by The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Wage Growth Tracker, which includes both the public and private sector, arrived at the same results as ADP. The study reveals that job switchers’ income jumped 4.5%, the second-best pace of the 10-year economic expansion.

Sources: Current Population Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics and author's calculations

Sources: Current Population Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics and author’s calculations

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF ATLANTA

Anecdotally, in my recruiting practice—placing professionals on Wall Street and in financial services over the last 20 years—I’ve seen firsthand increases of 10% to 20% on average for people who’ve switched jobs. The spread is due to the hotness or coldness of the market at a particular time period, supply and demand imbalance of candidates and other factors. With these large margins, it was highly attractive for people to jump ship.

 

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Many moved a number of times. Let’s say there was a person earning $100k and then received a $120k offer. A year later, she could embark upon another job search and request around $150k. Meanwhile, those who stayed put had what we recruiters refer to as the “loyalty discount.” The woman who maybe five years later—after several moves—earns over $150k (plus bonus), whereas her former peers earned about an average 3% in yearly raises, which places them at about $115k.

Forward-thinking companies, such as Amazon, have enacted plans to retain top talent. This month, Amazon announced a $700 million retraining programto build “pathways to careers” for its employees. The training programs will focus on fast-growing areas, such as healthcare, machine learning, manufacturing, robotics, computer science and cloud computing. The company contends that this initiative will keep people from leaving, as they will learn new skills and grow within the organization and earn more money in the long run.

I’ve also encountered many people who elected not to switch jobs, knowing that they’ll earn far less than their colleagues who move on. They claim that it’s not worth the risk of entering the unknown, having to prove themselves all over again and stress over embarking upon a new job search. They also claim that their company, similar to Amazon, will try to help them grow within the firm.

While employees rationalize remaining, the evidence strongly signals that it’s financially rewarding to switch jobs at this time.

Author: Jack Kelly

I am a CEO, founder, and executive recruiter at one of the oldest and largest global search firms in my area of expertise, and have personally placed thousands of profes…

Forbes.com | July 26, 2019

#CareerAdvice : #CareerChange – 5 Simple Tips for Evolving During a Career Change. Great REad!

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There are many reasons to make a career change, for example:

You need a new challenge

Your values have changed

You want to focus on other things

Your passion lies elsewhere

You’re not happy

Which one are You?

While the reason will be different for every person, there’s one thing that stays the same: the need to evolve during this transition. This is the perfect time to hone your skills and prepare for the new career ahead of you. You’re not merely transferring to a slightly better employment situation, but pushing yourself forward in a professional trajectory that requires you to up-level from where you are now.

Use these five simple tips to make sure you’re evolving during your career change, allowing you to land your next big gig, regardless of where you came from before this.

1. Make an Actionable Plan

Before you take a massive leap into a new career, take time to make an actionable plan. But don’t outline your five- or ten-year plan—while this is important, right now, you want to be thinking more immediate. Consider where you want to be this year, and what small, yet actionable steps you can take to achieve that objective.

For example, if want to make the move from salesperson to marketing specialist, there are a few actions you might take, including:

  • Shadow a marketing specialist at my current job this month.
  • Write a list of ways my sales skills applies to marketing so I can be prepared for interviews by next month.

Notice how each of these actions are specific and paired with a time limit. Brush up on what SMART goals are (hint: time-bound is one important element) so you can make sure you’re being as actionable as possible.

Plan B, C and D: How to Pivot in Your Career

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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2. Continue Learning and Training  

Once you know what you want to do, find out which credentials are either necessary or beneficial for your career evolution. While some positions might require credentials, others may consider certain certifications as a ‘Nice to Have’—which means you’ll get a leg up if you have it.

Continuing your training and education is paramount, especially in the tech industry. In fact, more than 55 percent of developers seek out training to meet current or upcoming needs or to advance their careers, according to the 2017 Developer Learning Survey. In this case, for example with a software engineer, it may be required that you have certain credentials thanks to the fast-evolving world of technology.

In other cases, like the example of moving from sales to marketing, a credential you likely don’t need is a Google Analytics Certification. However, it will look great on your resume and is free to take. Not to mention, knowing how to navigate Google Analytics is a skill most marketers need to have to be successful, whether you learn on the job or come into a new position with the knowledge already.

3. Explore Freelance Projects

In 2018, 56.7 million Americans did some type of Freelance work, according to the Freelancing in America Report. There’s a reason freelancing is increasingly popular in the current workforce: it allows for flexible learning and makes it easier to advance your career. Freelance gigs allow you to gain valuable experience that will bolster your chances of getting the job you want.

It also allows you to dip your toes into a new career, without leaving your full-time job. If you feel passionate about a new career path, aren’t ready to take the leap, freelance and contract-based projects will let you try it on for size. It’s better to take on one project and realize you aren’t cut out for the work than to accept a full-time position.

7 Side Gigs You Can Do While Waiting to Get Hired

4. Network and Build Relationships

Networking within your desired industry will give you valuable insights during your career transition. When you meet people within your desired field, you can learn about what you need to do be successful and what you need to avoid. You may even land an interview.

In certain careers, this network can also be the reason you get a job. HR Veteran and Forbes contributor Steve Cadigan explains: “Your network is part of your value proposition. Organizations today are increasingly looking for candidates who bring a strong network to work with them.”

Consider this an extension of your resume if you work in HR (knowing great people to hire), business development (knowing great people to partner with) or sales (knowing great people who want to buy.

5. Develop Your Personal Brand Online

Your personal brand is your outward appearance to the professional world. We live in a digital world, so your brand extends far past the clothes you wear or the job history on your resume. As you consider building your personal brand online, remember to update your profiles on:

  • Social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter, or any other social profile that isn’t private
  • Your portfolio or website
  • Job boards or industry-specific professional websites (think StackOverflow)

If you’re actively applying for jobs, do an audit of your online presence and get rid of anything that’s non-professional because hiring managers will search for you. According to SHRM, 43 percent of organizations use social media and online presence to screen applicants, and 36 percent have disqualified candidates based on public information found. Don’t let one bad photo be the reason you don’t land your next big gig.

With your profiles cleaned up, consider what your personal brand is and isn’t. If you’re not sure where to start, take this Glassdoor Quiz to find out what your personal brand is. Then, let that shine through your LinkedIn headline, Twitter bio, website about page, etc.

Continue Evolving During Your Career Change

Transitioning in your career can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Especially if you focus on these five ways to evolve and grow during this time. Make time to learn, get clear on what action steps you need to take, make time for networking and don’t forget that your brand extends to the online world too—find out what that brand is and let it shine through so recruiters and hiring managers see the very best version of you: someone who’s willing to do what it takes to make a change.

 

GlassDoor.com |  Posted by 

#CareerAdvice : #ChangeJobs – Job Switchers Wring Career Wins From Tight Labor Market.

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About a year ago, Brittany Atkinson made a pledge to herself: By her 30th birthday, which falls later this month, she would no longer be working as a waitress and bartender.

 

Restaurants had been her life since 14, when Ms. Atkinson’s mother drove her to the local health department to get a work permit for her first job at a burger chain. Since then, the North Carolinian has worked at a Logan’s Roadhouse, a Ruby Tuesday and a Buffalo Wild Wings, growing accustomed to 2 a.m. closing times and erratic tips.

Ms. Atkinson said that many customers took it upon themselves to tell her she would never do anything else because of her tattoo-covered arms, even though she wanted an office job with stable hours and a chance to learn new skills, such as managing spreadsheets.

In November, she got that job. As an office manager at the corporate headquarters of Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries, a 133-location restaurant franchise based in Mount Olive, N.C., she earns 30% more than before and, for the first time in her adult life, she has every weekend off.

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“It’s so much easier to kind of weasel your way in and get your foot in the door than it has been in the past,” said Ms. Atkinson, a single mother to a 3-year-old, of the current job market. In previous server positions, “I had the mind-set this is all I’m going to do because jobs were so hard to come by.”

In the strongest job market in decades, many American workers are getting promoted, asking for raises and switching careers, recruiters and employers say. The country has added jobs for 99 straight months, the longest streak on record, and wages posted their biggest full-year increase in a decade, the Labor Department said earlier this month.

The rate of workers voluntarily quitting their jobs hit a 17-year-high in 2018, federal data show—a trend that illustrates American job seekers’ high level of confidence in this economy, said Jed Kolko, chief economist at job site Indeed. “Often the biggest wage gains come to people who switch jobs rather than stay put,” he said, alluding to how some find it easier to earn higher compensation from new employers than by negotiating raises in their existing positions.

Cassidy Williams, a 27-year-old senior software engineer in Seattle, has held five jobs in the past five years, each offering greater responsibilities and often higher stock-based compensation, she said.

Her path illustrates the advantage that comes with changing positions rapidly in the tech world. Ms. Williams, who has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and is pursuing her master’s, started her career in New York in 2014 as a software engineer and developer evangelist at Venmo, the digital payments company that is part of PayPal HoldingsInc. Less than a year in, at 23, she told her boss she wanted to manage people, but a PayPal executive later called her too junior, she recalled.

“I remember thinking, you know what, I don’t need to work at this place if people are going to laugh at me for my career aspirations,” she said.

A PayPal spokesman says the company has a commitment to the long-term growth of its employees. “We take this commitment seriously and are dedicated to setting our colleagues up for success every day with personal and professional development opportunities,” he said.

Ms. Williams left Venmo in 2015 for a job with artificial-intelligence company Clarifai, where she managed two people. In 2016, she moved to Seattle for a senior engineering and development role at L4 Digital, where she oversaw a team of six. L4 Digital is now part of digital marketing-software maker Globant. About a year later, Ms. Williams jumped to Amazon.com Inc.to work on its Alexa project. But after about six months at the online giant, she decided she wanted to work at a smaller company, and hopped again to become a senior software engineer at CodePen, a tool used by designers and developers.

“Because I’ve been given different opportunities at every switch, I’ve grown a lot faster,” Ms. Williams said. “It’s a win-win situation because my new company gets whatever they need, and I get to flex my muscles in different ways.”

The tight job market has accelerated the careers of many others. Dorit Baxter, a marketing executive in Rhode Island, spent close to 10 years at International Business Machines Corp. early in her career, then opted out of the workforce to raise a child in 2010. She expected it would take years to climb back to a senior position, but since 2015 Ms. Baxter has worked in senior marketing roles at three different health-care companies.

“It’s taken less time and I’m further than I thought I would be,” she said, adding that what she thought would take five years took only two.

Ms. Baxter now has her dream job: senior vice president at TransMed Systems, a company working to improve the process of developing, identifying and matching eligible patients to clinical trials. A booming economy can reward workers’ efforts in ways that tougher job market generally don’t, she said. “You can kill yourself working 12 hours a day and, if the conditions aren’t right, you’re not going to get where you want to be,” Ms. Baxter said.

Historically, some employers have hesitated to hire people with many stops on their résumés, but in this tight labor market job hopping is losing the stigma it once had, recruiters and career experts say. In the race for qualified talent, some companies are also rethinking job requirements and considering unconventional applicants, says Dawn Fay, senior district president at staffing firm Robert Half. Farmers Insurance, for example, recently began looking beyond candidates with industry experience to fill call-center positions, instead searching for problem-solvers in unrelated fields, said Scott Atkins, an HR business partner at the company.

Still, even workers who have used the hot job market to advance their careers note that things could shift if the economy stalls. In November, Monique Mahler, 37, joined Meeting Tomorrow, a Chicago-based provider of audiovisual services and technology, as a vice president of marketing, after quickly rising at previous employers.

While in-demand job candidates can have their pick between multiple top-tier offers right now, “I wonder if it’s just an arc,” Ms. Mahler said. “I can guarantee in three or four years, that won’t be the case.”

Write to Chip Cutter at chip.cutter@wsj.com

 

WSJ.com | January 11, 2019 |  Chip Cutter

#CareerAdvice : #ChangeJobs – 9 Perfect #Jobs for #CareerChangers …We Spoke with a Handful of Career Experts to Identify the Best of the Best Jobs for #CareerChangers — Here’s What Made the Cut.

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Whether you aren’t being challenged enough, don’t see potential for growth or can’t stop thinking the grass might be greener on the other side, it’s natural to feel restless in your career at some point or another. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should jump ship immediately, but if your frustration drags on for months (or even years), it could be a sign that it’s time to start looking for a more fulfilling career.

But of course, transitioning careers isn’t always simple. In many fields, career changers encounter high barriers to entry, from required degrees and certifications to minimum years of experience. The good news? There are plenty of jobs out there where those without direct experience are welcomed and celebrated.

We spoke with a handful of career experts to identify the best of the best jobs for career changers — here’s what made the cut.

 

Project Coordinator

Number of Open Jobs: 51,617

Median Base Salary: $58,390

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “Sometimes a position is listed as a project manager, but it’s actually more akin to a lower-stakes program coordinator role. This means focusing more on the administrative tasks involved and, because of that, makes a fantastic option for administrative or other professionals looking for a career stepping stone. A great candidate is someone who is organized, responsive, adaptable and a good communicator. Down the road, you can evolve to a higher-level Project Manager role. Or, because the position is so versatile and the skills are so valued, it may open doors in other industries.” —Beth Tucker, CEO of KNF&T Staffing Resources

See Open Jobs 

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Salesperson

Number of Open Jobs: 542,273

Median Base Salary: $52,000

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “As long as you have good listening skills and a willingness to learn, most anyone can succeed in sales as a career transition. For example, let’s say you love and have worked in construction. You could retool yourself as a real estate agent. If you love cars, consider selling classic cars or RVs. Even selling jobs that require licenses, like a financial plannerand insurance agent, are easy jobs to transition into with just a few months online training and certification.” —Laura Handrick, Career Analyst at FitSmallBusiness.com

See Open Jobs 

 

Developer

Number of Open Jobs: 90,047

Median Base Salary: $81,209

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “The tech industry is among the most open to career changers. And it generally values results above linear career paths or university degrees. Case in point: just recently Google, Apple, IBM and other top tech companies announced they won’t require a college degree anymore. There are many different career options available, so take some time to choose what is most appealing to you (and in demand!) and start learning; you can find several alternative ways to learn new skills and get your foot in the door, from programs that aim to increase diversity in STEM, to free or paid online courses.” —Aurora Meneghello, career coach and founder of Repurpose Your Purpose

See Open Jobs 

 

Data Analyst

Number of Open Jobs: 7,069

Median Base Salary: $83,878

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “The world is a data minefield. Leaders lean on insights from data to make business decisions. If you are analytical, love Excel, prefer to work with facts, logic and numbers and often alone, you might transfer into a Data Analyst role. There is demand for these skills, so it is a great choice for career changers.” —Ellie Eckhoff, Senior Vice President at career transition firm Clear Rock

See Open Jobs 

 

Social Media Manager

Number of Open Jobs: 16,818

Median Base Salary: $59,965

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “Having a vibrant social media presence is essential for most businesses. Your success building across social media platforms for a non-profit where you volunteer could be transferable to many industries. If you built an Instagram account for foodies with a huge following or write blogs on your LinkedIn profile that [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][are] widely read, you have experience in Social Media.” —Terri Wein, CEO of career coaching firm Weil & Wein

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Recruiter

Number of Open Jobs: 12,819

Median Base Salary: $55,869

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “Recruiting can be a great field. You will need to have or build a network, so this is a great career for someone who is a natural connector. You can work for yourself, for recruiting companies or in-house. Recruiters can specialize in specific roles (e.g. engineering, technical roles, etc.) or hire across different positions, fields and skill levels. If you are a people-person and love to take initiative, this can be a fun career that will challenge you to be your best.” —Aurora Meneghello

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Consultant

Number of Open Jobs: 73,545

Median Base Salary: $88,395

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “Are you an expert in the financial, construction or healthcare industries? These are growing sectors in the economy and there are opportunities for people to insert themselves into a business temporarily. Clearly, you need to be a subject matter expert. On top of that, you must be willing to share your advice and recommendations and find comfort in working with some uncertainty about the work and ambiguity about what’s next. This is a great option because workers get to ‘try out’ companies before they commit, and they can build their own business.” —Ellie Eckhoff

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Digital Marketer

Number of Open Jobs: 27,644

Median Base Salary: $71,127

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “I find digital marketing to be a fantastic field for any career changer who loves storytelling, communication and business… Because marketing moves so fast, colleges and universities usually take a few years to catch up with it — this means most graduates with formal marketing degrees might not have learned what is just now starting to emerge. And many seasoned professionals do not always keep up with the latest trends. That’s your opportunity to enter the field.” —Aurora Meneghello

See Open Jobs 

 

Teacher

Number of Open Jobs: 46,242

Median Base Salary: $52,363

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “Due to the current teacher shortage in many states, those with industry experience can often fast track into teaching roles. In fact, private schools aren’t required to abide by state certifications in many locations. If you like teaching others, whether kids or adults, teaching jobs are out there — and the requirements are not as restricting as you might think. Perhaps you’re an expert on WordPress? With as little as a bachelor’s degree, you could teach at the community college. Or maybe you love and played college softball? Consider teaching sports at the high school. There are lots of openings in STEM subjects. If you have experience in science, technology, engineering or math, transitioning to a role with summers off is not a bad option.” —Laura Handrick

See Open Jobs 

 

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#CareerAdvice : #JobChange – 8 Warning Signs that You’re in a #CareerRut (and how to get out)…Do you Secretly Browse #JobListings and No Longer Look Forward to your Company’s Annual Conference? It Might Be Time to Make some Changes.

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A rut is never a fun place to be in, but it happens to nearly all of us at some point in our careers. Perhaps you’ve been working in a job for a while, doing the same tasks, working with the same people in the same office every day. Suddenly you wake up one morning and realize you’re no longer inspired by your job. You wonder if it’s time to move on, or if you should stick with it and hope things get better.

1.YOU’RE BORED

“Most career ruts are caused by a lack of challenge, resulting in comfort, complacency, and boredom,” says career-change coach Lisa Lewis. If your current job isn’t presenting opportunities for you to learn and grow, boredom can quickly set in.

It’s often for this reason that a career rut occurs after someone has reached a level of success. After a certain amount of time in that position you desired throughout your entire career, you feel like you’ve mastered it and aren’t finding it challenging anymore. “Learning is one of the biggest motivations for many people in the workforce,” says Lewis. Finding opportunities to learn other areas of the business or to learn a skill outside of your job can help you fight a boredom-induced rut.

2. YOU DREAD MONDAYS

It’s normal to feel the occasional “case of the Mondays.” While we all wish that we jumped out of bed every Monday morning feeling energized to get to the office, that’s not the case for many people. But if you’re regularly finding yourself deep in the Sunday blues, feeling angry, lethargic, and wanting to call in sick every Monday is a good sign that you’re stuck in a rut.

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3. YOUR WORK IS SUFFERING

A common sign of a career rut is when your work starts to slip. You start missing deadlines and making mistakes that you never used to make. You disengage, start to lose confidence in your work, and regularly bcc or cc more people than necessary in your emails, and pass blame onto others for your mistakes.

“When you’re in a rut, you engage in self-sabotaging behaviors to protect yourself, and tend to avoid dealing with your lack of fulfillment,” says career consultant Eli Howayeck, founder and CEO of Crafted Career Concepts in Milwaukee.

4. YOU’RE ACTING COMPLACENT

Do you find yourself being apathetic in work conversations where you previously would have had a strong opinion? Feeling complacent; “phoning it in” or looking for faster, easier ways to get work done without really caring too much about the end result, or without committing your attention or energy to the task, is a clear sign that you’re in a career rut.

5. SOMEONE HAS ASKED “ARE YOU OKAY?” MORE THAN ONCE THIS WEEK

As much as you may think you’re faking your engagement well, inevitably someone on your team, or a manager, will ask, “Are you okay?” “You can’t get away with acting different from the way you feel for very long,” says Howayeck. You may even find yourself avoiding your manager for fear of being “found out” that you’re miserable.

6. YOU FEEL PHYSICALLY EXHAUSTED

Being in a career rut can feel like you’re trudging through mud every day, just trying to get to the end of the workday. You feel that you require a greater amount of energy to get prepared for tasks that you used to accomplish easily. Being in a rut can be exhausting–perhaps even more exhausting than being super busy in a job that you love and find rewarding. “We all have an innate need to be challenged and learn. When we are in roles that no longer provide growth opportunities, it can feel as if our energy is being drained in the same way as it might if we’re completing a big project,” says Lewis. Your body begins to feel tired, and your brain can’t understand why you’re not taking on new challenges, so it gets tired too, causing you to feel lethargic and depleted.

7.YOU DON’T LOOK FORWARD TO THINGS YOU USED TO

Is there an annual conference in your field that you regularly attend that you would normally sign up for as soon as registration opens but that you’ve been delaying looking at for months? Losing excitement about making future plans for things you enjoyed doing in the past is a sign that you are feeling stuck.

8. YOU BROWSE THE JOB POSTINGS

When you’re in a rut, it’s common to find yourself drawn to job postings. Surely a new job may seems like a clear path out of your rut. However, Howayeck says looking for a new job is the worst way to start to get out of a rut. “It’s like showing up to prom without a date in your workout clothes. No one is going to ask you to dance, and you won’t feel ready to ask anyone to dance, either,” he says.

Instead, Howayeck says to examine your current situation and see if there are any opportunities internally that would interest you. If there truly are none, try to create your own opportunities by looking outside your current job. Take a class in a subject you’re interested in or volunteer at a nonprofit doing something that’s outside of your current job tasks.

HOW TO GET OUT

When you are ready to move on, take an inventory of your strengths, weaknesses, values, and accomplishments and map out a plan to get out of your current situation. “This means cleaning up your personal and professional brand, and most importantly, your belief system around your experience and skills,” says Howayeck. Then, when you’re ready, start to network and verbalize what you’re looking for in the next phase of your career. Taking these steps will help ensure your next leap is not straight into another rut.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Evans is a freelance writer from Toronto who covers topics related to mental and physical health. She strives to help readers make small changes to their daily habits that have a profound and lasting impact on their productivity and overall job satisfaction

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FastCompany.com | October 10, 2018 

#CareerAdvice : #JobChange – How to #SwitchCareers in Six Months or Less…Use these Steps to Learn How to Gather the #Skills, Resources, and Connections to Make a Meaningful #CareerMove within Months

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While the popular adage is true, sometimes the time spend and money send can get in the way of truly following a new path.
With technology, making a career change (within reason) has never been easier. Using tools like LinkedIn, Udemy, and, yes even YouTube, you can learn the skills of a trade and connect with the masters within it.
Use these steps to learn how to gather the skills, resources, and connections to make a meaningful career move within months (without incurring another wave of student debt!)

ASSESS YOUR CURRENT JOB AND YOUR SKILLS

Maybe you hate your current job. Maybe you’re simply nonplussed with the day to day work and you want something more. Maybe you actually like the function of your job, but dislike your current company. Whatever it is, make sure to identify the why of your desired career move before you take action.
From there, asses your best skills along with your passions. Perhaps you’ve been drafting press releases or doing ad-hoc social media work for your current company. Maybe you’ve done a little graphic work as needed outside of your otherwise administrative roles. Assess your interests and relative experience in order to determine your desired career direction.

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ACTIVATE YOUR CONNECTIONS

So you want to be a graphic designer? Awesome! You know those LinkedIn connections you made in college; the friend of a friend of a former coworker?
Rifle through these connections. You might be surprised what you find hiding in your own LinkedIn connections of Facebook friends. Speaking of friends, speak to them too. More often than not, someone will know someone who is open to talk to you.
Reach out to see if they’d be willing to meet with you. While they might not have a job hot and ready, it’s a perfect opportunity to ask a few questions over a coffee.

TAKE A CLASS

Unless you’re looking to become an anesthesiologist or a trial attorney, you can likely build your skill set without applying to graduate school.
There are boundless opportunities to learn things on the internet (we rounded a ton of them up here). Resources like Udemy, Coursera, and Alison offer hundreds of free classes—you can learn anything from project management to web design.
Even if you’re not looking to change your career (why are you reading this?) you should take advantage of these free classes. Heck, we all should learn about Probabilistic Graphical Models because, why not?

SEND SOME COLD EMAILS

This is my personal favorite thing to do, so approach with wary pessimism if you must.
Once you have a clear idea of the position you want and type of company you’d like to work for, considering reaching out the employees there. A personalized, well-researched cold email can be the perfect way to garner a new relationship.
You don’t have to come in too hot, revealing that you went 80 weeks deep into a CEO’s Instagram, but you can express a knowledgeable, thoughtful sentence or two. In addition, lay out your interest in the company and inquire as to whether they will be hiring for *your role* in the near future. If you see a gap in the team roster, you might even suggest the need for *your role* and why.
Consider sending out a few cold emails to your dream companies that might hold your dream future job. You can even reach out to employees at your dream company using LinkedIn! At best, you will manifest a miraculous job opening in your field. At worst, you will receive no reply.

MOVE WITHIN YOUR COMPANY OR INDUSTRY

If you love the company you are currently with, you might consider this option. Speak to your HR manager about the moves you’re thinking of making.
Before reaching out to HR or your manager, have a good case ready. If you’re looking to move from Sales to Graphic Design, have a good plan in place. Does the graphic design department have an opening? Is there a particular project that you can participate in on a trial basis? Would you be willing to train your replacement? Is there a possibility of a hybrid role?
If your current company is not responsive to your ideas, then consider making the move within your industry. Having a working knowledge of the business landscape within your particular industry is key. When applying to this new position in a new company, make sure to explain your career transition. Use your working knowledge of the industry as a tool to set you apart from the other candidate.
It’s never too late to make a career change. However, it is important to weigh your expectations when doing so. Typically, when making a complete change in your career, you will in effect “lose” some of your experience. This can translate to a lower salary than you’re used to receiving. So before making any huge moves, make sure to reevaluate your salary expectations.
Ultimately, we want you to feel fulfilled in your career. And if you know that it’s time for a transition, we support you in that. These tips will help you to begin your pursuit of a new industry, position, or company—whatever you decide your next move is.
Careercontessa.com | BY CAILEEN KEHAYAS   | August 13, 2018

#CareerAdvice : #CareerChange – 9 Tips from People Who Made Dramatic #CareerChanges …It is Estimated that 40 Percent of Current US Employees are Disengaged at Work. Are you One of Them?

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Some don’t like the company or their boss, but other times the frustrations run a lot deeper — maybe you realize your career doesn’t give you satisfaction, let alone a sense of purpose or happiness. So how do you know what you should be doing instead? And even if you do know, how do you get there?

This is why I founded Repurpose Your Purpose: to help people who feel stuck change their careers. Recently, I invited Anthony Barcelo, VFX (Visual Effects) Supervisor and Senior Compositor for TV, commercials and feature films; Darren Marble, CEO of CrowdfundX (CfX); Ronnie Mok, Sr. Technical Program Manager of Product Design at Hulu; and Nicki Klein, Co-Founder and CEO of Betagig, to join me on a panel discussion on their successes and failures in changing careers at WeWork Constellation in Century City.

These are some of my favorite lessons from our talk:

1. Finding “the One” Takes Time

There’s a persistent myth that you can just read a book, do some self-help exercises, choose a career and voilà! You can go out and find “the one.” Don’t buy into this narrative.

Every one of my panelists changed careers at least once before landing at their current gig. Some changed multiple times. Barcelo, for example, didn’t think of visual effects as his ideal career right away. It grew on him organically until it became his career, and a very successful one at that!

4 Powerful Strategies for Relaunching Your Career in 2018

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2. Don’t Sit Back and Wait

Too often we have a feeling something is not working in our career, but we keep waiting for the perfect opportunity to show up before we do something about it. We want to know what to do next, and we want to see a safe path to it. And so we wait, day after day, for that “aha” moment when we finally just figure it all out.

It may be disappointing to hear, but you probably won’t know what to do and how to be successful at it until you do it. Most likely, you will have to follow that hunch that you should be doing something else and then try to do something different, fail, pivot and try again until you find your calling.

3. When It’s Right, You’ll Know

You might not experience an epiphany before quitting your current job, but when you finally find the right career, you will know for sure. Mok used to work as a designer supporting marketing in an agency setting. And she couldn’t shake the feeling that her career, and all that she was creating, were disposable. It was only when she switched to a Program Manager role in the Product Design department at Hulu that everything clicked. Now she has great work/life balance, loves the people she works with and feels that everything has fallen into place.

4. Figure Out Who You Like to Work With

We spend way too much time thinking about what we want to do and not enough about who we want to do it with. One powerful way to assess whether a certain profession is right for you is to hang out with people who are doing it, then ask yourself: Do you feel you would get along? If a career is a good fit, you will find you have a certain affinity with others in that same career. So next time you go to a networking event or meet new people, see if you notice a trend.

5. Find a Job That Fits Your Life

Mok found happiness in her career once she stopped crafting her identity around her job and found work that allowed her to live her life. Now, work is part of her life, but it doesn’t define it.  She teaches yoga, climbs and has a lot of other hobbies. Are you unable to choose your next career because you are too wrapped up in how it defines you a person? Try taking a holistic view of what makes you happy besides work, and how your ideal job would help accommodate that.

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6. Dust Yourself Off and Try Again

I invited Klein to join me on the panel months ago. She is an amazing entrepreneur, changed careers multiple times, won the Launch Hackathon 2016 with an all-woman team, and went on to get VC funding for her startup Betagig. Amazing, right? But a week before the panel, she announced that Betagig folded. I have to confess, for a moment I wondered whether to cancel her appearance. And then I realized I had just fallen into the very real trap of people who only tell stories of hardships when there is a happy ending. What a bunch of BS! With Repurpose Your Purpose, I want to have real and authentic discussions about changing careers.

As soon as I checked in with Nicki, I realized she was ready to move onto her next project. As someone who had changed careers before, she recognized that failure is part of the process — each time you put yourself out there, you learn new skills, overcome your own limitations, learn about yourself and the world and ultimately, get closer to whatever it is you’re meant to do. Nicki’s story turned out to be among the most valuable of the evening, as people felt inspired and encouraged to take risks.

By the way, this story ends up having a great happy ending after all… just recently, Nicki announced she landed the role of Sr. Technical Product Manager at Amazon Web Services. You might fail in one career or project you embarked on, but have faith that all you learn in the process will lead you to a new and often unexpected path.

7. Failure Builds Confidence

It seems counterintuitive, but each panelist mentioned that failing gave them the courage to continue. The more they failed and learned from it, the less scared they were the next time around, and the more they learned how to handle new challenges while building confidence. So if you are afraid of failure, remember that there is no way around it — only through it!

8. You Can Go Back to School… or Not

Barcelo went back to school to sharpen his film skills and found a lot of confidence and success in doing so. He described it as “building a new toolset to handle new challenges.” Marble did the exact opposite — he dropped out of college early on and learned by doing. The choice is yours, and a lot will depend on the career you pursue and your personality.

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9. Anyone Can Change Careers

You don’t have to be young, childless, wealthy and single to change careers. Barcelo shared how having a wife and children to support motivated him to push forward and finally make better choices. Marble started on his journey as an entrepreneur with a wife, two kids, a mortgage and no savings. It took him five years to build a financially successful business, and he kept working at his day job until the income from the business was 85 percent of his salary. When he finally quit his job, he reminded himself that “if you have a career right now, you are likely employable” — and worst case scenario, he could always get another job within his same field.

About the Author: Aurora Meneghello is a Los Angeles-based career coach and the founder of Repurpose Your Purpose. You can find details and reserve your spot for her next panel discussion on changing careers here.

 

GlassDoor.com | January 3, 2018