Career Change – are you making a stellar career change choice?

By Dorothea Stuart

Most of us have days when we wish we could change careers. For some of us the frustrations pass and we carry on. For others of us the feeling that we have to make a change gets stronger...and STRONGER. The big question that many would-be career changers face is HOW to make the decision about what to do next. After all, if you are a competent person with some good experience there are many options. How do you avoid letting the range of choice stop you in your tracks?

One way to check out your career change choice is to use the STELLAR career change test. Run the idea of your career change choice through the six areas. Ask yourself the questions. Write down what emerges as most important to you about your career change. If you do this with a few examples of careers you like the sound of a pattern will begin to emerge.

* S kills * T rialing * E xcitement * L ifestyle * L egacy/ A ccomplishment * R eward

SKILLS

Do you already have the skills needed for your new career? Are your skills transferable? Do you natural strengths and talents lend themselves to success in your new career? Can you make the career transition if you are given a small amount of training or the opportunity to gain practical experience?

TRIALING

Can you trial or test you interest in this career? Most people take time to transition into a new field. Do you know people working in this area that you could get insider-insights from? Are there ways you can try out aspects of your career choice e.g. by taking on projects at work, attending night school classes, volunteering etc?

EXCITEMENT

Is this a career change you are considering because you have the skills but which leaves you cold? OR does this choice carry a real charge or buzz for you? Can you identify problems in your new career area that you would love to solve? Do you have a hobby that you would love to turn into a career? Are you sure it is viable as a job or should it stay as a much loved hobby and relaxation? Does the career engage you interest strongly?

LIFESTYLE

Will this career choice fit with your lifestyle? Will it fit with your family obligations? Will it interfere with important aspects of the life you want to lead? How will this career fit into the bigger context of your life?

LEGACY/ACCOMPLISHMENT

Will this career give you ample opportunity to make the contribution you wish to make in the world? Will it give you a sense of accomplishment in the short and/or long term? Will it provide the kind of stories you'll feel proud to talk about when you retire?

REWARD

Is the financial reward in this new field enough to keep you and your family afloat? Will it allow you to keep adding to your retirement fund? Will it help you create the pension you need to keep happy and secure in your old age?

Once you are clear about your new career target you will ready to start planning your move. You'll stop being part of the chorus line complaining about what’s wrong with your current role. You'll be preparing to star in a new show!

© Dorothea Stuart 2007