For those who no longer feel stimulated by their current job there are thousands of different opportunities in the market a change of career may be the answer. For some, if not most, it can prove to be a fulfilling and rewarding move - however, there are pitfalls to avoid in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Making the right choice

You may be certain you want to leave your current employment, but a career change is a dramatic, life-changing decision - one you cannot afford to take lightly it may be a complete change where you will have to re-skill. Just because you're feeling under the weather - perhaps you were overlooked for promotion or you are disillusioned by the industry you are in - it does not mean that you are ready to make a drastic decision that could affect the rest of your life and your livelihood.

Career advisers often talk about the importance of evaluating your life and analysing your strengths and weaknesses. You have to ask yourself a whole host of questions: What do want from life? Where do you want to be in five years' time? Can I afford to do this? Am I being realistic? What transferable skills do I have?

Money matters

Financial implications are one of the fundamental issues you need to consider when considering a career change. You have to be honest with yourself and make sure it is what you really want as there will be a lot of personal and financial sacrifice involved.
Circumstances may prevail, which could make it difficult to for you to fulfil your ambitions. If you are planning to do further study, you might need to apply for a Career Development Loan (CDL). If, on the other hand, you plan to work your way up the career ladder, the chances are you will have to take a pay cut. Money, however, is not always the controlling factor but you must live, this decision must be well thought out, speak with people who are close to you find out what you need to do.

Whatever the circumstance, it is easy to underestimate the daily costs involved - transport, living and educational expenses for starters. It is also important you talk to family and friends and explain to them why you have decided to do what you are doing and how important it is they support you on an emotional level.

The waiting game

Changing career is not something that happens overnight. It is more often than not a painstaking process that tests your mettle to the maximum. Developing an action plan and setting goals and targets is important as are making note of small achievements and giving yourself deadlines.

Money will begin to run out and you will no doubt encounter low moments, but as long as you have weighted up the pros and cons and evaluated your personal circumstances, then you will give yourself a better chance. Once you have handed in that resignation letter, you must be firmly committed to the cause. There is no turning back. It may be possible to start to re-skill at night school whilst still at your current job, do the research.

Things that you previously took for granted may no longer apply. You may be doing a full-time course, which will need your undivided attention - weekends will now be taken up with study and socialising will take a back seat. You need discipline, stamina and determination as you will need to be able to keep up the momentum when the going gets tough.

Anything is possible

At the age of 50, Sarah, an employed Administrative Assistant with no qualifications who liked to work with children in her spare time after her own had left home, decided to research the possibility of becoming more involved with children full time. Her results lead to re-training and she was ultimatley able to use her new skills to find a full time placement within the childcare/education sector. She had transferable skills some of which she took for granted and the rest of her new skill set she developed.


Informed choice

Before, during and after your decision to change careers, you will experience a mixture of emotions – fear of the unknown and liberation at the thought of moving into an exciting new role. Make sure you are not making the move for the wrong reasons. Leaving your job as a result of suppressed anger or negativity is a recipe for disaster - as is short-term monetary gain.

Your decision should be thought through and researched - you should consult family members, partners and experts, if necessary. Ask yourself:

• What are the financial implications? Is this viable?
• Adopt a 'can-do' approach there's no time to feel like a victim
• Develop an action plan and stick to it
• Face your fears - talk to friends, family and experts
• Never lose sight of your goals
• Grab hold of your own destiny - no one will do it for you!

The road ahead will be fraught with pot-holes but you will be invigorated by the experience and the new challenges that lie ahead... soon the struggle will be but a distant blot on the horizon and a new 'you' will emerge much to the envy of your family and friends.