How to Chase Your Passion in Your Career Path


You’ve found yourself dreading weekday mornings, and you feel like you’re counting down the hours to the weekend every time you’re in the office. You’re not particularly interested in advancing at your current company, and the thought of spending your future in the same job feels discouraging. Overall, you’re no longer looking forward to your next steps in your career, and you’re wondering if it’s time to jump ship and try something totally new.

Today, most people do not stick with the same career for life - in fact, changing careers is a great way to make professional strides. With the insights from Edwards Place of Employment, you can make smart decisions about your next career move. Here’s how to find a career path that makes you feel truly fulfilled.

 

Save for the Transition

 

No matter what field you’re thinking about switching into, you’ll want to save up a solid emergency fund so that you’ll have financial reserves to tap into if you end up spending a few months between jobs. That way, you won’t have to settle for the first job that comes along - you can search for a position that will involve your passions. An emergency fund is also essential if you’re thinking about starting your own business. You’ll be able to get your company off the ground without worrying about bringing in lots of revenue for the first couple of months because you’ll already have an emergency fund to dip into.

 

Evaluate Your Strengths

 

Maybe you have a particular field in mind already for your next career move, but you’re not sure which position you should go for. Or perhaps you’re trying to decide between a few different industries, and you just don’t know which would be the best fit for you. As you consider your options, it’s a good idea to weigh your strengths and think about where your talents really lie. Are you great at managing people, or do you thrive while working on solo projects? Have you always been naturally gifted at learning new technical skills, or do you have a strong artistic streak? Questions like these can help you figure out which field is right for you.

 

Talk to People in Other Fields

 

What’s the best way to learn about what your professional life would be like in a different field? Network with people who currently work in that industry so that you can ask questions and get firsthand perspectives! You may want to reach out to friends who work in your desired field or email people who might be willing to schedule informational interviews. Ask about their day-to-day responsibilities, what kinds of qualifications and skills they needed to enter the field, how they got their foot in the door, and any pros and cons of working in the field.

 

Ask Yourself What You Want

 

Finally, it’s time to be completely honest with yourself. Try to envision your life five to ten years from now. Do you want to have a solid work-life balance, or do you picture yourself working longer hours to keep advancing at your future job? Do you see yourself in a leadership position on major creative projects, or would you rather have a role that grants you a lower level of responsibility? 

 

It’s important to pursue positions that will allow you to enjoy your daily life. Remember, you shouldn’t settle on a particular career just because of the potential for big accomplishments or a high salary. You should also consider what your daily life will look like and if you would find these routines fulfilling.

 

Pursue Further Education

 

You may have a degree that qualifies you to work in your current field - but what if you would need to return to school in order to qualify for jobs in your new field? This is often necessary for career changers, and if this is the case, it’s time to start researching college programs! For example, if your background is in communications but you want to be a part of the healthcare world, you might want to consider enrolling in an online program so that you can learn more about the administrative side, which could even mesh well with your current background. Best of all, online universities make it easier to balance your coursework with your job and other obligations. 

 

Update Your Resume

 

If you’re concerned that your resume does not make you look like a competitive candidate, you may need to spruce it up before trying to break into a new field. You can prepare yourself for a job in a new industry by earning relevant certifications prior to sending out applications. Depending on your chosen field, Resume Now recommends looking into certifications in cybersecurity, IT support, digital or inbound marketing, project management, programming, or business communications that you can earn for free online.

 

If you’ve been working in a job that you don’t truly love, you might be worried that you’ll never find a sustainable career path that enables you to focus on your passions. But you do not have to sacrifice your interests for financial success. With these tips, you’ll be able to work towards a career that allows you to build a solid financial foundation without pushing your passions aside. 

 

Are you looking for a job in sectors like manufacturing, engineering, management, human resources, IT, or sales or technical trades? Then it’s time to connect with Edwards Place of Employment. Our mission is to recruit the best candidates, and we can give you the advantage you need. Reach out today! 

 

Article by Gloria Martinez of WomenLed.org