It’s common for people to enter a career thinking that it’s ideal for them only to discover that, in reality, it’s not really what they expected. Sometimes they haven’t researched the role thoroughly enough, or perhaps they chased a dream they had when they were younger without really thinking it through.
In our recent study, Careers Change Report: are UK professionals looking to change careers?, we found that 30 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds regret their choice of career. Putting more thought into the career you’d like to pursue may save you from dissatisfaction later in life.
“The world is your oyster, but make sure the oyster you choose is one which contains a pearl,” Harry advises.
If thinking about your dream career gets you excited about the future, and you momentarily find yourself with a burst of productivity, you may be tempted to jump in head first when it comes to applying for jobs. However, this may not be such a good idea.
Margaret Buj, interview and job search coach, stressed the importance of planning entry into a new career, rather than diving in at the deep end.
Preparing to start a new career – or even considering it – can be a daunting experience. This is especially the case for people who are already several years (or more) down the line in their current career. Fear of change or failure can hold you back, preventing you from chasing your dreams, but this shouldn’t be the case.
Sometimes you need to take a risk or two in order to get to where you want to be. Now, we’re not suggesting you quit your full-time job as a store manager to pursue your childhood dream of becoming a rock star but, while it’s important to remain realistic, it’s equally as important not to let your worries hold you back.
There’s that old saying: “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and while this may not please everybody, that doesn’t change the fact that - in most instances - it’s true. Contacts have the ability to open doors. For all you outgoing people out there, this is very good news. For those a little more on the reserved side, now may be the time to make the most of your LinkedIn profile.
Reaching out to the right people can result in one giant step in the right direction. Whether you visit these people in person, drop them an email, or pick up the telephone, you never know where it will get you until you try. And what’s the worst that can happen – they don’t respond? You’ve got nothing to lose!
It sounds obvious, but becoming successful in your dream career really does require a huge amount of hard work. If you’re going to make a half-hearted attempt, the harsh reality is, you may as well give up now. You have to be prepared to study hard, work hard, whatever it takes to get where you want to be.
When it comes to skillsets, Harry advises: “Get to know your own skills and understand what is right for you,” in order to make a sensible and realistic choice in career path. He also encourages you to remember that “competition for the best jobs is always strong,” which explains why hard work is so vital.
Though gaining the right skills to secure your job may be time consuming, it’s important not to neglect other aspects of your life that you enjoy, whether that be meeting friends at the pub, playing your favourite sport on the weekend, or spending time with your family. Hobbies and downtime allow you to revitalise – no-one is capable of working to their best ability around the clock.