No matter where you live, if you want to change careers you have to do your homework and make this goal your part time job!

If you haven’t already, identify an alternative career goal. If you are currently employed, you may want to give more thought to a niche or area of expertise, especially in today’s job market! Review the Help Wanteds regularly. Use a job search engine like LocalJobNetwork.com to peruse all job openings in your area. Access web sites and read books about making a career change: JobHuntersBible.com or the book, What Color Is Your Parachute? 2008: A Practical Manual for Job-hunters and Career-Changers

Determine if your new career goal is feasible. Are there jobs readily available? In your area or in an area you are willing to relocate? Are you capable of acquiring the necessary knowledge skills, or abilities? Assess your motivation for selecting this goal – is it your goal or one that satisfies someone else? You may want to ask the opinions of others who you trust and who will give you an objective opinion. A caveat: Not everyone embraces change – if you ask the wrong person they may try to dissuade you from making a change.

Acquire the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this career. If this requires a lifestyle or other change, be sure that you plan for this. For example, will you have to return to school resulting in reduced income? Will others in your life be impacted by this? Don’t assume that those who love and normally support you WILL. It is important to include those in your network in this process if you want or need their support!

Ensure that you have the resources you need to move toward your goal. Resources are not only tangible (like money), but include the above mentioned support and encouragement from your network as well as your personal fortitude to persevere. While change can and should be exciting, it can also be scary and frustrating at times.

Begin networking toward your goal either before or while you are acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to obtain a job in your new career. Subscribe to trade magazines and join professional organizations relative to your chosen goal. Find a mentor and follow their advice. Volunteer in an appropriate setting, no matter how lowly the position!

Create an online presence, brand or resume that reflects your new career – weave as much of your prior experience into this as possible. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help with any or all of these approaches, especially if you are not confident in your ability.

Actively look for work PRIOR to attaining all of the knowledge, skills, and abilities you need. Nothing is more frustrating than ALMOST reaching your goal. If you start well ahead of time, you should land a job about the same time that you are ready for the job market.

Don’t be afraid to ask for an interview or job offer, depending on where you are in the process. Boldly communicate your interest in opportunities or employers you identify. What do you have to lose?

Celebrate with all those who helped to get you where you are...Congratulations on your courage to dream and your dedication to the hard work it takes to get there!